Berlin also shows its colourful side on the third weekend of Advent: from intercultural theatre in Wedding and queer Christmas markets to wild artistry, festive choral music and magical boat tours on the Spree. Marvel at magical exhibitions and enjoy the cosy winter atmosphere - perfect for explorers of all ages who want to experience adventures during the Advent season!
Tip 1: Visit the Turkish-German Theatre Festival in Wedding
Theatre educator Ufuk Güldü founded Theater28 15 years ago. Today, the theatre workshop has long since developed into a central institution in Berlin's cultural scene and continues to promote integration and intercultural dialogue. With the Turkish-German Theatre Festival , this vision takes centre stage for the tenth time this weekend. At Ballhaus Prinzenallee, Theater28 will present an extraordinary eleven-day programme featuring big names, young voices and experimental narrative styles of Turkish theatre.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday at various times
Where: Ballhaus Prinzenallee, Prinzenallee 33, Wedding
Tip 2: Go diving in the Bubble Planet
From London to Singapore, the Bubble Planet fantasy museum has already generated enthusiasm all over the world - among families, groups of friends and solo visitors alike. This weekend, the interactive exhibition opens its doors at Arena Berlin . You can let off steam to your heart's content in twelve adventure worlds and forget the real world for a while. Strange virtual reality dream worlds, a huge ball pool, a shimmering infinity room and many other highlights await you in the barrier-free location!
When: Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Arena Berlin, Eichenstraße 4, Alt-Treptow
Tip 3: Enjoy waffles at the Qweer Winterfest
This weekend, the winter edition of the popular Qweer Fest will take place at the Hotel Berlin Berlin : The Qweer Winterfest. At this magical combination of queer culture and a pre-Christmas festive atmosphere, you can expect mulled wine, waffles, queer art, design pieces, jewellery, textiles, DJ music and an exuberant atmosphere. The: All proceeds will benefit the queer community and make it possible for this special safe space to make Christmas hearts beat faster again next year.
When: Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 9pm
Where: Hotel Berlin Berlin, Lützowplatz 17, Tiergarten
Tip 4: Experience winter magic under the tent in Tempelhof
Tempelhof also has its own Christmas market. Right next to Tempelhof harbour, the Winterzauber unterm Zelt takes place on Saturday. Here you will find classic Christmas market specialities such as mulled wine and hot chocolate, but above all you will encounter Berlin's creative spirit. Creativity and sustainability are the keywords that characterise this year's offerings. Stroll through the wintry market landscape and marvel at local handicrafts, colourful illustrations, upcycling products, natural cosmetics and many other treasures from the Tempelhof neighbourhood.
When: Saturday from 12 to 6 pm
Where: ufaFabrik, Viktoriastraße 10-18, Tempelhof
Tip 5: Explore the secrets of the Olympic Stadium on the Premium Tour
Since it was built for the 1936 Summer Olympics, Berlin's Olympic Stadium has seen a lot: more than 90 years of sporting history with highlights, defeats, euphoria and despair. Anyone interested can take a closer look this weekend and let an experienced tour guide take them on a premium tour of Hertha BSC's home ground . During the two-hour tour, you will learn everything you need to know about this unique place and take a look inside the public and private areas of the stadium.
When: Saturday and Sunday at 12pm and 1pm
Where: Olympiastadion Berlin Visitor Centre, Olympischer Platz 3, Westend
Tip 6: Experience fabulous art history at the Museum Barberini
Centaurs, dragons and Pegasus have been part of our collective imagination for thousands of years. But one particular mythical creature has particularly inspired artists throughout the centuries: the unicorn. At the Museum Barberini in Potsdam, the exhibition Unicorn. The mythical creature in art is dedicated to this mysterious equine creature. The exhibits follow its trail through the millennia. They range from Christian art and paintings from all over the world to the natural sciences and medicine. Embark on a legendary excursion to Potsdam and experience the unique magic of the unicorn in more than 150 works.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Museum Barberini, Humboldtstraße 5-6, Potsdam
Tip 7: Get in the mood with the big Christmas carol sing-along
Since the beginning of Advent, the main hall of the former Tempelhof Airport has been aglow with Christmas lights. On Sunday, the twinkling star above the entrance gate will show Berlin's singing talents the way. Together with the Vokalsystem choir, the ensemble of the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin and choirmaster Johannes David Wolff, the Great Christmas Singing will take place here. Whether alto, tenor or bass, with or without previous experience: Everyone is invited to sing along. Admission is free and the atmosphere is guaranteed to be unique. Sing your hearts out!
When: Sunday from 5 to 8 pm
Where: Tempelhof Airport, Platz der Luftbrücke 2, Tempelhof
Tip 8: Create a fantasy world with the interactive fairy tale
Here, theatre is created through the interplay of stage artists and audience. On Saturday afternoon, you can create and experience a unique theatre event for the whole family together with the improvisation theatre group Die Improvisionäre. Children from the age of four are invited to take their companions by the hand and transform the stage of the Brotfabrik into their very own fantasy world . Whether it's a fairytale forest, a lava pool or a spy office - the little guests set the tone and the improv visionaries follow!
When: Saturday at 4 pm
Where: Brotfabrik cinema, Caligariplatz 1, Weißensee
Tip 9: Enjoy Christmas magic on the Spree with mulled wine
The evening draws in above you, the Spree ripples below you and you warm your hands with a steaming cup of mulled wine: this boat tour is clearly aimed at connoisseurs. It starts at the Seminarschiff mooring in Moabit. From there, the boat sets sail on the Spree and heads towards the city's most beautiful sights. Snuggle up in the cosy interior of the ship or enjoy the fresh air on deck while Berlin Cathedral, the Reichstag building and the television tower pass by on the banks. This is Christmas magic on the Spree!
When: Saturday from 15:30
Where: Seminar ship berth, Alt-Moabit 91, Moabit
Tip 10: Explore On Water. WaterKnowledge in Berlin
At the Humboldt Forum this weekend, you can immerse yourself in water with dry feet: On Water. WasserWissen in Berlin shows how researchers from the Berlin University Alliance are rethinking the elixir of life. The exhibition combines scientific projects with artistic works that make it possible to experience water as a living force. Here it becomes clear that the investigation of a street puddle can provide similarly interesting insights as the long-term observation of a glacier. A special audio exhibition allows the scientists themselves to have their say. Experience new perspectives on ecological cycles, adaptability and the global challenges posed by water scarcity.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 to 18:30
Where: Humboldt Forum - Humboldt Laboratory, Schlossplatz, Mitte
Tip 11: Beware of the wolf at Chamäleon Berlin
At Chamäleon Berlin, the Australian company Circa brings the wild side of humanity to the stage with their performance Wolf . Ten acrobats chase, jump and balance through a dark forest landscape. They are accompanied by Ori Lichtik's intoxicating electro compositions. In two powerful acts, the initially chaotic play of the lone fighters transforms into a harmonious whole. As a pack of wolves , the dancers move spectacularly between dance and circus art. The performance shows that we have more in common with these animal mirror images than we realise. A strong breeze of wilderness blows into the tranquil Christmas season.
When: Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 6pm and 9.30pm, Sunday at 6pm
Where: Chamäleon Berlin in the Hackesche Höfe, Rosenthaler Straße 40-41, Mitte
Additional Tip: Attend a concert for a good cause
Doing good at Christmas time not only feels right, it also makes you happy. A wonderful example of this is the "Tafelmusik zum Advent" on 14 December at the Kraftwerk in Berlin. While the cold crackles outside, music warms the hearts inside: the Berlin Federal Police Orchestra invites you to a walking concert through the imposing industrial monument. The highlight? All proceeds go to the Berliner Tafel. So not only will you experience a unique sound and spatial experience, you will also be supporting an important social initiative.
When: 14 December, 3 to 6 pm
Where: Kraftwerk Berlin, Köpenicker Str. 70, Mitte
