Winter Film Festival in the Nikolaiviertel
Christmas Market in Berlin from 16 November to 27 December 2026
“A Feuerzangenbowle has quite a kick! Not because of the hangover. That’s another story. A Feuerzangenbowle is not exactly a punch. It’s something between a drink and witchcraft. Beer sinks into the legs, wine stays on the tongue, liquor crawls into the brain. A Feuerzangenbowle, however, enters into your mind. Smooth and warm, it envelops the soul, takes away the heaviness of the earth and dissolves everything into mist and fog.” – Heinz Rühmann
Once again this year, right up until Christmas, everything around the square by St Nicholas’ Church will revolve around *Feuerzangenbowle* – both in cinematic and culinary terms. Twice a week on weekdays and three times at the weekend, you can enjoy the film starring Heinz Rühmann for free in the Nikolaiviertel, whilst relaxing on cosy sofas and armchairs.
Do treat yourself to a traditional Feuerzangenbowle…
Whilst watching the legendary film *Die Feuerzangenbowle*, you simply mustn’t be without a cup of Feuerzangenbowle in your hand. Traditionally, this high-proof hot drink – made from red wine and fine spices – is prepared in a large copper cauldron. As rum-soaked, burning sugar cones drip, the melting sugar falls into the warming punch.
Do you happen to have the surname Pfeiffer – with three Fs? If so, you’re a guest of honour at the Winter Film Festival in the Nikolaiviertel and, in the spirit of the film, you’ll receive a free cup of Feuerzangenbowle every hour upon presentation of your ID card.
Berlin’s cosiest winter market
Nostalgic market stalls and festive lighting all around Nikolaikirchplatz, along with all sorts of culinary delights, make a visit to Berlin’s cosiest winter market the perfect experience for the whole family.
Stress-free Christmas shopping in the Nikolaiviertel
The cosy pedestrian zone in the historic heart of Berlin, with its small shops and cafés, also invites you to enjoy a stress-free Christmas stroll. From handicrafts from the Ore Mountains to antiques, art galleries, jewellery, fashion, speciality teas and decorations, right through to fabrics and handmade soaps. There’s plenty to discover here.
The highlights of the Winter Film Festival in the Nikolaiviertel
- Classic film ‘Die Feuerzangenbowle’
- Feuerzangenbowle
- Guided tours
- Open until after Christmas
- Free Feuerzangenbowle for guests with the surname Pfeiffer
Our tips for your visit to the Winter Film Festival in the Nikolaiviertel
Settle down with a cosy cup of Feuerzangenbowle whilst watching the film, then visit Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island or the many other sights in Mitte. Bring along your friends whose surname is Pfeiffer (spelt with three ‘f’s’); they’ll get a free cup of Feuerzangenbowle every hour! Have a look around the Nikolaiviertel – it’s the perfect spot for a stress-free Christmas stroll, where you’ll almost forget you’re actually in Berlin.
Opening times and admission prices
- Dates: 16 November to 27 December 2026 (closed on Christmas Eve)
- Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 12 noon – 9 pm, Friday to Sunday 12 noon – 10 pm
- Film: weekdays at 5 pm and 7.30 pm; Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm, 5 pm and 7.30 pm
- Admission is free
How to get there
The Winter Film Festival takes place in front of St Nicholas’ Church in Berlin’s historic heart, the Nikolaiviertel. We recommend travelling by public transport.
- Bus: 248 , M48, N42 to Nikolaiviertel & 248, M48, N8, N40, N42, N65 to Berliner Rathaus
- S-Bahn: S3, S5, S7, S9, S75 to Alexanderplatz
- Underground: U2 Klosterstraße station & U2, U5, U8 Alexanderplatz
Experience even more Christmas magic in Berlin
Would you like to make the Christmas season in Berlin even more magical? Then discover the sparkling worlds of light at ‘Christmas at the Tierpark’ and the‘Christmas Garden’ in the Botanical Gardens. Look forward to impressive light installations, atmospheric soundscapes and unforgettable moments for the whole family. Book your tickets now!