The first month of winter is always associated with the anticipation of festivities, family holidays, noisy fun and surprises. Thousands of Christmas lights, music and laughter, fairground rides, ice skating and Christmas sales — all the trappings of winter in Berlin in December.
Holidays in Berlin in December: pros and cons
Most tourists come to Berlin in the second half of the month to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the fairs and to catch the sales at the end of December. But there's also plenty of entertainment and shopping for tourists throughout the month: the German capital has prepared for and welcomes visitors.
Reviews of holidays in Berlin in December are typically positive, with plenty of holiday cheer, shopping excitement and fun. Don't hesitate to go to Berlin in December, because:
- cold winters with shallow temperatures hardly ever occur here due to the mild climate;
- there are Christmas markets in many Berlin squares and parks throughout December;
- the doors of many galleries and exhibitions are still open to the public;
- shopping centres and boutiques start their festive sales;
- there are many Christmas fairs to delight children with Christmas sweets and rides.
It's worth being aware of some of the downsides of a December trip, so you know how to deal with them. Consider whether it is worth going if:
- you don't like the noise — there's a large influx of tourists, especially at the end of the month;
- going with a baby — the weather in December is not very warm and windless, and it is not the season to go for walks with a pram;
- not planning a long walk in the fresh air — the point of the trip in December is to visit the many Christmas street fairs.
The weather in Berlin in December
Winter in Berlin is mild, without severe frost and wet, the weather in December and January proving this. The average daytime temperature is around +4°C, dropping to +2°C at night. Sometimes daytime temperatures reach as much as +10°C, but this is infrequent.
However, Berlin's weather is peculiar: strong winds are frequent here.
Therefore, sub-zero temperatures combine with high humidity and wind to make it feel like it's -10°C outside. The weather in early December is variable, with temperatures ranging from -4°C to +7°C and the occasional addition of rain or sleet.
Overall, December is an unstable month. For example, the weather in Berlin at the end of December can be warm, with temperatures as warm as +9°C or freezing, reaching down to -5°C. The temperature in Berlin in mid-December eases slightly to -4°C and +4°C.
Air temperature
Germany has a moderate continental climate, so winters are mild and not too cold. Temperatures in December are variable, but abnormal natural phenomena like high snowdrifts, heavy snowfall or very high temperatures are infrequent.
Air temperature in Berlin in December
Daytime temperatures in December range from -1°C to +8°C, while nighttime temperatures can range from -4°C to +4°C. The average temperature in Berlin in December is around +4°C during the day and around +2°C at night.
Amount of precipitation
Precipitation in December is low at 39 mm, mostly drizzle, sometimes lingering rain, fog or snow turning to rain. There are 13 to 15 rainy days in December.
Sunny, cloudy, overcast days
There are not many sunny days in the month — only 4, the weather is usually cloudy for 18 days, and there are about nine days of variable cloudiness.
Excursion holidays: Where to go
The hustle and bustle of the festivities and Christmas markets transform the dreary December weather and compensate for the lack of warmth and sunshine. Wherever you go, wherever you visit, the feeling of festivity never leaves you. Even if you arrive in Berlin in early December, you can still get into the Christmas spirit. And you can combine sightseeing this month with a visit to the fairs.
Visit Berlin's largest and most beautiful square, the Gendarmenmarkt. In the centre is the Concert Hall, flanked on the sides by the French and German Cathedral. In December, the "Christmas Magic" fair is held here. Right on the spot, you can see how souvenirs are made — artisans work in front of everyone's eyes. There are also refreshments and hot mulled wine available everywhere.
Be sure to visit the Charlottenburg Palace. It's a beautiful Baroque building that's extremely popular with tourists. The aromas of hot wine and delicious food waft through the air, and you'll love it. The palace park in December is certainly not as beautiful as in spring or summer, but there is also a fair, which is considered the most romantic. And for children, there is a free entertainment program.
Berlin's most famous square, Alexanderplatz, is also a tourist favourite. It has a fairy tale village set up in several sections and is in full swing by mid-December.
A vast 500 sq. m. ice rink will appeal to winter fun enthusiasts, and the Ferris wheel also provides a great view. There is also a small zoo for children.
You can buy the Berlin Welcome Card in Berlin, valid for one, two or five days. It gives you free travel on public transport, discounts of up to 50% on excursions and special deals for children.
If you get tired of the hustle and bustle of fairs and the crowds and want to think alone, the Museum of Contemporary Art is the place to be. You'll find lots to ponder here — the expositions are pretty original. The museum is located in the former train station. It takes five minutes to get to the current station.
Another no less special place where you can distract the whole family from the pre-holiday rush is Sea Life. The underwater world of the seas and oceans fascinates adults and children alike.
Holidays, events and festivals
The festivities in Berlin in December are not so numerous but relatively large-scale. It's a time to prepare, to look forward to, to book tickets in advance, and to celebrate with the whole family or a merry bunch.
Of course, it's Christmas and New Year's Eve. Berlin is teeming with tourists worldwide, and the November lull in tourism is now history. The city turns into one big market for a month, with the heady aromas of punch, hot sausages and savoury Christmas pastries wafting over the city.
- Christmas. Three weeks before the holiday, Advent begins. That's when the fairs and Christmas shopping are at their peak. If you plan to arrive just in time for Christmas, you risk missing the fairs and celebrations, which end on the evening of 24 December. Germans spend the next two days at home with their families, with no outdoor festivities. So to enjoy the festive atmosphere, warm up with punch, try some delicious street food, buy presents and Christmas decorations and visit the fairground rides with the children, come at least a few days before the festivities.
- New Year's Eve. This is where the fun begins! On 31 December, the pancake run begins on Unter den Linden and all participants are treated to pancakes at the finish line. Locals and tourists gather at the Brandenburg Gate at midnight to welcome the New Year. Festive fireworks, punch and mulled wine kick off the festivities, and then it's off to restaurants and bars open until dawn.
Shopping
And finally, the most eagerly awaited time for shopaholics - Christmas sales! All the shops, without exception, display signs reading 'SALE' or 'Reduziert' in their windows — sales range from large shopping centres to small boutiques with exclusive clothing.
The discounts are still relatively small, ranging from 30% in the first half of the month to 50% after 25 December, but in January, they go as high as 70% to 80%.
But this has advantages: there is still a choice of colours or sizes, and the clothing racks are fully stocked.
Cost of vacation
In the first half of December, the flow of tourists is not yet very high, so tour prices remain at the same level. However, travellers are more active in the second half of the month, so prices in Berlin begin to rise in December.
Airfares
The cost of airfares for December is about 20% to 25% higher than the previous month. But that doesn't mean you'll be able to buy them just before you travel. Given the popularity of pre-Christmas travel, it's worth taking care of your tickets in advance, so you'll save a little money and be guaranteed a Christmas trip.
Package Tours
For savings and security reasons, booking your Christmas trip to Berlin a few months in advance is a good idea. The cost of tours also increases by 15% to 20% by mid-December, so it is better to buy them in advance. The same applies to hotel reservations: Before the holidays, choosing the one you like is difficult, as all of them are booked up.
Food
All the street food in December is concentrated at the fairs. Its smells will turn anyone's head, and once you've wandered through the endless rows of fairground huts and gotten hungry, it's impossible to resist.
To warm yourself up, buy a cup of mulled wine for between 3 and 4 euros. The aromas of spicy currywurst sausages topped with curry sauce will tempt you for €4-5. Thousands of spicy hearts in different sizes, garnished with icing and cream, will not leave any visitor indifferent and will cost two euros and up. Roasted chestnuts cost between €3 and €5 per bag.
Tips for holidays with children
No one would argue that Christmas and New Year's Eve are some of the children's favourite holidays; therefore, if you want to give your child a little New Year's surprise, head to Berlin on Christmas Eve as a family. The delight of the fairs with their sweets and entertainment for children is guaranteed. Ice skating rinks with music and ice skating will keep the grown-ups entertained. The main thing is to stock up on warm clothes, a scarf and mittens for the child, given the windy, though not too frosty, Berlin weather.
Spending time with your child isn't just about the outdoors. You can take a break from the hustle and bustle and warm up at the Machmit! (do it with us), which has activities for children of all ages.
If you're travelling with a little computer genius, visit the Computer Games Museum with him. And for the wilful or the very active little ones, there's the Legoland Game Centre in the heart of Berlin, which enthrals all fans of the world-famous toy set.
It should not be forgotten that Christmas is a family holiday in Germany, so most museums are closed on December 25 and 26. For two days, the city is immersed in the quiet atmosphere of home. For children in prams, Christmas fairs are not the best idea for a holiday. But if you're travelling together, ensure your baby is warm and comfortable.
If you've booked tickets and a hotel in advance, your holiday is bound to happen. December is a magical month to have a winter fairy tale for your child or your significant other or to have fun with your favourite friends.
Be sure to visit Berlin and immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere. Make a wish at the Brandenburg Gate on New Year's Eve, and it's sure to come true! And our recommendations will make your holiday even more prosperous and more enjoyable.
