Two new major events are bringing fresh energy to Berlin this November. Around the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the inaugural Berlin Freedom Week will transform the entire city into an international stage for voices championing freedom and democracy. Meanwhile, the Berlin HipHop Ball at the Rotes Rathaus makes a powerful statement for diversity.
Over on Maaßenstrasse, a newly unveiled rainbow now brightens the asphalt — a lasting symbol of inclusion. And as the festive season approaches, new Christmas markets, ice rinks, and art installations are adding a touch of sparkle to the city. Here are 11 new openings you’ll want to share!
Tip 1: First Berlin Freedom Week sets an example for democracy & freedom
From 8 to 15 November 2025, Berlin will host the very first Berlin Freedom Week — a new city-wide festival dedicated to freedom, democracy, and human rights. Marking the 36th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the city will become an international stage for bold voices, courageous ideas, and shared visions of a free world.
Whether through talks, art events, or interactive formats, Berlin Freedom Week will transform the capital into a living laboratory for social innovation. The week invites everyone to take part — to listen, exchange ideas, and help shape an open, just, and sustainable society.
Tip: The central event of the week is the Berlin Freedom Conference on 10 November 2025.
When: 8 to 15 November 2025
Where: various locations in Berlin
Tip 2: Berlin’s First HipHop Ball Debuts at the Rotes Rathaus
A ball like no other — and a Berlin first. On 15 November, the renowned HipHop Ball, originally from Vienna, will take over the Rotes Rathaus, bringing urban culture to one of the city’s most symbolic venues.
Blending established artists with emerging talents, the event embodies a new cultural spirit: it shines a light on what is often marginalised and gives the urban scene a stage usually reserved for official ceremonies.
Graffiti meets gala, rap meets red carpet. The dress code? A stylish mix of elegance and streetwear — trainers with suits and ball gowns are an absolute must!
When: 15 November 2025, from 5 pm
Where: Rotes Rathaus, Rathausstraße 15, Mitte
Tip 3: New Christmas markets in Berlin
New ice rink at Dark Matter
Dark Matter ushers in the Christmas season with a dazzling new winter highlight. This year, visitors can glide into winter beneath a glowing canopy of 600 floating Christmas trees — an illuminated art installation set above a 400-square-metre ice rink.
There’s plenty of space in the Transformer Hall, also a relatively new art venue, to soak up the festive atmosphere. Enjoy the Forest Winterlights with mulled wine and seasonal snacks. The monumental light installation by Berlin artist Christopher Bauder is this time accompanied by an original composition from Dutch musician Chris Kuijten — creating a truly immersive winter experience.
When: 7 November 2025 to 15 February 2026
Where: Köpenicker Chaussee 46, Lichtenberg
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!
Dine on porcelain at the new luxury Christmas market at KaDeWe
With the new Christmas market directly in front of the world-famous KaDeWe department store, Christmas shopping in City West will be even more festive this year. In keeping with the backdrop of the luxury department stores', the stalls will mainly offer high-quality designer items and handicrafts.
The new luxury Christmas market also aims to score points with high-quality street food served on porcelain crockery . And the Neuköllner Bergbrauerei brewery will be brewing its own winter beer for the new Christmas market. Mulled wine will of course also be available.
When: 24 November 2025 to 1 January 2026
Where: Wittenbergplatz, City West
Ice skating in the new winter quarters in the Napoleon complex
Twinkling lights, a real ice rink and street food in an industrial setting: The Napoleon Complex on the former Deutsche Bahn site is being transformed into an urban winter wonderland for the first time. Indoor ice skating, ice disco, curling and a Christmas market with mulled wine and a cultural programme make the winter quarter a festive hot spot in the heart of Friedrichshain.
When: 29 November to 30 December 2025
Where: Modersohnstraße 35, Friedrichshain
Tip 4: Discover art & new perspectives at Checkpoint Charlie
A place of division becomes a place of encounter: with the Notagallery Art Embassy, contemporary art is moving into a listed building directly at Checkpoint Charlie - for the time being until 20 January 2026. Artists from various countries will present paintings, sculptures, textiles and installations on three floors and over 2,000 square metres. The aim is to create an open atmosphere to make young talents visible, but also to promote collaboration and exchange. Look forward to art, music, fashion and exciting events.
In our visitBerlin podcast Berlin Unboxed on the topic of interim use: New spaces for the city, we will introduce you to other exciting projects.
When: until 20 January 2026
Where: Friedrichstraße 210, Kreuzberg
Tip 5: Experience art at Colorb(l)ind
Have you always wanted to paint on walls? Then Colorb(l)ind is the right place for you. Here you can create a large-scale mural together, where team spirit and intuition are required. Using brushes, sponges and lots of artistic creativity, you will fill abstract shapes on the wall projection with colour until you end up with a jointly designed work of art. A great, immersive community experience
When: regular events, opening times vary depending on the event
Where: Reinickendorfer Straße 109, Wedding
Tip 6: Klippo invites you to tapas and mountain beer
The red bar at the newly opened Klippo in Friedenau is a real eye-catcher. The team has redesigned the rooms with great attention to detail. Now you can expect a bright, hip location that serves delicious coffee and tasty snacks from 12 noon. It's best to come back in the evening and enjoy local mountain beer, natural wine, perfectly balanced cocktails and delicious tapas.
When: daily from 12 noon
Where: Handjerystraße 55, Friedenau
Tip 7: New model area TXL 2025 brings club culture to the runway
Where in-flight meals used to be prepared, a future venue for Berlin club culture is being created: in the centre of the former Tegel Airport, the TXL model area is developing an open space for music, art and urban practice. New forms of cultural participation are being developed here between the taxiway view and 1970s architecture.
The outdoor area around the catering building was already used in September 2023, and now the indoor areas can also be used. And on the last weekend of November, the Khisdapaze collective invites you to a winter market .
When: Summer Closing 18 October and Winter Market on 29 & 30 November
Where: Building I (Alte Frachtkantine), Tegel Airport 1, Tegel
Tip 8: From the simple to the good, now new in Wilmersdorf
Hand-picked cheeses, fine salami, wines full of character: Vom Einfachen das Gute brings its philosophy of responsible food culture to West Berlin. The new branch on Olivaer Platz is a paradise for connoisseurs who appreciate authenticity, quality and craftsmanship. Every product here tells a story - from people who produce with passion.
When: Monday to Friday 7.30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 7.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Dining room opening hours Monday to Saturday 7.30 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Where: Olivaer Platz 18, Wilmersdorf
Tip 9: Get street food from Gaziantep at Eberswalder underground station
In the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city, Dönerbse serves a culinary insider tip from Turkey: the Nohut-Dürüm. Filled with roasted chickpeas, herbs and lots of flavour, this street food from Gaziantep brings a breath of fresh air to the Berlin snack scene. Ideal for anyone who wants a quick, vegetarian and unusual meal.
When: Daily 11 a.m. to midnight, on public holidays 1 p.m. to 1 a.m
Where: Eberswalder Straße underground station (staircase exit), Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 10: New rainbow artwork in Schöneberg
Maaßenstraße in Schöneberg is sending out a powerful signal for visibility and diversity: since the end of August, a 120 square metre rainbow artwork has adorned the asphalt - visible from afar, even from the underground. The painting celebrates the queer community and emphasises the importance of the rainbow neighbourhood as a place of openness and encounters.
When: anytime
Where: Maaßenstraße, Schöneberg
Tip 11: SORI Ramen: New hotspot for Japanese noodle soups
SORI Ramen is a stylish new addition for all ramen fans on Wisbyer Straße. The team serves original Japanese broths with great dedication and invites you into a warm, detailed ambience. Whether for lunch or dinner - comfort food becomes an experience here.
When: Opens on 21 October 2025
daily 12 - 3 pm & 5 - 10 pm (kitchen closes 30 minutes before)
Where: Wisbyer Straße 3, Prenzlauer Berg
