For all those who like to go out on 24 December. December, want to meet people or simply immerse themselves in Berlin's culture and nightlife, we have put together 11 tips for Christmas Eve. Whatever you decide to do: The editorial team at visitBerlin wishes you a Merry Christmas!
Tip 1: Immerse yourself in magical film worlds
If you don't have your loved ones nearby and are an avid cinephile, then Europe's only Christmas film festival is just the thing for you. Away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas Eve, the festival highlights all the wonderful and strange facets of Christmas.
This year, the Christmas Film Festival brings you a very special selection of short films on Christmas Eve: the Xmas Animation Shorts. Look forward to a creative mix of charming stories, visually stunning animations and a touch of Christmas magic. The films come from international artists and range from humorous to thought-provoking contributions that interpret the Christmas spirit in a whole new way.
When: 7 pm
Where: Moviemento Kino, Kottbusser Damm 22, Kreuzberg
Tip 2: Experience the Christmas story as a participatory theatre
Experience the biblical Christmas story at the Galli Theatre in a touching and funny way. With atmospheric dialogue and sensitive acting, the ensemble takes you back to the time of Mary and Joseph, who find their way to Bethlehem, where the miracle of Jesus' birth finally takes place. With its intimate atmosphere, the Galli Theatre creates the perfect setting for this Christmas production. The performance is ideal for the whole family and offers you the opportunity to experience the spirit of Christmas in a special way. Children have the opportunity to be involved live in the play.
When: Performances at 11 am and 1pm
Where: Galli Theatre Berlin, Oranienburger Straße 32, Mitte
Christmas Story
Tip 3: Take a trip to Potsdam
Would you like to use the peace and quiet of Christmas Eve to be inspired? Spend the day enjoying a special kind of art at the Museum Barberini in Potsdam! Stroll through the impressive collection that will delight art lovers: from impressionist masterpieces to fascinating special exhibitions that bring you closer to the diversity of art history. For example, the current special exhibition "Maurice de Vlaminck. Rebel of Modernism" with works by one of the most important representatives of Fauvism.
When: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Museum Barberini, Alter Markt - Humboldtstraße 5-6, Potsdam
Special exhibition at the Barberini
Tip 4: Enjoy uforgettable circus moments
The Roncalli Christmas Circus will whisk you away to a Christmas wonderland. Hold your breath as the acrobats daringly swing from the dome of the festively decorated Tempodrom. A breathtaking show full of poetry and magical moments awaits you. Marvel, laugh and applaud as the clowns, dancers and artists take you into their world of wonder. A wonderful family tradition at Christmas.
When: 11 am and 3pm
Where: Tempodrom, Möckernstraße 10, Kreuzberg
Tip 5: Shorten the wait for presents while ice skating
Take a few pirouettes on the ice this Christmas Eve. At Seebad Friedrichshagen you will find a 600 square metre ice rink. Here you can skate hand in hand to your heart's content from 10 am to 2 pm on Christmas Eve or try your hand at curling. You can also shorten the waiting time at Rübezahl am Müggelsee on a covered and glazed ice rink. The skating rink is open until 2 pm.
When: Seebad Friedrichshagen 10 am - 2 pm, Rübezahl am Müggelsee 10 am - 2 pm
Where: Seebad Friedrichshagen, Müggelseedamm 216, Köpenick | Rübezahl am Müggelsee, Müggelheimer Damm 143, Köpenick
Tip 6: Enjoy the view over Berlin
Get a quick 365-degree view over Berlin before Father Christmas arrives. In just 40 seconds, the lift will take you to the viewing platform of the Berlin TV Tower, from where you can admire the capital from above. At the top, display boards with panoramic shots will help you get your bearings. To make sure you really get to enjoy the Christmas view, book a time slot in advance.
When: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Berlin TV Tower, Panoramastraße 1a, Mitte
Tickets for the Berlin TV Tower
Tip 7: Pay a visit to the animals in the Zoo or Tierpark
Go on a magical walk through Tierpark or Zoo Berlin, where winter wildlife and a magical atmosphere await you. On the Advent and Winter Tours, you can discover the animals in their cosy winter quarters or observe them during special feedings. The guides will tell you exciting stories about the life of the animals in the cold season - from polar bears to penguins, who feel particularly at home in winter.
When: At 11 am
Where: Tierpark Berlin, Am Tierpark 125, Lichtenberg | Zoo Berlin, Hardenbergplatz 8, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Tip 8 : Experience contemplative organ music in the St. St Mary's Church
Be enchanted by the majestic sounds of the organ in St Mary's Church on Christmas Eve. The traditional organ music on Christmas Eve invites you to spend 24 December in a devout and contemplative mood. In the historic church, which is one of the oldest in Berlin, a unique sound space unfolds, making the festive music even more impressive. The programme includes classical Christmas pieces and works by great composers that touch the heart and make the meaning of Christmas tangible.
When: 9 pm, admission free
Where: St. Marienkirche Mitte, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße, Mitte
Organ music at St. Marienkirche
Tip 9: Dance to KnusperHouse at Club Renate
Knusper Knusper Knäuschen is the name of the game on Christmas Eve at Club Renate at KnusperHouse. If you want to experience the wildest and most creative side of Berlin at Christmas time, Club Renate is the place to be. With its unique blend of Berlin underground vibes, artistic interiors and a pulsating electronic sound, this club attracts revellers from all over the world. You can lose yourself to the beats of international and local DJs on several floors. That's how the house crubles.
When: from 11 pm
Where: Club Renate, Alt-Stralau 70, Friedrichshain Kreuzberg
Tip 10: Don't let last-minute shopping get you down
On 24 December, many shops are still open until 2 pm. So take a deep breath and don't panic. A hot tip is the KaDeWe on Wittenbergplatz: Here you will find everything your heart desires on several floors - from fine perfumes and high-quality fashion to exquisite delicacies. The impressive festive decorations provide an atmospheric Christmas backdrop. On Christmas Eve, you can hunt for presents here from 9 am to 2 pm. Not far away is also the concept mall Bikini Berlin, where you can also find what you're looking for on 24 December from 10 am to 2 pm.
When: until 2 pm
Where: Various locations in Berlin
Tip 11: Get some fresh air before the big presents
What better way to start Christmas Eve than with an atmospheric winter walk? Berlin offers numerous magical places that create a very special atmosphere in the chilly winter air. A walk through the Tiergartenn is a classic: the snow-covered paths, the gentle rustling of the trees and the wintry silence invite you to clear your head and enjoy the Christmas spirit to the full. Those who love nature will also enjoy Plänterwald - here you can breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the peace and quiet along the River Spree. For romantic moments, we recommend a trip to the Charlottenburg Palace Park. Nestled in the picturesque setting of the baroque palace, the park offers a wintry idyll that is perfect for starting the festive season with contemplation.
