December weather: cold and dark
| Berlin average (approximate) | December |
|---|---|
| Average high | about 4°C |
| Average low | about 0°C |
| Rainfall | about 45 mm |
Rounded values based on the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) 1991-2020 normals; they vary a lot from year to year, from damp mildness to hard frost. For the season, see Berlin in winter.
Crowds and prices in December
The Christmas markets draw many visitors, especially at weekends and in the evening: hotels are pricier and fuller on Advent weekends and around New Year. Between 25 and 31 December the city is quiet but several sights close. Book accommodation and restaurants early for the 24th, 25th and 31st. To choose a neighbourhood: where to stay in Berlin; for costs: Berlin travel budget.
December 2026 events
The Christmas markets
The biggest markets open on 23 November (Breitscheidplatz and Rotes Rathaus until 3 January 2027, Alexanderplatz until 26 December). Pick by atmosphere: the Gendarmenmarkt is elegant, others are more popular. Details in Berlin's Christmas markets. Mulled wine comes in a deposit mug (see bottle deposits in Berlin).
Sunday 6 December: Nikolaus
On St Nicholas Day, German children find sweets in the shoes they left outside the door the night before. It is not a public holiday.
Thursday 24, Friday 25 and Saturday 26 December
The 24th is a working day on which most shops close early; the 25th and 26th are public holidays with shops closed. Museums, parks and transport run reduced hours. Our guide Christmas in Berlin details openings day by day (zoo, markets, transport, restaurants).
Thursday 31 December: New Year's Eve
The party centres on the Brandenburg Gate; bookings and tips in New Year in Berlin. 1 January 2027 (a Friday) is a public holiday.
What to wear in December
- A warm coat, hat, scarf and gloves: you spend a long time outside at the markets.
- Warm, waterproof shoes with good grip in case of ice.
- Thermal base layers for the evenings.
- A small bag for purchases and some cash for the stalls.
The best things to do in December
- Christmas concerts: the Philharmonie and churches, to book early; see concerts and shows.
- Museums, to warm up: Museum Island, Humboldt Forum, Jewish Museum.
- Charlottenburg Palace and its market: Charlottenburg Palace.
- The zoo, 9 am to 4:30 pm: Berlin Zoo.
- City views: Berlin viewpoints.
- A rainy or snowy day: Berlin when it rains.
December 2026 at a glance
| Date | Event | Info |
|---|---|---|
| Until 3 January 2027 | Christmas markets (Breitscheidplatz, Rotes Rathaus) | Alexanderplatz until 26 December |
| Sunday 6 December | Nikolaus | Not a public holiday |
| Thursday 24 December | Heiligabend | Shops closed in the afternoon |
| Friday 25 and Saturday 26 | Christmas | Public holidays, shops closed |
| Thursday 31 December | New Year's Eve | Party at the Brandenburg Gate |
Further reading
December follows what to do in Berlin in November and precedes what to do in Berlin in January. To compare seasons, read the best time to visit Berlin.
