The year is slowly but surely drawing to a close - but of course Berlin still has plenty to offer on the last weekends before Christmas. In our weekend tips, we show you a very cosy location among all the Berlin Christmas markets, we celebrate the temporary departure from a famous cinema, enjoy Christmas music and ballet performances - and delicacies in a restaurant high above the rooftops of the city.
Tip 1: Get to know the Special Olympics athletes at Drei, Zwei, Eins
Last year, a very special sporting event took place in Berlin: the Special Olympics World Games. At this inclusive event, athletes with intellectual disabilities gave their best and showed what they can achieve in sport. The photo exhibition Three, Two, One at Charlottenburg Palace shows photographs of athletes with trisomy 21 that were taken during the Special Olympics. It aims to break down prejudices and show the athletes for what they are: People with a very special portion of ambition, warmth and athletic ability.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: Charlottenburg Palace, Spandauer Damm 10-22, Charlottenburg
Tip 2: Say goodbye to the Arsenal cinema
The Arsenal cinema is moving: after almost 24 years at Potsdamer Platz, it's time for a new home. And the cinema has found it in the silent green Kulturquartier in Wedding. So if you want to make yourself comfortable in a cinema seat at Potsdamer Platz and enjoy selected films with popcorn and a cool drink, now is the last chance. Because the move will take a while - no more films will be shown on the Arsenal screen until the beginning of 2026.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: Arsenal cinema, Potsdamer Straße 2, Mitte
Farewell to Arsenal Potsdamer Platz
Tip 3: Be enchanted by Swan Lake
Few other ballets are as much a part of the Christmas season as Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. The magical tale of the enchanted swan princess, the prince and the magician Red Beard is a guarantee for festive cheer and ballet enjoyment. At the Theater am Potsdamer Platz, you can experience the famous piece in the production of the Grand Classic Ballet with a top-class cast and elaborate stage design. The best conditions for a very special Christmas experience.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: Theater am Potsdamer Platz, Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 1, Mitte
Tip 4: Visit the baby animals & pandas at Zoo Berlin
A little bit of fresh air and sunshine is also a must during the Advent season - because Berlin's winter is known to be particularly stingy with the latter. So if you're looking for a good reason to get off the couch or the kids want to experience a little adventure, a trip to the zoo is just the thing. Around 20,000 animal inhabitants await you here and perfect conditions for a long walk. So get out and say hello to the pandas and elephants!
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4.30pm
Where: Berlin Zoo, Hardenbergplatz 8, Tiergarten
Tip 5: Get in the mood for Christmas at the Harlem Gospel Night
Definitely: without the Golden Gospel Pearls in Schöneberg's Apostel-Paulus-Kirche, the Christmas season would be missing something! Anyone who is nodding their head right now should make a note of the dates for this weekend in their diary. Because the singers led by choirmaster Donna Brown will be performing four concerts from Friday to Sunday with classics such as Amazing Grace, Down by the Riverside and The First Noel. The contemplative atmosphere in the time-honoured brick church will do the rest to ensure you get into the Christmas spirit.
When: Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 4pm and 8pm and Sunday at 8pm
Where: Apostel-Paulus-Kirche, Grunewaldstraße 77A, Schöneberg
Tip 6: Make creative ceramic gifts yourself
There's nothing better than giving homemade gifts at Christmas. That's what Peter and Christine from P. & C. | Studio Ceramics and are therefore offering workshops where you can make your own ceramic gifts this weekend. The Do it Yourself programme includes various courses on making plates or vases. You will receive expert guidance at all workshops and, in addition to your own creations, you will also take home a lot of knowledge and know-how about pottery.
When: Friday at 6 pm and Sunday at 4.30 pm
Where: P. & C. | Studio Ceramics, Wiebestraße 40, Moabit
Tip 7: Dine at the Baret restaurant above the rooftops of the city
The Baret is a restaurant that you won't find on every corner, even in Berlin. Here you can expect unpretentious fine dining with fresh ingredients and a spectacular view over the rooftops of the city. So you can let your gaze wander over fish, meat or vegetarian/vegan creations and get to know the historic centre of Berlin from a new perspective. And if you like, you can also start your visit with a tour of one of the exciting exhibitions at the Humboldt Forum - because walking is known to whet the appetite.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to midnight
Where: Humboldt Forum - roof terrace, Schlossplatz 1, Mitte
Tip 8: Learn more about the history of the Palace of the Republic in the Humboldt Forum
The site where the Humboldt Forum stands today was once home to the Palace of the Republic. The former GDR was the seat of the People's Chamber and was in a prime location between Alexanderplatz, Berlin Cathedral and Unter den Linden. The changing history of the imposing building and the background to its demolition are presented in the special exhibition "Here and Away" at the authentic historical site.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 to 18:30
Where: Humboldt Forum, Schlossplatz 1, Mittte
Tip 9: Visit the arts and crafts Christmas market in Gatow
Want to buy your last Christmas presents or relax and enjoy the lovely atmosphere with a hot punch? You can do both at the Art and Crafts Christmas Market in Gatow. More than 40 artisans present their wares and your physical well-being is of course well catered for with mulled wine, grilled sausages and more. You can also look forward to a supporting programme with music and dancing, which will breathe a very special magic into Berlin Advent.
When: Sunday from 12 to 6 pm
Where: Alt-Gatow 32-38, Gatow
Art and Crafts Christmas Market
Tip 10: Explore the secrets of the rainforest
If your family needs a break from the cold weather, the tropically warm Biosphäre Potsdam is just the place for you. At the weekend, the exhibition project Voll durchschaut! , young researchers are invited to discover and explore the secrets of the rainforest. More than 20,000 exotic plants and around 140 tropical animal species will make you forget that you're not in the rainforest, but in the middle of Germany. The adventure factor is provided by a tropical high-altitude trail and if you lose your bearings, you can use one of the practical bamboo telescopes to find your way around!
When: Friday from 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Biosphäre Potsdam, Georg-Hermann-Allee 99, Potsdam
Tip 11: Enjoy The Nutcracker at the theatre on Potsdamer Platz
And another Christmas classic by Tchaikovsky for all those who just can't get enough of winter ballet. The Grand Classic Ballet presents the battle of the Nutcracker against the evil Mouse King. Since 1892, the world-famous piece has been a Christmas must for ballet fans. In the production at the Theater am Potsdamer Platz, dance and music will put you in a contemplative mood and bring a piece of Christmas into the hearts of the audience.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: Theatre am Potsdamer Platz, Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 1, Mitt
