In the run-up to Christmas , Berlin transforms into a playground for all the senses: glide across the new ice rinks at the Center at Potsdamer Platz, step into the world of Stranger Things at the Hawkins Christmas Market, or journey through ice and snow at the Polar Experience. Over in Spandau, the new AM Club will keep things hot, while Bubble Planet adds a pastel-coloured escape from the winter grey. Here are our top 11 new openings in December.
Tip 1: Celebrate Christmas at Hawkins - right on Ku'damm
The 80s are back - and with them a world full of mystery, retro charm and demo gorgons! At the Hawkins Christmas Market at Pop Kudamm, you can immerse yourself in the cult series Stranger Things: with mulled wine in the Starcourt Mall, iconic photo spots and iconic props. Perfect for fans - and anyone who wants to experience a Christmas wonderland with a difference.
When: 4 to 30 December 2025, daily 3-10 pm (except 14 & 28 December)
Where: Pop Kudamm, Kurfürstendamm 229, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Tip 2: Go on a journey to the Arctic at the Polar Experience
From 6 December, you can meet polar bears not only at the zoo. The new Polar Experience at Arena Berlin brings glaciers, northern lights and penguins to the centre of the capital! Embark on an immersive journey to the Arctic and Antarctic. Between 360° projections, research stations and virtual expeditions, the cold becomes tangible and climate protection comes alive. An experience for all generations - moving, visually stunning and captivating.
When: 6 December 2025 to 6 April 2026
Where: Arena Berlin, Eichenstraße 4, Treptow-Köpenick
Tip 3: AM Club brings new sound to old halls
Spandau's club scene is growing: the AM Club is bringing a breath of fresh air to the industrial architecture of the Alte Meierei on Brunsbütteler Damm. Between house and techno, between old school and new school, the new spot creates space for warehouse-style nights - including an outdoor balcony and an international line-up. It all kicks off on 29 November with Cassy, Jana Falcon & Co.
When: Opening on 29 November 2025
Where: Brunsbütteler Damm 51-53, Spandau
Tip 4: Skate on the ice rink in the centre at Potsdamer Platz
Right in the heart of Berlin, a new 600 m² ice rink in the Centre am Potsdamer Platz invites you to enjoy winter ice skating fun. Surrounded by modern architecture, shops and restaurants, the big city flair becomes a winter experience here - with mulled wine breaks, music and twinkling lights. Perfect for spontaneous laps on the ice and winter city breaks.
Find more cool ice rinks in Berlin here.
When: 28 November 2025 to 31 January 2026
Where: Centre at Potsdamer Platz, Tiergarten
Tip 6: Rock the winter season at the Christmas beer garden in the Prater
Berlin's oldest beer garden becomes a festive winter oasis for the first time. From mulled wine under fairy lights to live music on the big stage. The Prater rocks the winter season and offers you winter delights and experiences outside and inside that will be celebrated for a long time to come. Children's carousel and Ferris wheel, regional market stalls and roast goose in the restaurant make the new Christmas beer garden a meeting place for the whole neighbourhood.
When: 24 November to 23 December 2025, daily from 4 pm (weekends from 2 pm)
Where: Kastanienallee 7-9, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 7: Tegler Schmankerl brings local cuisine to the market hall
Pork knuckle, cheese spaetzle and Kaiserschmarrn - at Tegler Schmankerl, the aroma of German classics wafts through the historic market hall. The new restaurant serves hearty home cooking, freshly prepared and full of flavour. A place to feast, linger and enjoy - in the centre of Tegel and perfect for anyone who loves culinary nostalgia.
When: Monday to Saturday 11-20:30 (closed on Sundays)
Where: Grußdorfstraße 5-6, Reinickendorf
Tip 8: Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine & hospitality at Saint Farah
Chef Nadav Kundel - formerly head chef at Papillon, Scirocco and Night Kitchen - is opening his first restaurant in Berlin. Saint Farah, a modern bistro not far from Rosenthaler Platz, combines Mediterranean flavours with family history: from mezze to chard leaves, every dish reflects Kundel's culinary journey and homage to Grandma Farah. Enjoy the creative hospitality!
When: Tuesday to Thursday 6pm - 11pm, Friday & Saturday 6pm - 11.59pm
Where: Zehdenicker Straße 13, Mitte
Tip 9: Bruncht every day at Sonntage Coffee
From freshly brewed matcha to the legendary burnt cheesecake with chocolate sauce: Sonntage Coffee serves brunch classics with a twist on Frankfurter Allee during the day and drinks in a relaxed living room atmosphere from 3 pm. You can brunch here every day as you would at the weekend and stay until midnight.
When: Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday to Sunday 8 a.m. - midnight
Where: Frankfurter Allee 46A, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 10: Discover new art at these Winter Art Markets
On 6 and 7 December, the NOTAGALLERY will become an open art space: the first winter edition of the Art Market combines an exhibition with a market experience. Between prints, ceramics, tattoos and live art, there will be a creative dialogue that shows Berlin from its experimental side. Here you can meet the artists directly - you can draw your portrait or get a tattoo. And, of course, discover a Christmas present or two.
When: 6 & 7 December 2025, 12 - 7 pm each day
Where: Friedrichstraße 210, Kreuzberg
Tip 11: Immerse yourself in the immersive experience universe of Bubble Planet
There are several immersive exhibitions in Berlin, such as the Ikono (see picture). From 12 December, the new Bubble Planet exhibition will transform Arena Berlin into a pastel-coloured wonderland. A chance for anyone who missed the Balloon Museum there. Bubble Planet invites young and old alike on a journey through twelve imaginative rooms - with VR adventures, a ball pool, light shows and illusions. A multi-sensory experience for all those who have not forgotten how to be amazed - perfect for grey winter days and colourful moments.
When: 12 December 2025 to 29 March 2026
Where: Eichenstraße 4, Alt-Treptow
