Berlin Christmas History Tour in Nikolaiviertel

Berlin , Germany

Berlin Christmas History Tour in Nikolaiviertel

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About this experience

Trace 750 years of Berlin’s Christmas traditions — from pagan solstice fires to modern festivities — and discover how religion, industry, and ideology reshaped the season. Led by an expert guide, this walk through the Nikolaiviertel reveals how a 1980s reconstruction became Berlin’s most atmospheric “old town”. Along cobbled streets and festive lights, meet figures like Frederick the Great, Lessing, and Zille, and hear tales of artists, folk heroes, and ghosts. To finish, you’ll have the option to enjoy a warming cup of mulled wine at the traditional Feuerzangenbowle stand by the Nikolaikirche — the perfect toast to Berlin’s Christmas spirit.

- Discover 750 years of Berlin’s Christmas traditions, from pagan rituals to modern celebrations
- Explore Nikolaiviertel, Berlin’s reconstructed “old town”
- Hear stories of Frederick the Great, Lessing, Zille, and Claire Waldoff, plus Berlin’s own “White Lady” ghost
- End with an optional cup of mulled wine by the Nikolaikirche

Available options

German guide

English Guide

What's included

Expert local guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Begin your walk at the Rotes Rathaus, Berlin’s striking red-brick Town Hall. During the festive season, the square outside transforms into one of the city’s most charming Christmas markets.

Stop 2 Pass by

Stop at Zum Paddenwirt, a cozy Nikolaiviertel tavern famed for its legend of the ‘Frog Innkeeper’.

Stop 3 Pass by

Visit the Lessinghaus, a reconstruction of the home of playwright Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, celebrating Berlin’s Enlightenment heritage in the heart of Nikolaiviertel.

Stop 4 Pass by

At Ephraim-Palais, discover the legacy of Veitel Heine Ephraim, a Jewish banker of Frederick the Great’s court, and admire one of Berlin’s finest baroque façades.

Stop 5 Pass by

See Zur Gerichtslaube, a replica of Berlin’s medieval court building, reconstructed in Nikolaiviertel in the 1980s.

Pause at the monument to Heinrich Zille, the beloved Berlin artist who captured everyday life in the city’s working-class neighborhoods.

Stop 7

At Am Nussbaum, experience the spirit of old Berlin taverns — a favorite haunt of artists like Zille and singer Claire Waldoff.

Next to Mutter Hoppe, a traditional Berlin restaurant, explore a timeline that presents the city’s history through a socialist lens.

From Rathausbrücke, see where festive Berlin hides memories of the Blood Christmas of 1918 — when revolution reached the heart of the city.

End the tour at Kurfürstenhaus, one of Nikolaiviertel’s few original buildings, and hear the ghost story of Anna Sydow — the ‘White Lady’ said to haunt Berlin Palace.

Stop 11 Pass by

Guests are welcome to end the tour with an optional mulled wine at the traditional Feuerzangenbowle mulled wine stand by the Nikolaikirche.

What's not included

Mulled wine not included

Gratuities

Entry to museums or monuments not specified in the itinerary

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour starts by the main entrance of the Red Town Hall (Rotes Rathaus). Look for our guide with the orange umbrella!

About Berlin

Berlin, Germany's capital and largest city, is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, diverse culture, and dynamic nightlife. The city's eclectic mix of modern and historic architecture, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene make it a must-visit destination in Europe.

Top Attractions

Brandenburg Gate

A neoclassical monument and one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate was built in the 18th century and has been a symbol of the city's history and reunification.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery are important historical sites that commemorate the division of Berlin during the Cold War and the fall of the Wall in 1989.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Museum Island

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Museum Island is home to five world-renowned museums, including the Pergamon Museum, the Neues Museum, and the Alte Nationalgalerie.

Museum Half-day to full day €19 (Museum Island Day Ticket) or individual museum tickets

Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building is the seat of the German Bundestag (parliament) and a symbol of German democracy. The glass dome on top offers panoramic views of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (but advance registration is required)

Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz is a major public square and traffic intersection in the heart of Berlin. It is known for its modern architecture, shopping, and entertainment options.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free to explore, costs vary for shopping and dining

Must-Try Local Dishes

Currywurst

A popular Berlin street food, currywurst is a sliced sausage served with a curry ketchup sauce and often topped with curry powder.

Snack Contains pork, vegetarian and vegan options available

Boulette

A German-style meatball, usually served with potato salad or mashed potatoes and a creamy sauce.

Main Course Contains beef or pork, vegetarian and vegan options available

Döner Kebab

A Turkish dish popularized in Berlin, consisting of seasoned meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in flatbread with vegetables and sauces.

Main Course Contains meat, vegetarian and vegan options available

Berliner Pfannkuchen

A jelly-filled doughnut, similar to a Berlin-style donut, often eaten during Carnival season.

Dessert Contains wheat, dairy, and egg, vegan options available

Popular Activities

Cycling Hiking Boat tours Rock climbing Spa and wellness Picnicking in parks Café hopping Boat tours on the Spree River

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The city is lively with tourists and locals enjoying the summer weather.

20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) 68°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, French, Turkish, Arabic, Russian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Berlin is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
• Keep your passport and valuables in a safe place, and carry a copy of your passport and important documents.

Getting there

By air

Berlin Brandenburg Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By train

Berlin Hauptbahnhof

By bus

Berlin Central Bus Station (ZOB)

Getting around

Public transport

The U-Bahn is a fast and efficient way to get around Berlin, with 10 lines serving 173 stations. It operates from early morning to late at night.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Mitte Kreuzberg Prenzlauer Berg Friedrichshain Charlottenburg

Day trips

Potsdam

35 km (22 miles) from Berlin • Half-day to full day

Potsdam is a charming city near Berlin, known for its stunning palaces, parks, and lakes. It was the former residence of Prussian kings and German emperors and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Spreewald

100 km (62 miles) from Berlin • Full day

Spreewald is a picturesque region of forests, lakes, and canals, known for its traditional wooden houses, pickles, and gondola rides. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial

35 km (22 miles) from Berlin • Half-day

The Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial is a somber and important historical site, dedicated to the victims of the Nazi regime. The memorial includes the preserved camp buildings, a museum, and a memorial cemetery.

Festivals

Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) • February Berlin Carnival of Cultures (Karneval der Kulturen) • Late May to early June Berlin Festival • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in German, as it's appreciated by locals and can enhance your travel experience.
Consider purchasing a Berlin WelcomeCard for unlimited public transportation and discounts at attractions.
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions.
Visit Berlin's many parks and green spaces, which offer a peaceful and relaxing escape from the bustling city.
Be open to trying new foods and culinary experiences, as Berlin's diverse food scene offers something for everyone.