How are you starting the new year? With classical music, literary battles of words and a great show or perhaps with a culinary trip around the world? January in Berlin has a mega event in store for you: The International Green Week is always worth a visit. And January also has a lot to offer in terms of sport - but don't worry, you don't have to achieve a best time for the Berlin New Year's Run, it's all about a good cause. At visitBerlin, you can also find out what other highlights the year 2025 has in store for you.
Tip 1: Be amazed at the International Green Week
The International Green Week offers many people the opportunity to familiarise themselves with agricultural products for the first time. The trade fair, which opened its doors in 1926, has continuously expanded its range of topics over the decades. In eight theme worlds, you can get to know agricultural products from German regions, discover delicacies at the stands of 130 international exhibitors, marvel at flowers in all shapes and colours, learn more about sustainability, experience animal encounters and much more.
When: 17 to 26 January
Where: Messe Nord and Messe Süd, several entrances
Tip 2: Attend New Year's concerts
Starting January with culture is a great New Year's resolution. Numerous Berlin concert halls and institutions are organising New Year's concerts to welcome in 2025. After the somewhat hectic Christmas period and the big New Year's Eve party, this is balm for the soul.
Our recommendations for New Year's concerts that you can attend in Berlin:
- New Year's concert at Konzerthaus Berlin , 1 January 4 pm
- New Year's concert at the Berlin Philharmonie, 1 January 4:30 pm
- New Year's concert in the Orangery at Charlottenburg Palace, 25 January at 5 pm
Tip 3: Take part in the 52nd Berlin New Year's Run and do something good
Fit for the new year: start January with a refreshing run and put your New Year's resolutions into practice on the four-kilometre route. The run starts at Pariser Platz, right next to the Brandenburg Gate, to Berlin Cathedral and back. You can join in spontaneously, registration is not necessary for this sporty start to the new year.
By taking part in the New Year's run, you will also be doing something good, as the event raises money for the Björn Schulz Foundation. The foundation runs a hospice for children, teenagers and young adults.
When: 1 January, 12 noon
Where: Brandenburg Gate | Pariser Platz, Mitte
Tip 4: Cheer on the six-day race
In January, Berlin becomes the meeting place for the cycling scene. At SIX DAY BERLIN, the world's best cyclists compete against each other for six days and put their endurance and speed to the test in various disciplines, including stand-up, derby and sprint races. The event is accompanied by a show programme, music and an exuberant atmosphere. By the way: The first Berlin six-day race was held back in 1909.
When: 31 January to 1 February
Where: Velodrom, Paul-Heyse-Straße 26, Friedrichshain
Tip 5: Rediscover music at the CTM Festival
This festival focusses on contemporary electronic and experimental music, whereby the boundaries to art are constantly blurred. Legendary Berlin venues such as Berghain and silent green are part of the programme. There you can experience performances, DJ sets, multimedia installations, workshops and discussion panels. In its 26th edition, the festival will not have an overarching theme. Instead, various thematic strands will be explored, including the reinterpretation of traditional forms of music in dialogue with contemporary perspectives and sound aesthetics.
When: 24 January to 2 February
Where: Various locations in Berlin
Tip 6: Understanding the idea of enlightenment anew
The Enlightenment Now! Festival Vol. 2 takes you into a world full of exciting discussions, visionary ideas and creative impulses. From dealing with the climate crisis and digital transformation to questions of social participation: The festival is dedicated to the most pressing issues of our time. With lectures, workshops and performances by international thought leaders, artists and scientists, the Enlightenment will be translated into the modern age.
When: 24 January
Where: German Historical Museum, Pei Bau entrance, Hinter dem Gießhaus 3, Mitte
Tip 7: Start the new year cosy and soft
This is where knitting, crochet and textile enthusiasts come together to learn about new trends, gain inspiration and experience the most beautiful materials first-hand. Whether high-quality natural yarns, sustainable wool products or innovative knitting techniques - this festival offers a wealth of opportunities to tackle your next project. You can look forward to workshops with professionals who will give you valuable tips, exciting talks on current topics such as sustainable textiles and, of course, the opportunity to talk to other creative people.
When: 4 to 5 January
Where: Tegeler Seeterrassen, Wilkestraße 1, Reinickendorf
Tip 8: Admire art treasures from Odessa
Art unites - and this special exhibition demonstrates this in an impressive way. In the Picture Gallery, you have the rare opportunity to admire 60 outstanding paintings from the Odesa Museum of Western and Eastern Art, which are being presented in Germany for the first time. The works, including masterpieces by Frans Hals, Francesco Granacci and Andreas Achenbach, are presented in an exciting dialogue with 25 works from the Berlin collections.
The exhibition not only highlights artistic diversity, but also sends a strong signal of solidarity with Ukraine. The works on display were brought to safety shortly after the start of the war and are now being shown in Berlin to tell their story and emphasise their significance for Europe's cultural identity.
You can find a good overview in our article Top exhibitions in Berlin 2025.
When: From 24 January
Where: Gemäldegalerie, Matthäikirchplatz 4, Mitte
Tip 9: Start the year with the Veganuary
Why not start the year with a healthy and sustainable experiment? Veganuary invites you to give up animal products for the whole of January and discover the world of vegan cuisine. In Berlin, the capital of food trends, you have the best conditions for this: From hip cafés to upscale restaurants, countless locations offer creative and delicious vegan dishes.
In addition to the enjoyment, Veganuary has a serious core: it promotes sustainable eating habits, conserves resources and sets an example for animal welfare and climate protection. Discover events such as cookery courses, vegan food tours and pop-up markets that will inspire and support you. Whether you just want to try out how good plant-based alternatives taste or want to change your lifestyle in the long term, Veganuary is the perfect opportunity to try something new.
When: Throughout January
Where: Various locations in Berlin
Tip 10: Discover the power of dance
The international dance festival PURPLE inspires with contemporary performances that are specially designed for young audiences aged six and over. Here, the many facets of dance are brought to the stage - from poetic choreographies to energetic performances that tell stories and inspire. The aim of the festival is to inspire children and young people for the art of dance and to awaken their creativity.
In free workshops at the weekends, children and young people can dance for themselves and let their imagination run wild. Schools benefit from dialogue formats and workshops with artists who provide insights into the world of contemporary dance.
When: 18 to 26 January
Where: Various locations in Berlin
Tip 11: Send the little ones on an adventure
Going to a museum at night without parents? This is the perfect opportunity for all brave children who have always dreamed of exploring a museum in the dark! At the Labyrinth Children's Museum, the night becomes an adventure. Equipped with a torch, they go on an exciting tour through the museum to discover wild animals and explore their nocturnal behaviour.
When: 25 January
Where: Labyrinth Children's Museum Berlin, Osloer Straße 12, Mitte
