Whether you're a family with young kids, or a diehard clubber, Berlin has something unique to offer everyone.
Words by Alexandra Aquilina
With its cosy markets, eclectic art and vibrant culture, the city is a mix of nostalgia, creativity and holiday cheer. Visit it through the eyes of an artist. Berlin holds a vibrant and turbulent history, drawing in a rich mix of personalities over the years. From David Bowie and Marlene Dietrich to the Brothers Grimm and the avant-garde Peaches, Berlin has long been a city for outcasts, artists and dreamers, earning the nickname "poor but sassy". Whether you're a family with young kids or a diehard clubber, Berlin has something unique to offer everyone.Narrowing down a list of must-see spots for a city like this is no easy feat. So, let me – a Maltese creative enchanted by Berlin’s arts scene, soul-warming food and hidden treasures – share a few of my favourite places to explore this December.As winter sets in and the days get shorter, Berlin’s pace quiets. Many expats head home for the holidays, seeking respite from the frosty winds. For those who crave the brisk air, though, Berlin in winter has a cosy charm – and maybe even a chance for a snowy Christmas.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
- A classic December tradition in Germany is the Weihnachtsmarkt, or Christmas market, and Berlin celebrates its subcultures through a variety of themed markets.
- Up north, you’ll find the Gendarmenmarkt (held temporarily at Bebelplatz due to construction through 2024), a traditional market known for its beautifully lit Christmas tree, historic buildings and handcrafted goods.
- For a Scandinavian twist, head over to the Lucia Christmas Market at the Kulturbrauerei, a former brewery with historic brick buildings. Here, you’ll find Scandinavian foods like raclette, elk meat and Swedish Glögg to warm you up.
- A unique option with a charitable angle is the Rixdorf Christmas Market, hosted in Neukölln on the second weekend of Advent. This event donates proceeds to the local community and includes a blacksmith workshop, a children’s choir and an appearance from old St Nicholas.
- If you’re after a more rebellious scene, the Berlin Punk Rock Market at Cassiopeia on the RAW Gelände on 15th December is a must. This market, set in a legendary punk club, offers second-hand LPs, clothes and creations from local creatives.
The RAW Gelände, near Warschauer Straße, is an eclectic cultural centre, set on a former Deutsche Bahn site, where remnants of old train tracks can still be found. This space is a hub for exhibitions, clubs, rehearsal spaces, a skate park, a bouldering hall, and even a Sunday flea market. Not far away is Boxhagener Platz, affectionately known as "Boxi," which comes alive every Sunday with second-hand fashion, jewellery, furniture and quirky finds. The square is surrounded by restaurants and cafés, making it easy to cap off a day of treasure hunting with some well-earned refreshments. Shopping in Berlin isn’t complete without diving into its vibrant second-hand scene. Berliners are known for their creativity and eye for quirky, quality items, often found at bargain prices in flea markets and charity shops scattered across the city. Vintage enthusiasts can find a treasure trove of unique items at the city’s many vintage stores.
FOR THE ART LOVERS
Art lovers should head to West Berlin for an immersive experience. Start with the Berlinische Galerie, which showcases modern art from 1870 onwards, including Dada, New Objectivity and Eastern European avant-garde pieces. Then hop over to the recently reopened Neue Nationalgalerie, an architectural masterpiece dedicated to 20th-century art. A short walk away is the Gemäldegalerie, housing one of the world's leading collections of European paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries. For design enthusiasts, the Bauhaus Archive – temporarily relocated but still close by – offers a peek into the pioneering world of modern design. For art and design shopping, Berlin offers a few standout stores. Modulor at Moritzplatz is ideal for modern art, stationery and architectural supplies, while Boesner is a haven for traditional art supplies like paints, canvases and sculpting tools. The impressive collections at these stores might just inspire you to bring an extra suitcase!
And for a hidden gem, make your way to Neurotitan, a tucked-away graphic novel and comic bookstore in the depths of the alley next to the Hackeschen Höfe – one of Berlin’s most vibrant and artistic courtyards. After exploring Berlin's markets and art spaces, warm up with some unusual winter activities. Stadtbad Neukölln, a historical indoor heated pool, invites you to swim laps surrounded by elegant neo-classical architecture, with thermal saunas for an added dose of relaxation. For outdoor fun, head to the ice-skating rink by Tempelhofer Feld – a vast open space that was once an airport. Locals enjoy this park year-round, and in winter, you can skate beneath the trees before indulging in a bratwurst and mulled wine. Film buffs won’t want to miss Berlin’s historic cinemas. The city’s film scene is steeped in history, as celebrated by events like the Berlinale. Catch a movie at one of Berlin’s historic theatres, where many films are shown in English or with English subtitles (look for OV for original versions or OmU for original versions with German subtitles). For a unique experience, visit Babylon Kino at Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz on Saturdays for their free midnight silent film screenings, complete with live organ music. The cinema also hosts classic films with full orchestral accompaniment, such as the iconic Metropolis. Berlin in December is a mix of nostalgia, creativity and holiday cheer, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a memorable winter getaway. With its cosy markets, eclectic art and vibrant culture, the city will charm and surprise you, leaving you with a suitcase full of stories – and maybe even a few souvenirs.
FOOD TO TRY IN BERLIN
01. Currywurst (Curry Sausage)
The fried sausage is served cut into pieces with a sauce made from tomato ketchup or tomato paste and curry powder.
02. Hackepeter (Minced Pork Spread)
Hackepeter is raw minced pork seasoned with chopped onions, salt, pepper, and mustard. It is eaten raw as a spread.
03. Rollmops (Herring Roll)
Rollmops is herring fillet in which a filling of onions and cucumbers is rolled up. The rollmops is held together by two small wooden sticks.
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