Berlin's new openings in December bring you sweet and magical treats. New Christmas markets beckon with arts and crafts and exquisite mulled wines, the inclusive theatre restaurant Charlottchen has reopened in French bistro style and at the Hotel Berlin, Berlin, table tennis fans can now play a game of table tennis in front of a royal backdrop without having to freeze outside in the cold December. There are also a whole host of new restaurants and cafés to sweeten your Christmas time in Berlin.
Tip 1: Get in the mood for Advent at Berlin's new Christmas markets
The Christmas market season has officially begun. And of course, Berlin has a few new markets in its festive surprise package: from 1 December, the Winter Market on Schlossplatz against the backdrop of the Humboldt Forum will bring you festive Advent hours with historic rides and arts and crafts. And the wine lobbyist invites you to taste selected mulled wines at the WEINachtsmarkt (a word play of the German word for wine|Wein and christmas|Weihnachten) in the festively decorated courtyard in Schöneberg.
All Christmas markets in Berlin
Tip 2: Enjoy culture at the reopened Charlottchen theatre
The theatre-restaurant in Charlottenburg has finally reopened and awaits you in the style of a French brasserie with weekly changing menus and a colourful cultural programme. Look forward to concerts, readings, stand-up comedy and live broadcasts of football matches. There is children's theatre and puppet shows for younger guests. The very special thing about Charlottchen is its inclusive concept. People with and without disabilities work together here - and so successfully that the Mosaik-Services Integrationsgesellschaft behind it, which endeavours to promote the social and professional inclusion of people with disabilities, has opened numerous other locations.
When: Tuesday to Friday from 4 pm, on weekends and public holidays from 10 am
Where: Droysenstraße 1, Charlottenburg
Tip 3: The Veronika Restaurant at Fotografiska combines art and enjoyment
Strolling through the Fotografiska exhibition with a glass of wine has been possible since the opening of the Veronika museum restaurant at the end of November. After the Café Bar and the Bakery, the restaurant is the third gastronomic offering of the Swedish photography museum, which has been housed in the former Kunsthaus Tacheles since September 2023. It is modelled on the Veronika Restaurant at Fotografiska New York. Lean back on the velvet-upholstered benches of the restaurant on the 4th floor and enjoy marinis with nibbles in the bar one floor up - served on an elegant gold tray.
When: Tuesday to Saturday from 5 pm until late (last reservation 10 pm)
Where: Oranienburger Straße 54, Mitte
Tip 4: Become an anime fan at the newly opened Manga Mafia
Manga fans have a new meeting place in Berlin. Manga Mafia on Karl-Liebknecht-Straße has been selling collectible figures, booklets, films, cushions, plushies, wall decorations and anime merchandise since the end of October. Cosplayers can kit themselves out with wigs, costumes and replicas.
Tip: You'll be especially welcome at the Merry Anime Fiesta at Sage Beach on 17 December if you're dressed up.
When: Monday to Friday 10.30am - 7pm, Saturday 10am - 7.30pm
Where: Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 13, Mitte
More tips for Japan fans in Berlin
Tip 5: Play ping pong balls at the Royal Table Tennis Club
It feels like there are table tennis tables on every street corner in Berlin. Now table tennis fans can also play in the cold season without freezing their fingers off. Since 23 November, the Royal Table Tennis Club at the Hotel Berlin, Berlin on Lützowplatz has been a new place to go for anyone who enjoys a game of table tennis. The ambience is upscale, with the finest wooden boards between time-honoured paintings. The Königlicher Tischtennis Klub is open to all Berliners and hotel guests, but at a royal price of five euros for 30 minutes per table. Ball and racket are included.
Tip: You can also hire the club room for your Christmas party.
When: Monday to Sunday 6 - 11 pm
Where: Lützowplatz 17, Mitte
More about the Hotel Berlin, Berlin
Tip 6: Immerse yourself in the world of books at Mouse & Bear Books
Admittedly, the dark winter time also has its nice sides, such as immersing yourself in a good book and letting your imagination run wild. You'll find the perfect reading for this at Mouse & Bear. The small, owner-run bookshop in Friedrichshain specialises in English and German books for children and young adults. The aim is to entice young readers to spend some quality time with their new favourite book. So stay a while to browse and read. Reading sessions, reading circles and small events round off the book programme. And for adult readers, there is a small, fine fiction section.
Tip: Next reading lesson with snowflake making on 2 December at 10.30 a.m.
When: Monday & Wednesday 11am - 7pm, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10am - 6pm, Saturday 11am - 5pm
Where: Boxhagener Straße 51, Friedrichshain
More bookshops in Berlin
Tip 7: Treat yourself to really good coffee at Caras Gourmet
Since 1989, Caras has stood for good coffee and delicious, healthy and handmade food from Berlin. With a new café on Kurfürstendamm, there are now six locations in Berlin. In addition to coffee and tea specialities, including cold brew, you can also get breakfast, sandwiches, cakes and pastries here.
When: Monday to Friday 7.30am - 7pm, Saturday 8.30am - 7pm, Sunday 9.30am - 7pm
Where: Kurfürstendamm 36, Charlottenburg
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Tip 8: Meet for brunch at the newly opened Soul Coffee
With a vintage atmosphere and a mix of pastries and Turkish specialities, Soul Coffee in Kreuzberg is perfect for a short break or a casual brunch. Enjoy delicious coffee, cakes, quiche and brunch platters with tasty dips.
When: Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm
Where: Großbeerenstraße 27a/corner of Hornstraße 1, Kreuzberg
More tips for brunch & breakfast in Berlin
Tip 9: Marvel at the pastry counter in the new Boutique de la Maison branch
With another bakery branch, Boutique de la Maison no longer just supplies you with fresh, crispy bread and delicious pastries on Paul-Linke-Ufer, but also on Urbanstraße since the end of October. All the delicacies are beautifully presented behind the glass panes at the long glass counter. It's not easy to choose, so it's best to try everything with lots of friends. Of course, you can also find lots more tips for sweet treats in Berlin on our website. How about cinnamon buns?
When: Monday to Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: Urbanstraße 70a, Kreuzberg
Tip 10: Get Mexican fast food at the newly opened Munchies in the Bergmannkiez neighbourhood
You may already be familiar with the delicious tacos and thickly topped brioche sandwiches from one of the food trucks that Munchies has been serving in Berlin so far. Now the expert for Mexican soul food has opened a permanent snack bar in the Bergmannkiez neighbourhood. From now on, you can get the famous Birria tacos here, as well as chicken, burgers and sandwiches dripping with melted cheese. And, of course, the delicious Tapatio Hot Sauce.
When: Monday to Sunday 2 - 10 pm
Where: Schenkendorfstraße 1, Kreuzberg
Tip 11: Snack on fresh and delicious food at Pret A Manger
With two new branches, Pret in Berlin serves you freshly prepared sandwiches, soups, salads and pastries. You can also find juices, smoothies and quark with fruit here. Perfect for a small snack in between - or for a coffee break. You will also find a large selection of vegetarian & vegan dishes.
When: Wednesday & Thursday 2pm - 9pm, Friday & Saturday 2pm - 1am (bar from 8pm - 1am), Sunday 9am - 9pm
Where: Friedrichstraße 69 and Neue Potsdamer Straße 2, Mitte
