A Fairytale Tour Of Berlin's Christmas Gardens

When it comes to Christmas, Germans have a long history of decking out their cities with festive joy. Each year, as December’s frost rolls in and the days give way to shorter daylight hours, Berlin is illuminated by Christmas lights around the city. But, with around 120,000 visitors gracing the park each year, none can compare to the enchanting, expansive and fairytale wonder of the Berlin Christmas Garden.

Magical Christmas lights and festive light sculptures

As twilight falls, the magic begins at Berlin’s Christmas Garden, the two-kilometre circular trail stretching throughout the gardens. The trail features 30 artistically crafted installations, including a giant Christmas Tree, Santa light sculptures, enchanting flower sculptures and a magical snowflake pond. There is also a sparkling crystal path, a luminous delight embodying the Milky Way and – a favourite for lovers – the legendary illuminated path, where hundreds of shining lights twinkle from the low-hanging branches of the surrounding trees. The twinkling garden is adorned with 1,500,000 bulbs, all powered using renewable energy.

Exploring the enchanting woodlands

Stunning light sculptures aren’t the only wonders along the trail. Visitors will also be blown away by the colourful forest and enchanting woodlands that are illuminated with festive projections and light fixtures. Guest will feel like they are walking through a fairytale as they wander the magical, brightly lit and jovial boscage.

Cosy fireplaces and culinary treats

At the end of the circular trail is ‘Santa Claus’, a terrace restaurant and heated tent bar for visitors to indulge in some regional, warming culinary treats. Guests can relax by rustic fireplaces, with a mug of warming glühwein, or non-alcoholic warm punch for children, and enjoy a selection of warm dishes available. Offering a selection of food, including grilled specialities, soups and tarte flambée. For those with a sweet-tooth, waffles, crêpes, chestnuts and roasted almonds are also available. In case visitors are feeling a bit peckish along the way, there are also snacks available on the circular trail.

Skating in the magical ice rink

Close to the Santa Claus restaurant is the garden’s 300-square-metre outdoor ice rink. Visitors can bring their own skates, or hire some from the rental station for €3, plus the ice rink is free of charge for Christmas Garden visitors. Situated close to the restaurant, guests can join in on the skating fun, or enjoy the buzz nestled next to a cosy fireplace with some hot chocolate.