In November, Berlin marks 36 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the opening of the inner-German borders—a moment that became a symbol of hope for the entire world. This year, the City of Freedom also inaugurates the Berlin Freedom Week and Conference, establishing an international stage for passionate voices and bold ideas.
At the same time, the Jewish Culture Days enrich the city’s cultural life with exhibitions, readings, and much more. Science Week invites us to explore solutions to today’s global challenges. And at the vibrant Bazaar or the cosy Tea Festival, you can discover beautiful treasures and traditions from across the world.
Berlin’s November calendar is as diverse as it is inspiring—a month packed with events not to be missed.
Tip 1: 36 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall and Berlin Freedom Week
It was 36 years ago that the fall of the Berlin Wall marked the beginning of German reunification. Photos from the night of 9 to 10 November went around the world: thousands of people flocked to the border crossings and climbed the Wall at the Brandenburg Gate. To keep the memory of this historic event alive, Berlin Freedom Week was launched to mark the 36th anniversary. Numerous Berlin institutions are taking part with exhibitions, guided tours and talks and invite you to celebrate the Peaceful Revolution. The highlight of the event series is the Berlin Freedom Conference on 10 November. Leading players from politics, culture and the media will come together to discuss a democratic future.
When: From 8 to 15 November
Where: Various locations throughout Berlin
Berlin Freedom Week
Tip 2: The NFL is coming to Berlin's Olympic Stadium
On the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, there is another historic event to celebrate in Berlin: the Olympic Stadium will host a regular NFL (National Football League) game for the first time. Although the stadium was home to the German NFL Europe team Berlin Thunder from 2003 to 2007, there has never been a game like this here before: the Indianapolis Colts meet the Atlanta Falcons and promise a match that only American football can offer. Numerous fans from Germany and abroad are expected to attend.
At Potsdamer Platz and the Brandenburg Gate, you can cheer along on specially organised fan miles. In addition to public viewing, there will be meet-and-greet events with Colts players, raffles and plenty of sporting activities for die-hard football fans.
When: Kick-off on 9 November at 15:30
Where: Olympiastadion Berlin, Olympischer Platz 3, Westend
Tip 3: Stroll through Berlin's first winter markets
Although Christmas markets in Berlin are not officially allowed to open until the Sunday of the Dead, there is no mention of winter markets in this regulation.... Luckily for us, some Christmas wonderlands open their doors well before 23 November. From 31 October, you can stroll through the Winter World & Christmas Market on Potsdamer Platz, from 1 November, the lights will go on at the Christmas fair on Landsberger Allee and from 13 November, the Historic Christmas Market on the RAW site will provide you with mulled wine, roasted almonds and co.
And when all the other traditional Christmas markets at Charlottenburg Palace, Gendarmenmarkt and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church follow a week later, it's official anyway: Christmas is just around the corner!
When: From 31 October
Where: Various locations throughout Berlin
The Atlanta Falcons take on the Indianapolis Colts in a highly anticipated game full of action and tactics. Watch live as the two teams face off and battle for victory!
Tip 4: Science comes alive at Berlin Science Week
Berlin is considered a real science hotspot in Europe. And to ensure that the knowledge produced here does not have to remain behind archive and laboratory doors, 150 participating organisations invite you to Berlin Science Week.
Under the motto Beyond Now, more than 350 events in a wide variety of formats will explore the question of how science can contribute to overcoming the crises of our time. There is no limit to the content of the events: from AI to quantum technology and marine biology to stem cell research, almost all areas of research are represented. Most of the events are free of charge - all you need to bring is your curiosity!
When: From 1 to 10 November
Where: Various locations throughout Berlin
Tip 5: Experience a fusion of hip-hop and classical music at the HipHop Ball
Two worlds that rarely meet in everyday life are offered a very special stage at the HipHop Ball in the Rotes Rathaus. Because the musical genres of hip hop and classical music not only represent special compositions, they each have their very own culture.
The idea for this special dance event came from the Viennese Sajeh Tavassoli. Since 2015, she has been bringing the ball culture based in her home city into contact with the rhythm and dynamics of the hip-hop scene. Not only is the dress code special (ball gowns and dinner jackets - but with trainers!), but the musical programme is also very versatile. Over 50 live performances and DJ sets provide danceable tunes and prove that cultural opposites go together better than you might think!
When: 15 and 16 November
Where: Rotes Rathaus, Rathausstr. 15, Mitte
Experience the greatest love story of all time like never before „Romeo & Juliet - “ – The Musical in Berlin! Featuring the powerful music of Rosenstolz. Passion, drama, and a love that conquers all – live on stage!
Tip 6: The Jewish Culture Days are coming to Berlin
The Jewish Culture Days are an annual highlight of Berlin's autumn. With readings, concerts, religious services, comedy shows and many other formats, Jewish artists from all over the world take over the city's stages for ten days. This year's Culture Days will kick off with the opening concert in the Rykestraße Synagogue.
Under the direction of Igor Budinstein, the Sinfonie Orchester Berlin will tell the story of Judaism with well-known pieces of film music and visual elements by Evgeny Kozlov. The following days will continue with exhibitions in the State Library, a city walk in the footsteps of the November pogroms with Jess Earle and numerous other moving events.
When: From 13 to 23 November
Where: Various locations throughout Berlin
Tip 7: Explore the world of tea culture at the Berlin Tea Festival
Our next tip fits the cold season: the Berlin Tea Festival transforms the otherwise rather chilly concrete halls of the silent green Kulturquartier into a place full of warmth, flavours and stories. Producers from all over the world present the latest varieties and trends from countries such as China, Japan, Georgia, Malawi and Vietnam. With tastings, traditional ceremonies and creative workshops, you can either immerse yourself in the diverse world of tea on site or save the flavour for home.
Each guest receives a specially designed bowl, which turns the aromatic tastings into a personalised experience. Between tea ceramics, accessories and special gift ideas, you are guaranteed to find warmth and inspiration for the cold season.
When: From 7 to 9 November
Where: silent green Kulturquartier - Betonhalle, Gerichtstraße 35, Wedding
Tip 8: Enjoy the crème de la crème of opera with Jacques Offenbach
What could be better suited to the gloomy, fairytale-like month of November than a whimsical, fantastical evening at the opera? The Staatsoper Unter den Linden with its impressive production of Les Contes d'Hoffmann is just the ticket. This probably most ambitious piece of musical theatre was written by the Franco-German composer Jacques Offenbach, who takes his audience into a unique world of strange characters, dark machinations and satirical wit.
Director Lydia Steier and conductor Bertrand de Billy bring this work of the century to life in front of opulent stage sets with modern sophistication - make yourself comfortable in one of the traditional theatre's red velvet armchairs and see for yourself!
When: Various dates in November
Where: Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Unter den Linden 7, Mitte
Tip 9: Discover products from all over the world at Bazaar Berlin
In November, the whole world comes to the capital at Bazaar Berlin. The international sales fair has been a firm favourite for artistic design, natural goods and fair trade products for over 60 years. Every year, around 500 exhibitors from over 60 countries present their treasures under the radio tower - from handmade jewellery and natural cosmetics to fine textiles and ceramics.
There is something for every taste in numerous theme worlds: the World Market presents cultural treasures from all over the world, the Natural Living section promises sustainable eco-products and wellness ideas and Art & Style impresses with extraordinary design pieces. The programme also includes a cultural programme of dance and music. Perfect for all those who would rather look for presents for the Christmas season sooner rather than later.
When: From 5 to 11 November
Where: Messe Berlin, Jafféstraße, Westend
Tip 10: The 36th Berlin Fairytale Days bring magic to the city
The 36th Berlin Fairytale Days will once again transform the city into a magical realm of fantasy. Under the motto The Swan Woman - fairy tales and stories about obstacles and true strength, a whopping 800 events await you throughout the city from 6 to 23 November.
The festival kicks off this year with the Long Night of Fairy Tales in the Black Barn at Späth'sche Baumschulen. Young and old sit together in front of a crackling fire and listen to fables from different corners of the world. Music, dancing and little surprises accompany the evening, while mulled wine and delicacies keep you warm from the inside. The start of a magical festival for families and fairytale fans.
When: From 6 to 23 November
Where: Various locations throughout Berlin
Berlin Fairytale Days
Tip 11: Look forward to water sports in summer at Boot & Fun Berlin
At the end of November, the Berlin ExpoCenter City on the exhibition grounds will be transformed into a paradise for water sports fans. Boot & Fun Berlin presents over 600 boats in 16 halls - from elegant sailing yachts, motorboats and houseboats to canoes, SUPs and accessories. The trade fair specialises in inland waters, making it the ideal place to go for local boat owners.
The range is complemented by themed worlds dedicated to diving, fishing, camping and outdoor adventures. Although the temperatures in November are not exactly ideal for trying out the water sports equipment on the nearest lake, the next summer is sure to come - so you'd better get ready!
When: From 27 to 30 November
Where: Berlin ExpoCenter City (Berlin Exhibition Grounds), Messedamm 22, Westend
For even more event tips in November, you can click through our event calendar at any time
