Christmas in Berlin?
Sep 15th, 2005, 09:06 PM
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Christmas in Berlin?
Hi Everyone,
My husband and I are considering spending Christmas-time (December 23-30) in Berlin this year. Pros and Cons? Recomendations? I have heard many great things about Berlin and we can't wait to visit, as we love travel in Germany. Just wondering what spending Christmas there might be like...? When do Christmas markets close down? I would apprecite any and all thoughts. Many thanks!
My husband and I are considering spending Christmas-time (December 23-30) in Berlin this year. Pros and Cons? Recomendations? I have heard many great things about Berlin and we can't wait to visit, as we love travel in Germany. Just wondering what spending Christmas there might be like...? When do Christmas markets close down? I would apprecite any and all thoughts. Many thanks!
Sep 16th, 2005, 02:22 AM
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Well, there is certainly PLENTY of the usual "Christmas Market" activity on the streets of Berlin, especially in the area near the Zoo Station and the Ku-Dam.
If you do go, by all means do NOT miss the KaDeWe department store. The food hall is legendary and the Christmas decorations are absolutely over the top.
If you do go, by all means do NOT miss the KaDeWe department store. The food hall is legendary and the Christmas decorations are absolutely over the top.
Sep 16th, 2005, 06:00 AM
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I was in Berlin last December and it was lovely. Berlin 'twinkles' at Christmas, all the trees are covered in fairy lights and the stores (in particular the Ka DeWe) are full of Christmas delights.
The Markets start the first sunday of Advent and continue until Christmas Eve. The biggest is around the old church ruins (can't remember the name) on the Kurfurstendamm but there are lots of others. Some you have to pay to get into but they usually have entertainment.
Have a lovely trip
The Markets start the first sunday of Advent and continue until Christmas Eve. The biggest is around the old church ruins (can't remember the name) on the Kurfurstendamm but there are lots of others. Some you have to pay to get into but they usually have entertainment.
Have a lovely trip
Sep 16th, 2005, 08:50 AM
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It will be cold in Berlin but Berlin has many spas that can warm you up. On top of Europa City is Thurman. Ten saunas, swimming pool, hot and cold pools. Very few people wear anything and it is coed. The place is very professionally run.
Sep 16th, 2005, 10:40 AM
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The Christmas Markets will be fun, and Berlin will be cold in December. Many Christmas traditions (tree, cookies, carols etc) originated in or were made popular by Germany and it still keeps Christmas in an "old fashioned" way. BUT remember that Christmas is a two- day-totally shut down-holiday, Dec 25 AND 26. Nothing will be open, the germans are very serious about closing businesses. The bigger stores will close about 1pm on Christmas eve (most small ones will not open at all-especially as the 24th is a Sat this year.
Be sure to check opening times for any sight you may want to visit. The Christmas to New Years period may have limited hours or not at all.
After spending many long Christmas holidays in Germany (we lived there) it's a holiday for home and family, with very little open Dec 24-26th, unlike the US where restaurants and shops open at all hours and days, even holidays.
You may need to plan for this with a nice hotel with a Christmas program, dinner Xmas eve, christmas tree and carol singing,lunch Xmas day etc. Book early for these special programs, they are popular and fill up quickly.
Judy (ex Bielefled, Essen, Munster)
Be sure to check opening times for any sight you may want to visit. The Christmas to New Years period may have limited hours or not at all.
After spending many long Christmas holidays in Germany (we lived there) it's a holiday for home and family, with very little open Dec 24-26th, unlike the US where restaurants and shops open at all hours and days, even holidays.
You may need to plan for this with a nice hotel with a Christmas program, dinner Xmas eve, christmas tree and carol singing,lunch Xmas day etc. Book early for these special programs, they are popular and fill up quickly.
Judy (ex Bielefled, Essen, Munster)
