Berlin’s new openings this festive December promise a sweet and magical mix of experiences. From roasting marshmallows with a spicy twist to exploring history and enjoying fusion cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Dive into Berlin’s latest highlights with these top picks:
Tip 1: New balloon exhibition Pop Air
Art is Inflatable is the name of the Balloon Museum's first travelling art exhibition, which comes to Berlin from 13 December. December in Berlin. Lose yourself in the variety of inflatable installations and rooms full of small and large balloons in all imaginable shapes, colours and sizes. A special kind of experience. Airy, light and perfect for setting the scene for your social channels.
When: from 13 December 2024
Where: Arena Berlin, Eichenstraße 4, Treptow
Tip 2: Experience Hana's Japaterranean Cuisine
Hana offers an innovative fusion of Mediterranean flavors and Japanese culinary artistry, creating Berlin’s first "Japaterranean" dining experience. Share mezze-style dishes or indulge in family-style dining paired with curated Mediterranean wines or Japanese sake. Created by Gal Ben Moshe (Michelin-starred Prism) and Paris Katsampis (Bellboy), the menu features ramen, udon, and Mediterranean-inspired delights.
When: Thursday to Saturday, from 7 PM
Where: Mohrenstraße 30, Mitte
Tip 3: Discover the Christmas Market at Teufelsberg
Berlin’s highest winter market debuts at Teufelsberg, set against the historic former listening station. Enjoy panoramic views over Grunewald, organic treats, and hot drinks. Families will love the traditional boat swing, craft workshops, and a vibrant kids' program.
When: Thursday to Sunday, from 11 AM (until January 1, 2025)
Where: Teufelsseechaussee 10, Grunewald
Tip 4: Try handmade pasta at the newly opened Bardele
The newly opened restaurant BARDELE in Berlin offers handmade pasta that combines traditional Italian cuisine with seasonal and regional ingredients. Chef Tyler Hanse, a graduate of the Università degli Studi di Scienze Gastronomiche in Pollenzo, Italy, brings over a decade of experience from renowned kitchens in New York City, Bergamo, Copenhagen and Berlin. Together with Giorgia Susbenso, who is responsible for the drinks selection and service, he creates authentic dishes rooted in rustic "cucina povera".
When: Thursday to Monday 6 - 11 pm
Where: Auguststraße 36, Mitte
Tip 5: Test the sound at the new HiFi Klubben store
The new HiFi Klubben flagship store has been delivering exceptional sound to Charlottenburg since mid-November. As the second location of the Danish hi-fi retail chain in Berlin, it offers a unique and immersive audio experience. The standout feature is its innovative room design, with spaces intentionally crafted without 90-degree corners to optimize acoustics. Visitors can relax on a cozy sofa in a replica living room and enjoy testing the sound systems in ultimate comfort.
When: Monday to Friday 11am - 7pm, Saturday 10am - 6pm
Where: Leuthener Straße 6, Charlottenburg
Tip 6: New exhibition at Industriesalon Schöneweide
Industriesalon Schöneweide invites you to delve into its new exhibition, "The Historic Silicon Valley in Schöneweide." Step back in time to the dawn of the 20th century and immerse yourself in the captivating story of technological innovation that flourished in Oberschöneweide.
At the heart of this industrial revolution, a groundbreaking innovation hub emerged, playing a pivotal role in advancing high-voltage technology and establishing Schöneweide as a trailblazer in Europe's electrification. The exhibition introduces you to the brilliant minds—engineers and developers—who laid the foundation for this transformative era.
Discover how closely research, development, and production were intertwined, creating a dynamic network that made Schöneweide a cornerstone of the technological revolution. This exhibition is a journey through the ingenuity and collaboration that shaped the future from this historic location.
When: Wednesday to Sunday from 2pm to 6pm (until 28 February 2025)
Where: Reinbeckstraße 10, Köpenick
Tip 7: New Christmas treats at Wen Cheng Winter Garden
Just in time for winter, things are getting really cosy at Wen Cheng 4 in Kreuzberg: The Chinese restaurant, which is known for its hand-pulled biang biang noodles, is inviting you into its own winter garden! You can immerse yourself in the winter oasis until 21 December. Look forward to mulled wine - classic or in a spicy ginger flavour, apple punch, hot chocolate and homemade marshmallows that you can roast by the crackling fireplace. Be sure to try the roasted marshmallows with chilli oil - a taste experience you won't soon forget!
When: until 21 December, always Friday to Sunday 5 - 10 pm
Where: Spreewaldplatz 5, Kreuzberg
Tip 8: Mons Bons pop-up in December
Mons Bons, founded by Ceren Yilmaz, brings stylish, sustainable design for pet lovers to Berlin. Following the success of the first pop-up, the brand is once again inviting visitors to Garden State Berlin from 6 to 8 December to present its unique products - a perfect combination of function, style and a love of pets.
When: 6 to 8 December, 11 am - 7 pm. December, 11am - 7pm
Where: Graefestraße 20, Kreuzberg
Besucht den Hundeweihnachtsmarkt
Tip 9: New special exhibition at the German Museum of Technology
The special exhibition "Tailwind: More City for the Bike!" at the German Museum of Technology celebrates the remarkable journey of the bicycle as a vital mode of urban transportation. Spanning 500 square meters, the exhibition showcases key milestones in cycling culture, from the evolution of mountain bikes to the rise of e-bikes and cargo bikes.
In addition to highlighting these innovations, the exhibition also addresses modern challenges, such as managing limited urban traffic space. Interactive stations, a complimentary program of events, and captivating illustrations by Berlin pop artist Jim Avignon ensure an engaging and inspiring experience for visitors of all ages.
When: From 29 November 2024
Where: German Museum of Technology, Trebbiner Straße 9, Kreuzberg
Tailwind. More city for the bike!
Tip 10: New audio walk "and let no one be forgotten!"
In their immersive audio walk, "And Let No One Be Forgotten!", artists Hannah Alongi, Jeremy Knowles, and Katya Romanova share the poignant story of the "Russian Houses" in Berlin-Karlshorst. Vacant since 1994, these buildings have become symbols of a complex history, shaped by the withdrawal of Soviet troops and their lingering legacy. Through a blend of memories, personal reflections, and historical context, the audio walk brings these sites to life, uncovering the layers of their past.
The journey begins at the Karlshorst S-Bahn station, inside a bakery, with a conversation about childhood memories and everyday life in the GDR. As you continue toward Odesaplatz, you’ll delve deeper into the history of the "Russian Houses," exploring the Soviet presence, the restricted areas of the time, and the intricate relationships between local residents and their Soviet neighbors. Along the way, you’ll wander through empty houses, encounter unexpected visitors like invasive raccoons, and reflect on what the future might hold for these storied structures.
When: from now
Where: Start Stolzenfelsstraße, Karlshorst (opposite Der Bäcker Feihl)
More audio walks in Berlin
Tip 11: Marvel at the miniature Christmas world in Köpenick
A fascinating Christmas exhibition at Forum Köpenick will run until 11 January 2025. January 2025, a fascinating miniature Christmas world on 60 square metres will delight visitors. The detailed landscape with over 1,500 figures, its own ski slope, a zoo and a historic Santa railway was created by Holger Erven, an artist from Hamburg. More than 1,200 hours of work went into this masterpiece. As a special highlight, the Forum will be hiding a Union player among the figurines every Saturday and on the Advent Sundays when it is open for business, the discovery of which will yield valuable prizes. Admission to the exhibition is free of charge.
When: until 11. January 2025
Where: Forum Köpenick, Bahnhofstraße 33 - 38, Köpenick
Extra tip: New opening of Tadka Twist
Tadka Twist opens its doors on 30 November. Drop by and enjoy authentic Indian street food. At first, the Tadka Twist team only delivered, but now they are finally opening their own branch. There is sure to be a tasty surprise or two.
When: Monday to Sunday 11am - 11pm
Where: Prenzlauer Allee 204, Prenzlauer Berg
