Christmas at the Zoo Berlin
Over two kilometers of illuminated walking paths through Europe's largest landscape zoo
About Christmas at the Zoo
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The Tierpark Berlin
Tierpark Berlin was founded in 1955 in the GDR as a response to the West Berlin Zoological Garden. Today, with around 160 hectares, it is Europe's largest landscape zoo. Over 9,000 animals from 700 species live here in spacious enclosures, often modelled after their natural habitats. In the middle of the park stands the baroque Friedrichsfelde Palace from the 17th century. Those who visit the Tierpark during the day see a different world than the one that begins in November after dusk: when normal daytime operations end and Christmas at the Zoo begins.
The World of Lights
The two-kilometer circular route leads through illuminated animal sculptures, light tunnels, interactive stations (motion sensors change colors), and laser installations. Friedrichsfelde Palace is illuminated with large-scale light projections – animated animal motifs, winter landscapes, classic Christmas themes. New installations are added each year – in 2026, this includes a new large laser pavilion and an expanded fairy tale area.
Berlin's Most Beautiful Ice Rink
In the entrance area near the bear enclosure, the Tierpark has been setting up an open-air ice rink for years, which it promotes as "Berlin's most beautiful ice rink." Skate rental, heated pavilions, mulled wine, and punch are available nearby, with occasional ice discos with DJ sets on weekends. Families will also find a children's disco with age-appropriate stage programs.
Christmas Market
The associated Christmas market at the entrance offers mulled wine, bratwurst, international culinary delights, gingerbread, almonds, and crêpes. Craft stalls are present in small numbers – the focus is clearly on gastronomy and experience, not shopping. Admission to the Tierpark includes the light installations; separate admission is only for the ice rink.
What Differs from Normal Zoo Visits
Most animals are asleep after dusk – visitors to Christmas at the Zoo therefore do not see the standard highlights like the elephants or tigers. Instead, the focus is on the atmosphere of the park itself, illuminated at night. Those who want to see animals should visit during the day on a different occasion.
Christmas at the Zoo — edition 2026
The 2026 edition runs for seven weeks with daily operation (except Christmas Eve). The organizer, Tierpark Berlin / Zoo Berlin GmbH, expands the illuminated path each year – in 2026 with a new laser pavilion and an expanded fairy tale area for children.
The ticketing system distinguishes between the early bird online rate (from €15.90) and the box office price (higher, depending on the day of the week). Family passes and season tickets are available. Ice rink admission and skate rental are separate from the park ticket.
Programme Christmas at the Zoo 2026
Program points and route elements:
- Illuminated Path (approx. 2 km, illuminated animal sculptures, light tunnels, laser installations, animated stations with motion sensors)
- Friedrichsfelde Palace with large-scale projections from dusk (animated animal motifs, winter landscapes, classic Christmas themes)
- Berlin's Most Beautiful Ice Rink at the entrance area (bear enclosure), 800 m² ice surface, skate rental, ice disco with DJ sets on weekends
- Christmas Market at the entrance area with mulled wine, bratwurst, crêpes, gingerbread, almonds
- Children's Disco with child-friendly stage program and interactive activities
- New Light Installations 2026: Laser pavilion and expanded fairy tale area
Opening Hours:
- Mon–Thu + Sun: 4:40 PM–9:00 PM
- Fri–Sat: 4:40 PM–10:00 PM
- Dec 24 (Christmas Eve): closed
- Dec 25+26: regular operation
- Dec 31 (New Year's Eve): usually shortened until approx. 7 PM (confirmation on website)
Photo Contest: Best snapshots with hashtag #iloveweihnachtenimtierpark on Instagram, winners receive admission tickets and trips.
Highlights Christmas at the Zoo 2026
- Over 2 km of illuminated paths
- Friedrichsfelde Palace with light projections
- Berlin's most beautiful ice rink (800 m²)
- New laser installations 2026
- Christmas market at the entrance
- Children's disco and interactive program
Prices Christmas at the Zoo 2026
Tickets from €15.90 (early bird online for adults). Box office €22–€28 depending on the day of the week. Children 4–14: €8–€12, under 4s free. Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) from €45. Ice rink admission separate €5–€8, skate rental €3. Advance booking recommended, often fully booked on weekends. weihnachten-im-tierpark.de.
Practical information — Christmas at the Zoo
Getting There
Subway U5 Tierpark (direct access, 100 m to the entrance). Tram 27 Am Tierpark. Car parking is very limited; public transport is strongly recommended due to large crowds in the evening.
Tickets
Tickets start at €15.90 (early bird online), box office prices are higher. Children aged 4 and up receive a discount; under 4s are free. Ice rink admission is separate (€5–€8), skate rental is €3.
Opening Hours 2026
Mon–Thu + Sun: 4:40 PM–9:00 PM. Fri–Sat: 4:40 PM–10:00 PM. Christmas Eve (Dec 24) closed. Dec 25+26: regular operation.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Christmas at the Zoo al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Christmas at the Zoo
Tierpark Berlin
Am Tierpark 125, 10319 Berlin