The period between Christmas and New Year's Eve is usually a quiet time: the Christmas presents have been unwrapped and the stollen eaten. Some are still organising their New Year's Eve party and looking for the fondue set, others use the time for a personal review of the year. but of course there is also a lot going on on Berlin's stages between the years. We have put together 11 highlights of theatre plays, operas, concerts and annual reviews for you.
Tip 1: See a timeless classic - The Threepenny Opera
Brecht's "ThreepennyOpera" is a play that never loses its topicality. The famous story about the gangster Macheath and the beggar bosses of London's underworld is a brilliant piece of musical theatre with unforgettable songs such as the "Moritat von Mackie Messer". Experience how the director and ensemble at Berliner Ensemble breathe new life into this masterpiece by Brecht and Weill: biting, political and incredibly entertaining.
When: 25 & 26 December
Where: Berliner Ensemble, Bertolt-Brecht-Platz 1, Mitte
Tip 2: Immerse yourself in a polarising painting - DAS LETZTE ABENDMAHL
Experience a masterpiece of art history in a new light. The famous painting in St Matthew's Church is brought to life with"THE LAST EVENING MEAL". The multimedia installation places Leonardo da Vinci's work in a new context, invites you to contemplate it intensively and inspires you to reflect on betrayal, community and human abysses. An intense and contemplative experience that fits perfectly into the post-Christmas period.
When: 25 - 29 December & 31 December
Where: St Matthew's Church, Matthäikirchplatz, Tiergarten
Tip 3: Become a Berlin Understander at BERLIN GLOBAL
What makes Berlin what it is? The "BERLIN GLOBAL" exhibition at the Humboldt Forum takes you on a captivating journey through the metropolis' complex past and present. You can explore the city and contribute your own perspectives in various interactive themed rooms, from war, migration or queerness to Berlin fashion worlds.
When: 27 - 29 December
Where: Humboldt Forum, Schloßplatz 1, Mitte
Tip 4: Enjoy Vivaldi's Four Seasons in a festive atmosphere
Bring the year to a close with a highlight of classical music . The Dresden Residence Orchestra presents Vivaldi's famous "The Four Seasons" in an atmospheric performance. The virtuoso violin concertos are a tribute to nature and its cycles, a perfect, emotional end to the year 2025.
When: 28 December 2025
Where: French Cathedral, Gendarmenmarkt, Mitte
Tip 5: Visit the exhibition on nature, faith and power
The German Historical Museum presents you with an exciting journey through German history and focuses on the changing understanding of nature. The special exhibition"Nature and German History. Faith - Biology - Power" sheds light on how our view of water, forests and meadows has been instrumentalised by everything from romantic reverence to political ideologies. Discover why and how nature became a mirror of German identity.
With the interactive guided tour"Of water, forest and meadow" for children aged 6 and over, you can go on a discovery tour with the whole family.
When: (guided tour) 28 December, 2 - 3 pm, (exhibition) 25 - 31 December
Where: German Historical Museum, Pei Bau, Hinter dem Gießhaus 3, Mitte
Tip 6: A new look at Vincent van Gogh - between madness and wonder
This elaborate multi-media show takes you into the fascinating and tragic world of the exceptional artist Vincent van Gogh. Be fascinated by his most famous works - from "Starry Night" to the sunflowers - presented as 360° experiences. The exhibition sheds light on the genius and madness of the painter and allows you to experience his visionary power at first hand.
When: 25 - 31 December
Where: Alte Münze, Molkenmarkt 2, Mitte
Tip 7: Experience a riot of colour and photographic art at BUBBLE PLANET
Immerse yourself in a world of more than 15 interactive rooms that will enchant you with dazzling installations, optical illusions and a sea of colour. In the BUBBLE PLANET, you can playfully experience and explore the boundaries between reality and fantasy. From giant balls to mirrored chambers: Each room is a unique photo motif and invites you to become part of the artwork yourself.
When: 26 - 28 December & 30 & 31 December
Where: BUBBLE PLANET, Eichenstraße 4, Treptow
Tip 8: Learn more about the "economy of scarcity"
The DDR Museum presents a captivating new installation as part of the permanent exhibition. "Economy of Scarcity" sheds light on how scarcity, whether consciously staged or real, shaped society and politics in Germany. A deep insight into everyday life and survival strategies that encourages reflection on politics, consumption and distribution.
When: 25 - 31 December
Where: DDR Museum, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 1, Mitte
Tip 9: Be fascinated by a mythical creature - the unicorn
Immerse yourself in the enigmatic and dazzling world of probably the most mysterious mythical creature. The Museum Barberini dedicates a fascinating exhibition to the unicorn. From its depiction on medieval tapestries to modern art , the unicorn has inspired people for centuries. Discover how the animal symbolising purity, power and the unattainable has been depicted in different eras and the myths surrounding its horn. A dazzling display of paintings, sculptures and curiosities.
When: 24 - 29 December & 31 December
Where: Museum Barberini, Humboldtstraße 5-6, Potsdam
Tip 10: Feel human closeness at "Close Enough"
The "Close Enough" exhibition at C/O Berlin gives you fascinating insights into human closeness and distance. It brings together works that show intimate portraits, everyday observations and social snapshots and plays with the question of how close we can and want to get to each other in our modern world. Discover how artists capture the complexity of interpersonal relationships in a way that is both sensitive and exciting.
When: 25 - 30 December
Where: C/O Berlin, Hardenbergstraße 22-24, Charlottenburg
Tip 11: Indulge in glamour and pleasure at PALAZZO Berlin
Say goodbye to the year with a pinch of extravagance! The PALAZZO Dinner Show is more than just a dinner. It is an intoxicating mixture of top acrobatics, comedy, music and an exquisite four-course menu. Experience the "Unikate" show in the stylish ambience of the Spiegelpalast.
An evening that will tantalise all your senses and whisk you away into a glittering world of illusion.
When: 26 - 29 December & 31 December
Where: PALAZZO Spiegelpalast, Hertzallee 41, Charlottenburg
Additional tip: Theatre time for the whole family at the GRIPS Theatre
At the end of the year, the GRIPS Theatre traditionally awaits you with a lovingly curated family programme. Experience places full of fantasy, humour and heart - perfect for a time-out with your loved ones.
Things get particularly turbulent with "Zum Glück viel Geburtstag" - a play for ages 6 and up about a children's birthday party that does pretty much everything but go according to plan. Between sack races, tears and lots of chaos, the play shows how wonderfully imperfect family moments can be.
For younger music fans, the stage is set for "The Millibillies - A Fabulous Concert"! This musical highlight with the best GRIPS children's hits will have you rocking and singing along.
There are also strong theatre moments for older children and adults: "Das Heimatkleid" (from 16 years) tells the story of Claire in an impressive solo, who falls into dangerous political abysses in a seemingly idyllic house community network. A gripping examination of fake news and right-wing ideology - highly topical and profound.
When: 27 December 2025 to 4 January 2026
Where: GRIPS Hansaplatz, Altonaer Straße 22, Tiergarten; GRIPS Podewil, Klosterstraße 68, Mitte
