Best Holidays & Seasons to Spend in Berlin

People often ask, "When's the best time to visit Berlin?" But there's only one right answer: "Right now!"

Berlin is always a good idea! No matter how cliché that might sound from travel agents trying to tempt you to one place or another, it's really true this time. Many people think of Berlin as a rather grey, dull city – but those people clearly didn't visit during festivals or national holidays. Berliners love to throw a party, celebrating every holiday that comes their way. King Frederick the Great of Prussia used to live "sans souci!" – that is, free from worry – and now it's your turn to try that lifestyle for size, at least for one day.

Berlin in winter…

First things first: it doesn't snow as much as people think, if at all. German noblemen and women may have scooted about town in sleighs back in the 16th century, but that was before global warming, folks. Nowadays, skiing and sledding are out, and Christmas markets are in! Christmas – or Weihnachten, as the locals call it – really is the most wonderful time of the year, when even the grumpiest of adults turn into excited little kids.

Germany goes big or goes home: they celebrate for a whole month, kicking things off in late November with markets, decorations, fairground rides, and mulled wine on just about every town square across the country. Our Berlin 15:15 tour will cover everything you need to know about German yuletide traditions, from how and why they decorate their trees to what carols they like to sing.

As in most countries, Christmas is a time Germans like to spend with their family. And once Christmas is done, everyone starts to get ready for New Year's celebrations – a great time to catch the fantastic firework display at Brandenburg Gate. Champagne will be popping everywhere you look, but be sure to bring your own.

Be honest, when was the last time you strut your stuff on the red carpet? How many swanky outfits hang cold in your wardrobe, waiting for their time in the spotlight? Here's your chance: it's called the Berlinale, the most glamorous film festival to grace the centre of Berlin. Every February, Berliners not only get to see this ten-day international film festival unfold but take part in it too! All the cinematography greats will be there, so be sure to decide in advance who you want a selfie with and whose premiers to watch.

Towards the end of February comes Fasching: a carnival that brings every corner of the city to life with parades, loud music, and colourful decorations. If you were still in any doubt as to whether Berliners know how to party, Fasching should put an end to that. If you want to join in, plenty of shops sell costumes for kids and adults alike.

Berlin in spring…

As soon as the winter holidays are gone, and we've all vowed to eat more healthily, Easter comes along. Like in many countries, the Easter Bunny visits everyone bringing chocolates, sweets, and even Easter cakes. Berliners mostly spend Easter Sunday at the park – there are seven major parks across the city to choose from.

Also worth visiting at this time is the Easter Knights' Festival at Spandau Citadel! Where everyone dresses up in medieval clothes, wanders the historic markets, watches the jousting, and enjoys the spectacular evening shows. Around Easter time Alexanderplatz also hosts a huge market with all manner of attractions, national cuisine, and traditional souvenirs.

If winter is when all movie-goers visit Berlin, then springtime is for the lovers out there. Forget Paris: April in Berlin is blooming gorgeous, literally! Travellers come from all over the world to see the gardens in bloom, especially the cherry blossoms, which immerse the city into a pink, fluffy mist. You absolutely must wander through the gardens, trying tea and fun activities as you go – just be sure to get amazing pictures!

Spring brings both blooms and booms to Berlin! Come for the music festival, where famous artists give free concerts on all the main squares.

Berlin in summer…

The days are getting longer, temperatures are rising, and we're all dreaming of a summer holiday on a tropical island somewhere. But did you know Berlin has an island too? Not very tropical, though: it's Museum Island. Culture vultures and art connoisseurs flock here for the Long Night of Museums, where one ticket will get you in to explore over 100 museums and exhibitions. Of course, only the especially eager manage to see everything, but it's worth a try, right?

Berlin's Carnival of Cultures is traditionally held for four days in late May or early June. All kinds of people can participate, from adults and children to professional and amateur dance groups. It's a time to let loose, celebrate Berlin's diversity, and follow just one simple rule: to have fun.

In August, you might even meet the German Chancellor! There's an open day on the last weekend of the month, during which you can roam the government building – the largest in the world! Those at the front of the queue may also get to say hello to the Chancellor and take a selfie or two.

Berlin in autumn…

Late September to early October is the time of the Berlin Festival of Lights, which is so magical and captivating that it is difficult to describe in words. The city's top sights don't just fade into the night surrounded by fairy lights, but they also become canvases for some of the lightest and brightest illuminations, thanks to some of the most creative artists and designers of our time. It's the best kind of fairytale because it's true! And it lasts for ten days.

Germans and ale are a match made in heaven, so it's hardly surprising that they celebrate this union every year with plenty of beer. When tourists say "Oktoberfest", they're almost always thinking about Munich. But in fact, Germans prefer to go to Berlin, and it's not even in October – it starts in August! The Berlin International Beer Festival brings together over 320 brewers from over 80 countries, transforming a 2km-long street into the famous Beer Mile. Girls, get yourself a dirndl dress, and boys, time to hop into some lederhosen for the ultimate German vibe.

Like we said: Berlin is always a good idea! No matter what season you plan to visit, sign up for our 15:15 in Berlin sightseeing tour, which runs daily all year round. Join us as we piece together your understanding of the city from a new perspective; seeing the main sights, hearing the folk stories, and exploring the tucked-away treasures. Book in advance here.