For all those who like to be out and about on 24 December, want to meet people or simply want to immerse themselves once again in Berlin's cultural and nightlife, we have put together 11 tips for Christmas Eve. Whatever you decide to do: The editorial team at visitBerlin wishes you a Merry Christmas!
Tip 1: Immerse yourself in magical places
If you don't have your loved ones close by and are an avid cineaste, then Europe's only Christmas film festival is just the thing for you. Away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas Eve, the festival highlights all the wonderful and strange facets of Christmas: in addition to comedies, you can also see critical, tragic, satirical and gruesome films. Get involved in a magical programme and enjoy a wonderful, contemplative and entertaining festive season at the cinema.
Where: Moviemento cinema, Kottbusser Damm 22, Kreuzberg
When: 5 pm (Boiling Point), 7 pm (Holiday Lights), 9.15 pm (Switch)
Tip 2: Experience a classical Christmas ballet
At Christmas, the girl Clara receives a nutcracker as a present from her uncle. Not only does it miraculously come to life, but it also takes Clara on a journey through a winter wonderland. The two of them experience magical moments together, but also have to endure some adventures. ETA Hoffmann's story is one of the most beautiful and whimsical Christmas tales. The Grand Classic Ballet brings the piece to life in the theatre at Potsdamer Platz. In a classical performance with beautiful costumes and the famous music by Peter Tchaikovsky, this performance of The Nutcracker is a real Christmas classic. In the evening from 8pm, another ballet classic is on the programme with Swan Lake.
Where: Theatre at Potsdamer Platz, Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 1, Mitte
When: 3 pm Nutcracker, 8 pm Swan Lake
More Infos about the Nutcracker
Tip 3: Experience virtual worlds
In the Computer Games Museum, you travel interactively through the cultural history of games and immerse yourself in virtual worlds around functional classics, rarities and 3-D simulators. Of course, there are also some to try out - including rare originals and milestones of computer history. Among the highlights of the more than 300 exhibits are the GDR game machine Poly-Play, the PainStation Pong and the legendary Nimrod from 1951. And so much more! Drop by on 24 December until 8 pm.
Where: Computerspielemuseum Berlin, Karl-Marx-Allee 93a, Friedrichshain
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tickets for the Computer Games Museum
Tip 4: Enjoy unforgettable circus moments
This year's Roncalli Christmascircus will whisk you away to Christmassy France. Hold your breath as the acrobats daringly swing from the dome of the festively decorated Tempodrom. A breathtaking show full of poetry and magical moments awaits you. Marvel, laugh and applaud as the clowns, dancers and artists take you into their world of wonder - and look forward to unforgettable moments. A wonderful family tradition at Christmas.
Where: Tempodrom, Möckernstraße 10, Kreuzberg
When: 11am and 3pm
Tip 5: Shorten the wait for Christmas with ice skating
Why not start the Christmas holidays with a few pirouettes on the ice this year? At Seebad Friedrichshagen you will find a 600 square metre ice rink. Here you can skate hand in hand to your heart's content from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve or try your hand at curling. And at Rübezahl am Müggelsee, you can shorten the wait until Christmas Eve on a covered and glazed ice rink. The skating rink is open until 2 pm.
Where: Seebad Friedrichshagen, Müggelseedamm 216, Köpenick and Rübezahl am Müggelsee, Müggelheimer Damm 143, Köpenick
When: Seebad Friedrichshagen 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Rübezahl am Müggelsee 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Tip 6: Enjoy the view over Berlin
Take a quick 365-degree look over Berlin before heading home for the presents. In just 40 seconds, the lift will take you to the viewing platform of the Berlin TV Tower, from where you can admire the capital from above. At the top, orientation boards with panoramic views will help you find your way around, and if you still have time, take a seat in the Sphere restaurant and indulge in some culinary delights. It's best to book a time slot in advance.
Where: Berlin TV Tower, Panoramastraße 1a, Mitte
When: Ascension at 10, 10.30, 11 and 11.30 a.m.
Fast View Tickets for the Berlin TV Tower
Tip 7: Encounter Berlin's history
The Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie is also open every day of the year from 10 am to 8 pm. This also applies to Christmas Eve. Here, GDR refugees talk about their experiences, and cars and hot air balloons bear witness to successful escape attempts. Get an overview of the history of the Berlin Wall and immerse yourself in the drama of the exhibition highlights: an escape car with a boot hiding place, fake and real travel documents, a miniature model of a section of the Wall and also various suitcases prepared as escape props'.
Where: Mauermuseum at Checkpoint Charlie, Friedrichstraße 43-45, Mitte
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Info on the Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie
Tip 8 : Relax away from the Christmas hustle and bustle
In icy winter weather, many people dream of going to the sauna. So why not take to the water? Simply leave the stress of Christmas behind you and enjoy an unforgettable winter experience on a sauna raft in the middle of nature. Many spas, including vabali, are open on 24 December. The best recipe for a peaceful and relaxing evening and an unforgettable Christmas.
More information about Hamam & Sauna in Berlin
Parties are a tradition in Berlin:
Tip 9: Tradition at the Ritter Butzke Party
In Berlin, you can also dance the night away on Christmas Eve - until the next morning. So if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Christmas, meet new people and simply feel free and unbound for a night, then the Goat Ball Xmas Edition offers you the perfect opportunity to do so. Several DJs will accompany you with the finest trance and techno, including DJ Hörde, Taube, djbounty3000, Sohoe, Stinny Stone and Ssica.
Where: Ritter Butzke, Ritterstraße 24 -27, Kreuzberg
When: from 11 pm
Tip 10: Golden night at Golden Gate
Even more techno starts shortly before midnight at Golden Gate - also one of the most gritty techno clubs in Berlin, right next to Jannowitzbrücke. The line-up is equally impressive with Julie Marghilano, Okain, Sambaké, Thilini, Noa, AantiGen, Caren Callas, Porter, Lewin Paul, Hilu and Red Robin. Celebrate Christmas on a large dance floor with electronic music and vibrating bass, closing on Tuesday, Boxing Day, at 5 pm. Early Bird tickets are available from €13.60.
Where: Golden Gate, Dircksenstraße 78, Mitte
When: from 11.59 pm
Tip 11: KnusperHouse in the Renate
Christmas traditions are a wonderful thing. The Knusperhouse has been one of them for many years and is taking place at Renate this Christmas. This is where the Berlin techno scene celebrates Christmas Eve. For all those who want a cosy party after the family get-together or just for fun, with a line-up to be proud of: Gunnar Stiller, Sascha Braemer, Tiefschwarz, Babxi, Momentum, Soul Bait, SEIUN, Bahaa Al Deen and Ramy Hasnawe, among others.
Where: Renate, Alt Stralau 70, Friedrichshain
When: from 11 pm
