Sustainability in winter? The cycle paths are icy and nature is in hibernation, so at first glance it's not so easy. Nevertheless, there are numerous sustainable activities in Berlin in winter too. So don't put your environmental awareness on ice during the colder months of the year. Discover sustainable winter activities in the capital with these 11 tips.
Tip 1: Enjoy the programme at the Radialsystem
Originally built as a pumping station for Berlin's water supply, the building now serves as a platform for interdisciplinary projects and performances. Dance, music, performance and other art forms come together here to create a unique experience for visitors. Let yourself be captivated by the dance performance "Kreatur", for example, or attend interesting discussion rounds on the subject of curatorial and artistic practice with changing guests.
The cherry on top: this location holds the Sustainable Berlin sustainability certificate. This means that it fulfils high standards with regard to the environment, the treatment of employees and corporate governance.
When: Programme mostly Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: Holzmarktstraße 33, Friedrichshain
Tip 2: Put a smile on children's faces
Until 4 January 2026, you have the opportunity to make children and young people from the Elisabethstift, the Adalbertstraße family centre and ARCHE happy. Especially at Christmas time, every sign of affection counts double.
Here's how it works: Choose a wish list in the foyer of the Tempodrom or online (still to be made available), get the right gift, wrap it lovingly and bring it - well labelled - by or send it by post. The Tempodrom collects all gifts and presents them to the organisations in a bundle.
When: 23 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, no gift delivery during the holidays
Where: Tempodrom, Möckernstraße 10, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Tip 3: Immerse yourself in an icy polar experience
The multimedia exhibition "ClimateXtremes - Polar Experience" takes you on an impressive journey to the Arctic and Antarctic. With the help of state-of-the-art technology, impressive soundscapes and interactive exhibits, you can experience the fascinating nature, wildlife and research of these extreme climate zones. The interactive "Act Now" room motivates you to act in an environmentally friendly way by giving you small tips with a big impact. In the impressive setting of the exhibition, these impulses will reach you on a whole new level.
When: Until 6 April 2026
Where: Arena Berlin, Eichenstr. 4, Treptow-Köpenick
Tip 4: Crafting during the Christmas season
Berlin offers you many opportunities to make your pre-Christmas crafting dreams come true and prepare gifts with love. Especially during the hectic Advent season, creative crafting gives you a moment of peace and makes you look forward to Christmas.
DIY projects are booming in Berlin all year round. There is hardly any other place where you will find so many opportunities for upcycling, material exchanges, courses and workshops. If you do have two left hands, why not visit a creative design market or concept store and buy other people's successful works of art?
Tip 5: Get to the bottom of the water
In winter, we are often confronted with water, which ideally trickles down in the form of tranquil snowflakes. In the exhibition "On Water. WasserWissen in Berlin" exhibition, you can literally immerse yourself even deeper and familiarise yourself with the latest findings on the basis of all life in an entertaining way. In addition to current research projects, the exhibition also presents artistic positions that deal with the topic. A well-rounded overall package.
When:Wednesdays to Mondays from 10:30 - 18:30
Where: Humboldt Forum: Humboldt Laboratory, 1st floor, Schlossplatz, Mitte
To the exhibition
Tip 6: Don't miss out on a visit to the market even in winter
Sheltered from the wind and weather, market halls are a great place for a relaxed stroll, especially in winter. Discover the lively Markthalle Neun on Street Food Thursday, have an espresso in the Markthalle Tegel, enjoy your Sunday brunch in the Arminiusmarkthalle or buy organic produce in the Marheineke Markthalle. What they all have in common is that you will find fresh seasonal produce and a lively market atmosphere.
Tip 7: Clear your head on a winter hike
If you want to get your feet wet just before the holidays, you can get a breath of fresh winter air on a hike at the Hahneberg nature conservation centre . For around three hours , you will walk together through the wintry countryside, past meadows, hedgerows and small forests. Discover what is still green in December and which birds can be heard in winter. The hike covers around 8 to 9 kilometres through varied terrain. Weatherproof clothing and comfortable shoes are a must.
When: 20 December, 1 to 4 p.m. (registration required)
Where: Hahneberg nature conservation centre, Heerstr. 549, Spandau
Tip 8: Visit the Qweer Winter Festival
Spend a harmonious and Christmassy afternoon at the Qweer Winterfest at the Hotel Berlin, Berlin. This is where the queer community meets and celebrates the pre-Christmas season with art, design, mulled wine and music . There is hardly a better place to celebrate colourful togetherness in December. The Hotel Berlin, Berlin is also certified with Sustainable Berlin. So it's a thoroughly worthy cause that you should definitely visit.
When: 13 and 14 December, 1 to 9 pm
Where: Hotel Berlin, Berlin, Lützowplatz 17, Mitte
Tip 9: Discover products from Berlin manufactories and studios
Take your time and discover unique products from Berlin manufactories. The variety of goods made in Berlin will surprise you. From beautiful handmade ceramics to heavenly popcorn and eco-friendly cosmetics, you'll find everything you need. Best of all, your shopping trip supports the local economy. This means that your money goes to Berlin companies and not to large international chains.
Tip 10: Go to a public hearing
Climate justice in court: at the "People's Court for Climate Trials" at HAU1, the stage becomes a tribunal. Under the motto "On Planetary Justice", activists and plaintiffs from all over the world bring to light climate crimes that often go unheard. The English-language format combines art, activism and jurisprudence and creates a space for collective learning, exchange and empowerment.
When: 29 November
Where: HAU Hebbel am Ufer - HAU1, Stresemannstraße 29 A, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
a public hearing
Tip 11: Get to know Lichtenberg from a creative perspective
The Lichtenberg pop-up store transforms the Allee-Center Berlin into a lively exhibition space. Creative minds from the district showcase their work here: painting, design, furniture, jewellery and unique handmade items come together. Workshops, talks and hands-on activities invite you to get active and get in touch with the creative minds. You can find the current programme and information on all participating artists here.
When: Until 13 December
Where: Allee-Center Berlin, Landsberger Allee 277, Lichtenberg
