Christmas Magic in Berlin: A Perfect Day Itinerary

Christmas Magic in Berlin: A Perfect Day Itinerary

Welcome to the heart of Christmas magic in Berlin, where the festive spirit comes alive against the backdrop of this enchanting city. In our guide, we invite you to immerse yourself in a day filled with joy, warmth, and the unique charm that defines Berlin during the holiday season. Discover the city's most cherished Christmas traditions, from wandering through glittering markets adorned with twinkling lights to savoring seasonal delights that tantalize the taste buds.
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If we would come to Berlin (or any other city in Germany), we would usually recommend a hotel room at the hotel chain "Motel One". The hotels usually offer a nice interior with great locations for fairly affordable prices.

Our choice in Berlin would be the following hotel as it has a great view and fantastic location due to the closeness to the Kurfürstendamm (shopping street with a wide range of stores) :

Hotel Motel One Berlin-Upper West
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This hotels highlight is the bar on the 10th floor with a fantastic view over the Zoo and the memorial church.
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If the day didn't start with a breakfast at the hotel, then the restaurant Benedict or Spreegold at the Bikini would be our choice for brunch:

Benedict
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The Benedict is a breakfast institution in Berlin and serves delicious breakfast and brunch options all day long.
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Spreegold Bikini Berlin
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The Kurfürstendamm is the perfect place to get some Christmas shopping in while enjoying the richly decorated streets. Even if KaDeWe might be too costly for shopping for some people then we would still recommend to pass by to look at the richly decorated shop windows and the huge Christmas tree in the interior. 

Kurfürstendamm
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Bikini Berlin
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A shopping mall with an interesting range of small local shops, a great foodcourt and a nice view over the ape compound of the zoo.
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KaDeWe - Kaufhaus des Westens
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The KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens) is an institution in Germany and has a wide range of luxury products, make up, fashion as well as food under one roof.
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At the memorial church at the Kurfürstendamm, you will find already a small Christmas market that offers a good range of food stands and shops to find some traditional Christmas streetfood if you feel like getting a small bite:

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
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This imperial church was heavily bombed during world war 2 and wasn't fully rebuild due to the memory of this war.
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Alternatively, we love to go to the Barn at Kranzler Eck for a good barista made coffee:

The Barn - Café Kranzler
@MigratingPuffin
This coffee place is a little tricky to find but the search will be worth it - just follow the signs that lead you into a corridor next to a fashion store and go to the elevator which brings you to the coffee place. The search is worth it once you snatch a place with the view over the Kurfürstendamm for people watching and a cup of deliciously brewed coffees. If you want to rather sound like a local than you should rather use Ku'damm instead of Kurfürstendamm. We don't make the effort of using this overly long street name.
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In the afternoon / early evening the perfect atmosphere for Christmas markets come up due to the early sunset around 4pm and the sparkling light decorations. Our favorite Christmas market in Berlin is the market at the Charlottenburg Palace. You can easily reach that with a small taxi ride or by taking a small ride with public transportations:

Charlottenburg Palace
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A beautiful palace in Berlin with lavish golden decor and nice gardens. If you are in Berlin during Christmas season, then you will find one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in front of the castle.
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If you didn't have enough food at the Christmas market or would prefer a sit down dinner, then "The butcher" offers good quality burgers in a pleasant ambiance. We usually prefer a table in the room in the back next to the fireplace:

THE BUTCHER BERLIN
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For a drink after dinner, then the hotel bar at the Motel One offers a good ambiance. Alternatively, the Monkey bar close by is also a great choice.

Monkey Bar
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A hip bar that overlooks the Berlin Zoo.
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As our winter day amidst the Christmas season in Berlin draws to a close, we hope it has been a delightful journey filled with festive wonders. If you find yourself eager for more exploration in this vibrant city, we invite you to peruse our additional guides for further recommendations on captivating destinations and experiences awaiting your discovery in Berlin. Whether you seek cultural gems, culinary delights, or hidden treasures, our guides are tailored to enhance your Berlin adventure and ensure every moment is memorable. Until our next exploration together, may your travels be filled with joy and discovery!  

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
We are an adventurous couple with a deep passion for exploring new cities and showcasing the charm of our own. Since settling in Berlin in 2016, we've dedicated ourselves to uncovering the hidden gems that make our city unique. Our cultural diversity adds a unique perspective to our experiences—Dinah hails from Germany, while Romain brings a French flair to our adventures. Beyond our German-French blend, Iceland holds a special place in our hearts as our third home, having lived and connected there. Join us on our journey as we traverse the streets of Berlin and beyond, sharing the treasures we discover and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that define our experiences.
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