Winter has Berlin firmly in its grip. But even when temperatures drop below zero, there are plenty of reasons to wrap up warm and explore the city! Indoors, Berlin offers moving operas, touching photography, thrilling dance and surprising comedy. We'll show you the best events for a snowy January weekend in Berlin.
Tip 1: 100 years of International Green Week – a feast for all the senses
In January, Berlin becomes a showcase for the global agricultural and food industry – and for a very special occasion: International Green Week is celebrating its 100th anniversary! Since 1926, this globally unique trade fair has been bringing together people with a passion for agriculture, horticulture, cuisine and sustainability. And even today, you can discover many exciting things on the subject at around 1,400 stands. One of the highlights is always the culinary tastings, some international, some regional specialities straight from the producers.
When: 16 to 25 January 2026, daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Berlin ExpoCenter City, Messedamm 22, Westend
Tip 2: "The Intimacy of Collision" – Dance against Orientalist Stereotypes
The premiere of the intimacy of collision as part of Tanztage Berlin 2026 is an intense, physical exploration of Oriental aesthetics. The three performers draw on traditional Middle Eastern dances such as dabke and baladi, using contemporary movement vocabularyto create a new form of dance that oscillates between seduction, solemnity and anger. Inspired by Oscar Wilde's "Salome" and the myth of the dance of the seven veils, the piece questions our Western perception of Orientalism.
When: Saturday 7 p.m. (premiere) & Sunday 5 p.m.
Where: Sophiensaele – Wedding Hall, Sophienstraße 18, Mitte
Tip 3: Last chance – Diane Arbus: Constellations
With over 450 photographs, the Gropius Bau is hosting the most comprehensive exhibition to date of the work of Diane Arbus, one of the most important photographic artists of the 20th century. Instead of a linear tour, the retrospective follows the principle of "constellation": you move through a photographic labyrinth, discovering connections, tensions and resonances between images that may seem unrelated at first glance, yet together form a multi-layered portrait of a society.
Diane Arbus photographed people who lived outside social norms: drag performers, nudists, circus people, outsiders – but also stars, children, couples and intellectuals. Her motifs are intimate, direct, unsparing and still highly relevant today.
When: until 18 January 2026, Monday to Friday 12 noon to 7 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays)
Where: Gropius Bau, Niederkirchnerstraße 7, Kreuzberg
Tip 4: Das kalte Herz (The Cold Heart) – an opera about longing, loss and dark forces
Composer Matthias Pintscher's new opera transforms Wilhelm Hauff's fairy tale of the same name into an intense musical theatre experience. In twelve scenes, the story unfolds of a man who gives up his heart to escape pain – and a woman who wants to win it back.
With powerful, sometimes overwhelming music, Pintscher brings to life the mystical atmosphere of the forest, inner turmoil and supernatural encounters. And director James Darrah, known for his visually striking productions that blend opera, theatre and film, works with his team to create a mysterious stage world that delves deep into human longings.
When: Friday 7.30 p.m.
Where: Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Unter den Linden 7, Mitte
Tip: 5 Tip: Aqua Party with Dizzy Disco – children's concert with depth and glitter
How about a trip to the sea in the cold Berlin winter? Together with Dizzy Disco, probably the most dance-loving dolphin on the music scene, you can dive into a wild sea adventure at this first Aqua Party album release party. The Ocean Crew 18 invites you to a wild interactive party with rousing tracks in which Dizzy sings about friendship, courage and environmental protection. So, put on your waterproofs and dance your heart out!
When: Sunday, 1 p.m.
Where: Maschinenhaus, Schönhauser Allee 36, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 6: SAABA / Minus 16 – Contemporary dance with electrifying energy
Two outstanding voices of contemporary dance come together this evening: Sharon Eyal and Ohad Naharin. Both are among the most influential choreographers of their generation internationally.
With Minus 16, Ohad Naharin brings one of his most famous choreographies to the stage. Since its premiere in 1999, it has thrilled audiences worldwide with its mixture of humour, joie de vivre and haunting physicality, accompanied by popular rhythms from Cuba and Israel. The evening is complemented by SAABA, a work by acclaimed choreographer Sharon Eyal. Her style is pulsating, hypnotic and to the point – supported by an electronic pop soundtrack by her long-time musical partner Ori Lichtik.
When: Friday, 7.30 p.m.
Where: Deutsche Oper, Bismarckstraße 35, Charlottenburg
Tip 7: Darkest Thoughts Comedy – Your thoughts, your laughs
Ready for comedy like you've never experienced before? Then head to Darkest Thoughts Comedy Berlin, the interactive late-night show at Zosch. Here, Berlin comedians don't bring prepared gags to the stage, but react directly to you with spontaneous stand-up.
The first part begins in a relaxed manner with a short talk by the host on various topics that are currently of interest. Afterwards, you have time during the break to write down your own thoughts on pieces of paper while enjoying a drink. And then you can look forward to seeing what the line-up of the Berlin stand-up scene improvises from them.
When: Friday, 11 p.m.
Where: Zosch, Tucholskystraße 30, Mitte
Tip 8: Last chance – Kinky Boots at the Admiralspalast
Fancy an evening full of glamour, glitz and good cheer? Then Kinky Boots at the Admiralspalast is just the ticket for you! The multi-award-winning Broadway musical brings rousing songs by Cyndi Lauper, colourful choreography and a touching story to the stage.
The story centres on Charlie Price, who takes over a dilapidated shoe factory after his father's death – and completely reinvents it with the help of the charismatic drag queen Lola. Instead of business shoes, he now produces extravagant, glittering boots for drag performers.It's not just about business, but also about self-acceptance, solidarity and the strength to go your own way. Perfect for a glamorous start to the New Year!
When: Friday 7.30 pm, Saturday 2.30 pm & 7.30 pm
Where: Friedrichstraße 101, Mitte
Tip 9: Travel to Antarctica with Polar Experience
Can't get enough of winter, but would like it to be a little warmer? Then go on an expedition with the research vessel Polarstern at the Polar Experience in the Arena Berlin. On this immersive journey, you will not only learn more about the Neumayer Station and Arctic research, but also encounter polar bears, see the Northern Lights and learn a lot about the fragility of these unique habitats and the importance of climate protection.
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. (depending on the time slot)
Where: Arena, Eichenstraße 4, Kreuzberg
Tip 11: BERLIN GLOBAL – The world in Berlin, Berlin in the world
What connects Berlin with the world – and the world with Berlin? The BERLIN GLOBAL exhibition at the Humboldt Forum invites you to discover exactly that. Covering 4,000 square metres , it presents a multimedia, contemporary portrait of a city that has always been in dialogue with the world: politically, culturally and historically.
In seven impressively staged themed rooms, you can immerse yourself in central aspects of Berlin's attitude to life: revolution, freedom, borders, pleasure, war, fashion and global interconnections. These keywords are brought to life through expansive installations, interactive experiences and powerful stories. Sometimes thought-provoking, sometimes entertaining – but always with an eye on the question: How has Berlin changed the world, and how has the world shaped Berlin?
When: Wednesday to Monday: 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays)
Where: Humboldt Forum, Schloßplatz, Mitte
Tip 11: INVISIBLE PEOPLE – Butoh, the invisible in the visible
Anyone interested in dance, Japanese culture or experimental cinema should not miss this special screening at the Lichtblick cinema. INVISIBLE PEOPLE by director Alisa Berger is an experimental documentary film about the Japanese dance form Butoh.
The film centres on Yoshito Ohno, son of Butoh co-founder Kazuo Ōno, who passed away during filming. Around him and other outstanding dancers, a multi-layered web of memories and philosophical reflections unfolds, inspired in part by the writings of the second Butoh pioneer, Tatsumi Hijikata. Director Alisa Berger will be present.
When: Saturday, 17 January 2026, 6:30 p.m. (including Q&A)
Where: Lichtblick Kino, Kastanienallee 77, Prenzlauer Berg
Here you can find more great tips for events in Berlin – whatever the weather.
