When the days start to drop colder and the nights start drawing in, it’s tempting to cosy up at home – but we’re here to tempt you out into the capital this weekend! From the first christmas markets and beautiful night-time views of Berlin from the River Spree to a very special historic train ride through the eastern parts of the city, there’s no reason to let winter put a stop to your sightseeing. So, wrap up warm and make the most of what the capital has to offer!
Tip 1: See art in all its forms at the Museum of Decorative Arts
Think art is all about elaborate oil paintings and delicate watercolours? Think again! At the Museum of Decorative Arts, you’ll realise that art is everywhere, when you start to look for it. With everything from fashion to furniture, clothing to crockery on display, and with exhibits hailing from the Middle Ages through to the present day, you could spend hours and hours exploring. So, it’s a good job that these tickets are valid for the whole day!
When: open Tuesdays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Museum of Decorative Arts, Mitte
Tickets for the Museum of Decorative Arts
Tip 2: Satisfy your wanderlust at Berlin Travel Festival and Boot & Fun
Got the travel bug? If so, Berlin Travel Festival is just the tonic! For the first time, it’s taking place under the auspices of the Boot & Fun Festival this year, adding an extra nautical twist for anyone who loves sailing, fishing and water sports of all kinds. With panel discussions, interviews with experts and participatory events, there’s something for everyone: old and young, seasoned globetrotters and novice travellers alike. So, whether you’re after inspiration for your next holiday, keen to purchase the hottest travel gadget or curious about what tiny houses look like, make these travel festivals your next destination!
When: Berlin Travel Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 25 to Sunday 27 November; Boot & Fun Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 November
Where: Messe Berlin, Charlottenburg
Tip 3: Go on a cultural journey at the International Days of Jewish Music
Over the past week or so, the International Days of Jewish Music has been bringing this culture’s rich musical heritage to Berlin – and now it’s time to say goodbye in style. The closing concert, ‘Grunewald in the Orient’, offers a journey to Jerusalem via German-Jewish music and literature. With readings of German-language works by Thomas Sparr and Ilya Richter, plus songs by Georg Kreisler, it promises to be a fascinating evening of cultural exchange.
When: 7.30 p.m., Sunday 27 November
Where: Archenhold Observatory Berlin, Treptow
Tip 4: Bring history to life at All About Anne
Many of us read Anne Frank’s poignant diary as part of history class at school – but now the Anne Frank Zentrum’s All About Anne exhibition is here to show how Anne’s story is just as relevant today. Its interactive, engaging presentation brings history to life by exploring the times within which Anne and her family lived. And like her diary itself, All About Anne is accessible to adults and young people alike: the exhibition and its message are suitable for all ages.
When: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Anne Frank Zentrum, Mitte
Tip 5: Attend a concert with a twist at Berlin’s Konzerthaus
Have you ever been to a concert so great that you’d happily have paid double – or even triple – the ticket price? Well, Konzerthaus Berlin is offering a radical new approach: you only pay for your ticket after the concert and set the price yourself, depending on how much you felt it was worth! With two concerts remaining in this innovative series (one an exploration of love through the ages by baritone Benjamin Appl, the other a performance of Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time), there’s sure to be something you’d like. But don’t just take our word for it – you’ve got nothing to lose by booking a ticket!
When: Saturday 26 November, 9.30 p.m. and Sunday 27 November, 7 p.m.
Where: Konzerthaus Berlin, Mitte
Tip 6: Glide along the Spree aboard the Glitter Boat
What floats your boat: crisp and clear nights, the twinkling stars up above or the glittering lights of the city? There’s no need to pick just one! This two-hour evening cruise takes you through the heart of Berlin in a boat decked out with stunning illuminations. On the round-trip, glide past attractions such as Museum Island and the Reichstag, while enjoying the tipple of your choice from the on-board bar. Announcements are in German, but multilingual audio guides can be hired for a small fee to make your cruise as educational as it is enchanting. A truly magical evening – whether as a trip for all the family or a romantic date en deux.
When: departs daily at 5.30 p.m.
Where: meet at Stern & Kreis Landingstage, Nikolaiviertel
Winter City on the glitter boat
Tip 7: Pick up steam on a Christmas train trip with Berlin macht Dampf
There’s something so magical about old-style locomotives billowing steam – and the team at Berlin macht Dampf certainly agree! They’re putting on some very special round trips through the east of the capital in the run-up to Christmas: perfect for railway buffs and those looking for a unique way to see the sights. And with traditional Christmas treats from Stollen to Glühwein available to purchase on-board, they’re guaranteed to put you in the festive spirit.
When: departs 9.30 a.m., 12.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. on Sunday 27 November
Where: sets off from Berlin Lichtenberg
Tip 8: Stock up on Christmas gifts at an open atelier
It’s abouttime to start thinking about your Christmas shopping: so, how about treating your family to beautiful, unique presents this year? At this event, more than 50 ateliers open their doors to the public, giving visitors the chance to chat to local artists, see how they work – and stock up on one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts! Be it a sculpture for your sibling or a painting for your partner, there’s sure to be something for everyone’s stocking.
When: Saturday 27 November, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Wilhelminenhofstrasse 83 to 85, Treptow
Tip 9: Head to the movies for an international double bill
Love nothing more than checking out the latest films from around the world? We’ve got a treat for you this weekend with Berlin playing host to not one, but two international film festivals. The 22nd French Film Week will be showing around 20 films of all genres, including a plethora of premières, while the 610 Berlin-Warszawa Festival (named after the distance between the two capitals) is presenting eight works by Polish filmmakers. Plus, many of the films at both festivals are shown with English subtitles: language needn’t be a barrier to enjoying great cinema!
When: French Film Week runs from Thursday 24 to Wednesday 30 November; the 610 Berlin-Warszawa Festival runs from Wednesday 23 to Wednesday 30 November
Where: films screened at various locations across the city
Tip 10: Weave the Fabric of Dreams at 13 Horizons
What do Uzbekistan, Moldova and Tajikistan (not to mention 10 other countries) have in common? Germany’s now had diplomatic relations with them for 30 years! This year’s 13 Horizons festival is here to mark this momentous occasion – and one of its many unique events is the Fabric of Dreams exhibition. This showcases Uzbek art by traditional and contemporary creators alike, from paintings to embroidered blankets. A fascinating cultural dialogue that’ll leave you thinking about the parallels between German and Uzbek society.
When: the exhibition runs from Thursday 24 November to Sunday 4 December
Where: Lobe Block, Wedding
Tip 11: Experience the power of music with RIAS Chamber Choir
Music moves people – and the poignantly chosen programme for RIAS Chamber Choir’s ‘Molitva’ (‘prayer’ in Russian and Ukrainian) concert especially so. Compiled by conductor Krista Audere during the first few days of the war in Ukraine, it offers a touching combination of works from eastern and northern Europe, including Ukraine’s own Galina Grigorjeva. An evening of meditative calm that encourages us to look inwards with hope.
When: 8 p.m., Saturday 26 November
Where: Philharmonie Berlin, Mitte
You can find more tips for events in our events calendar.
