Not everyone is eagerly awaiting Christmas. Be it for religious, personal or cultural reasons: There are many people who don't celebrate Christmas or simply don't enjoy the festivities. Luckily, we are in Berlin and there are a variety of alternatives to spend the festive season. Here are our top 11 tips for Christmas grumpies and all those who don't celebrate Christmas.
Tip 1: Get spooked at the Berlin Dungeon
You can get a very un-Christmasy scare at the Berlin Dungeon over the Christmas holidays. An exciting journey through Berlin's history awaits you - with a mixture of live shows, special effects and interactive experiences. Professional actors bring dark historical events back to life. Look forward to a gruesome atmosphere, rounded off by the creepy factor and humour.
When: daily 11 am - 7 pm
Where: Spandauer Straße 2, Mitte
Tip 2: Take a soothing break from the holiday hustle and bustle
Reflectiveness and peace? You won't just find it under the Christmas tree, but also in one of Berlin's many spas and wellness centres. Do something good for yourself and forget the cold winter for a while. For example, treat yourself to a massage in the hammam at the Schokoladenfabrik women's centre, which is also Germany's first Turkish bath. The Vabali Spa, near Berlin Central Station, is also always worth a visit. Let yourself be whisked away to the Indonesian island of Bali right in the heart of Berlin.
When: daily 8 am - midnight
Where: Vabali Spa, Seydlitzstraße 6, Mitte
Tip 3: Celebrate your way in Berlin's clubs
Ideal for night owls and dance enthusiasts, some Berlin clubs are also open for you on Christmas Eve and the following public holidays. Berlin's nightlife doesn't come to a standstill over the Christmas period. Unfortunately, there is currently no more detailed information on the programme in the various clubs. We therefore recommend that you keep an eye on the calendars of your favourite clubs.
Where: various venues
Tip 4: Visit Berlin's museums on Christmas Day and Boxing Day
All those of you interested in culture will be pleased to know that Berlin's museums are open for you on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The Staatliche Museen zu Berlin will be open as on a normal Sunday. So why not take a stroll through the Neue Nationalgalerie or Köpenick Palace.
When: Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Where: All Berlin State Museums
Tip 5: Explore the art and history of the Teufelsberg
The site of the former US listening station is open 365 days a year from 11 am to sunset. There is a lot to discover! Teufelsberg has a mixture of history and art in store for you. There are over 400 works by international artists on the site and more are being added all the time. If you want to find out more about the history of the Teufelsberg, you should definitely check out the new exhibition "Declassified - The Secret of the Teufelsberg". It offers fascinating insights into the history of the place.
You can also find out more about street art in our ABOUT BERLIN app
When: daily from 11 am
Where: Teufelsseechaussee 10, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Tip 6: Get out of the city and into the surrounding area
Why stay in Berlin when the surrounding area has a lot to offer? From the city centre, you can get to many places worth seeing on the outskirts of the city or Brandenburg in no time at all. The Baumkronenpfad Beelitzer Heilstätten, for example, offers you a fantastic panoramic view of the landscape and the overgrown ruins of the sanatoriums over a length of more than 300 metres at a height of up to 23 metres. The Old Town of Bernau is also within easy reach. Here you can admire the medieval architecture and stroll around the market square. There you will also find the neoclassical-style town hall.
When: in December every Thursday - Sunday, 12 - 6 pm
Where: Straße nach Fichtenwalde 13, Beelitz
Find more exciting excursion destinations HERE
Tip 7: Enjoy Berlin's indoor activities
It's cold outside, but Berlin has a plethora of fantastic indoor activities to offer. In trampoline halls you can really let off steam and indoor surfing at Wellenwerk will give you that holiday feeling. For the little ones, there are indoor playgrounds where there is plenty of space to climb and let off steam. If you want something for your brain, you should definitely immerse yourself in the worlds of Berlin's escape rooms.
Find out more about indoor activities HERE
Tip 8: Cosy up with a good podcast
Do you already know our podcast "Berlin Unboxed"? The cold winter temperatures are perfect for cosying up with a warm drink and a blanket. For your ears, there's Berlin history and stories. We take you on a short journey through Berlin and introduce you to small and sometimes bigger attractions and secret insider tips. In each episode, we go to a different place and experience a new story. So be sure to listen in!
Tip 9: Travel to other worlds at the cinema
The cinemas in Berlin are also open for you on public holidays. You will be offered a wide selection of films and special highlights. Previews, blockbusters or perhaps a Christmas classic? You can look forward to a varied programme. The Berlin Christmas Film Festival takes place at Moviemento. Here, rather atypical Christmas films are shown. All in the original language with English subtitles. Good to know: The Yorck cinemas offer special screenings for the holidays.
When: 24 December 2024
Where: Moviemento, Kottbusser Damm 22, Kreuzberg
Tip 10: Immerse yourself in the soundscapes of your favourite films
John Wiliams and Hans Zimmer are legends of film music. You can listen to this and other music live in the Berlin Philharmonie on 25 December. The title "Giants of film music" could not be more apt. The melodies from Star Wars, Jurrassic Park and Curse of the Caribbean are world-famous and iconic. Look forward to many more classics of film music.
When: 25. December 2024
Where: Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, Tiergarten
Tip 11: Celebrate against the war in the Red Salon of the Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz
On Christmas Eve, the event"Russendisko gegen den Krieg" will send a powerful signal for peace. Initiator Wladimir Kaminer combines music and political statements. Please note that tickets will only be sold directly at the box office.
When: December 2024
Where: Linienstraße 227, Mitte
Our extra tip to spread joy:
Tip 12: Stand up for animals and people in need
Especially in the colder months, many people living on the streets in Berlin don't have it easy either. If you would like to support people in need, find out about the various opportunities to help out in soup kitchens or night cafés. Be it by serving hot meals or lending a sympathetic ear. Such small gestures can brighten up the everyday lives of those affected and give them some warmth and joy during this difficult time.
For many, doing something good for others is part of Christmas. Many of our fluffy friends live at the Berlin animal shelter, who are happy to receive regular donations, but also time or material donations. Bowls, toys and general accessories are always needed. If you would like to become active yourself, you can volunteer and support the animals and the home with your time and care.
