Christmas Eve in Berlin doesn't have to mean being banished to the sofa and waiting for the presents to arrive. We have put together 11 tips for Christmas Eve for anyone who wants to be out and about on 24 December, meet people or simply immerse themselves in Berlin's cultural and nightlife scene. Whatever you decide to do: The editorial team at visitBerlin wishes you a Merry Christmas!
Tip 1: Pass the time with an immersive exhibition
Immerse yourself in the world of one of the greatest geniuses in human history on Christmas Eve. The immersive exhibition "The Last Supper - Leonardo da Vinci" in Berlin makes just that possible! In a multimedia tour, you can discover Leonardo da Vinci's iconic work in a completely new way: 360° projections, sound spaces, interactive stations and an original large art print make the visit a real feast for the mind and heart.
Incidentally, the original fresco "The Last Supper" is located in the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, where visitors can only view it under strictly controlled conditions. Painted directly on the wall, the picture is very fragile. The decay of the fresco can currently only be slowed down, not stopped. A visit to the immersive Berlin exhibition is therefore a great alternative to a visit to Milan.
When: 24 December, 10 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Parochialkirche, Klosterstraße 67, Mitte
Tip 2: Pay a visit to the animals in the Tierpark or Zoo
Set off on a magical walk through Tierpark or Zoo Berlin, where winter wildlife and a magical atmosphere await you. On the Advent and winter tours, you can discover the animals in their cosy winter quarters or observe them during special feedings. The guides will tell you exciting stories about the life of the animals in the cold season - from polar bears to penguins, which feel particularly at home in winter.
When: 24 December, at 11 am (German)
Where: Tierpark Berlin, Am Tierpark 125, Lichtenberg | Zoo Berlin, Hardenbergplatz 8, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Tip 3 : Experience contemplative organ music in St Mary's Church
Be enchanted by the majestic sounds of the organ in St Mary's Church on Christmas Eve. The traditional organ music on Christmas Eve invites you to spend 24 December in a devout and contemplative mood. In the historic church, which is one of the oldest in Berlin, a unique sound space unfolds, making the festive music even more impressive. The programme includes classical Christmas pieces and works by great composers that touch the heart and make the meaning of Christmas tangible.
When: 9 pm, admission free
Where: St. Marienkirche Mitte, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße, Mitte
The moving story about courage, self-development and solidarity guarantees the best entertainment and provides unforgettable moments with rousing songs by world star Cyndi Lauper and spectacular choreography.
Tip 4: Take a trip to Potsdam
Would you like to use the peace and quiet of Christmas Eve to get inspired? Then discover the magical world of one of the most fascinating mythical creatures at the Museum Barberini: the unicorn. The special exhibition with over 100 works from several millennia will amaze you and make you dream. International loans, including masterpieces from Amsterdam, Madrid and Vienna, give you a multifaceted view of the mythical animal: as a saviour, natural wonder or projection screen for human desires. And somehow the wondrous unicorn is also very Christmassy.
When: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Museum Barberini, Alter Markt - Humboldtstraße 5-6, Potsdam
exhibition at the Barberini
Tip 5: Watch the Christmas story as a theatre play
A particularly humorous and heart-warming version of the biblical Christmas story for the whole family awaits you at the Galli Children's Theatre in Berlin on Christmas Eve. The story is not only told, but also acted, sung and even participated in! Children can become part of the action as Mary and Joseph wander through bustling Bethlehem, angels appear and shepherds follow the shining star. The production is full of humour and charm, but remains true to the classic tale.
When: 24 December, 11am and 1pm (German)
Where: Galli Theatre Berlin, Oranienburger Straße 32
Tip 6: Enjoy the view over Berlin
Take a quick 365-degree look over Berlin before Father Christmas arrives. In just 40 seconds, the lift will take you to the viewing platform of the Berlin TV Tower, from where you can admire the capital from above. At the top, display boards with panoramic shots will help you get your bearings. To make sure you can enjoy the Christmas view, book a time slot in advance.
When: 10 am to 2.30 pm
Where: Berlin TV Tower, Panoramastraße 1a, Mitte
Tip 7: Dance through the KnusperHouse at Club Renate
Knusper Knusper Knäuschen is the name of the game on Christmas Eve at Club Renate's KnusperHouse. If you want to experience Berlin from its wildest and most creative side at Christmas , Club Renate is the place to be. With its unique blend of Berlin underground vibes, artistic interiors and a pulsating electronic sound, this club attracts revellers from all over the world. You can lose yourself to the beats of international and local DJs on several floors.
When: from 11 pm
Where: Club Renate, Alt-Stralau 70, Friedrichshain Kreuzberg
Tip 8: Don't let your last-minute shopping get you down
On 24 December, many shops are open until 2 pm. So take a deep breath and don't panic. A hot tip is the KaDeWe on Wittenbergplatz: here you will find everything your heart desires on several floors - from fine perfumes and high-quality fashion to exquisite delicacies. The impressive festive decorations provide an atmospheric Christmas backdrop. On Christmas Eve, you can hunt for presents here from 9 am to 2 pm. Not far away is the Bikini Berlin concept mall, where you can also find what you're looking for on 24 December from 10 am to 2 pm.
When: until 2 pm
Where: Various locations in Berlin
Tip 9: Pass the time until Christmas eve at the DDR Museum
Take a trip back in time on Christmas Eve and get to know the world and history of the GDR. At the GDR Museum, you can immerse yourself in the everyday life of the German Democratic Republic: from the prefabricated kitchen to the original living room.
A real highlight of the exhibition is the detailed model of the Palace of the Republic. On a scale of 1:125 and measuring an impressive 200 x 130 centimetres, it brings the GDR's lost landmark impressively back to the present day. And when you leave the museum, you can see where the Palace of the Republic once stood just a stone's throw away.
When: 4 December, 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 1, Mitte
Tip 10: Smile about Kaminer's Christmas and the secret life of the Germans
If you don't want to spend Christmas Eve in quiet contemplation, but with a twinkle in your eye and clever observations, you shouldn't miss the reading by Wladimir Kaminer . Under the title "Kaminer's Christmas and the Secret Life of Germans" , the bestselling author invites you to an entertaining evening full of bizarre stories and subtle humour. Kaminer takes a lovingly ironic look at German idiosyncrasies and opens our eyes to the absurd in everyday life.
When: 24 December, 9 pm (German)
Where: Volksbühne - Großes Haus, Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz, Mitte
Tip 11 : Visit the Computer Games Museum
The Computer Games Museum also opens its doors on 24 December and invites you to discover the fascinating world of technological developments in the gaming sector. The Computer Games Museum Berlin offers you just that: a nostalgic and interactive journey through the history of video games. Here you can discover classics such as "Pong" or "Tetris", play on historical consoles or explore virtual realities. The museum is an exciting experience for gaming fans of all ages.
When: 24 December, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Karl-Marx-Allee 93a, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
