Around the World in 14 Films
Cap off the year with a cinematic globetrot. The festival – a must for those unable to attend the likes of Cannes and Venice – kicks off with Mia Hansen-Løve’s critically acclaimed and much-awaited Un beau matin. This festival never disappoints, so book early.
- Kino in der KulturBrauerei, delphi LUX and Neues Off
- Dec 1-10. OV with English subtitles.
- €10
Auf Wieder Bye Bye
In post-war Berlin, radio station AFN provided US soldiers with news and music from home, growing popular beyond its target audience. This show looks back at that time with acrobatics, dance, live music and comedy.
- Heimathafen Neukölln, (Saal Karl-Marx-Strasse 141)
- Dec 2-4. In English
- €26 / 18.50 reduced
Lila Lied
An international group of queer artists takes a musical journey back to the Weimar Republic. The show revisits figures like Anita Berber and Claire Waldoff through the contemporary story of migrants in Berlin.
- Ballhaus Prinzenallee, (Prinzenallee 33)
- Dec 2-4. In English with German and Polish surtitles.
- €15-25
Orankelichter Christmas Market
Enjoy a lively program of live music, fire and LED performances, Xmas karaoke, handmade gifts and street food trucks at Strandbad Orankesee in Berlin-Lichtenberg – just one of the many, many great Christmas markets taking place around the city.
- Strandbad Orankesee
- 2. – 4. // 10. & 11. // 16. – 18. December 2022
- €4
Hyäne Fischer: The total musical
This absurd new piece from Volksbühne’s music curator Marlene Engel is about the heroines who have shaped Germany. Do not expect a straightforward ride; this feminist show challenges just as much as it entertains.
- Volksbühne, (Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz)
- Dec 3-31. In German with English subtitles.
- €16-47
DakhaBrakha Ukraine
One of Ukraine’s most famous bands, DakhaBrakha are known for their unique style of “ethno-chaos”, combining influences of traditional Ukrainian folk songs with experimental improvisations, the roots of which can be traced from Africa to Australia.
- Tempodrom, (Möckernstr. 10)
- Dec 5
- €53
Shygirl
This young UK rapper is the real deal. That they’re returning to Berlin so soon is a sign of their arc of stardom – if you manage to get a ticket, believe that it will go hard!
- Astra Kulturhaus, (Revaler Str. 99)
- Dec 6
- €29
Viagra Boys
What’s not to like about a band described as ‘fucking shamanistic techno rave repetition’? Seriously, Viagra Boys are incredible live – they know how to do atmosphere.
- Astra Kulturhaus, (Revaler Str. 99)
- Dec 7
- €27
Underground Institute Festival
Three days of sonic exploration, custom-built instruments, sound art and avant-garde pop treats. Limpe Fuchs, Lolina and Alexandra Cárdenas on day two are not to be missed among the stellar line-up. Expect sound sculpture and deconstructed beats in the former Wedding crematorium’s gorgeous, intimate Kuppelhalle.
- Silent Green, Panke and gr_und gallery
- Dec 8-10
- €0-30 depending on the day
Cinema! Italia!
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the itinerant review looks back over Italian film history with classics old and new.
- Babylon, Bali and Klick
- Dec 8-14. OV with German subtitles
- €5-10
Sandra Mujinga: I Build My Skin With Rocks
Winner of the 2021 Preis der Nationalgalerie, the artist starred in this year’s Venice Biennale with her green shadow figures. This show develops her research into science fiction and animal survival strategies.
- Hamburger Bahnhof, (Invalidenstraße 50-51)
- Dec 9-May 1
- €8 / 4 reduced
Reflux Festival
Specially tailored to the acoustics of the location, the year’s third and last installation of Reflux brings you three electroacoustic concerts: two contemporary compositions and a classical one.
- Uferstudios, Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek and Theater im Delphi
- Dec 10-13
- €15 / 10 reduced or Festival pass €90 / 60 reduced
Torture Garden Winterball
Enforcing a strict head-to-toe dress code (if you don’t get stared at on the way there, don’t bother), TG invites “fetish freaks to indulge in delight and perversity” in five themed rooms. Jingle balls truly jingle all the way here.
- Metropol, (Nollendorfplatz 5)
- 21-7am
- €33
Game of Thrones: The Concert Show
If you’ve ever watched GOT, you’ll know that the score ain’t playin’. This concert, with an orchestra, a choir and solo artists performing compositions from all eight seasons, is definitely not just for fantasy fans.
- Tempodrom, (Möckernstr. 10)
- Dec 11
- €47-77
Doc Berlin
The last hurrah of the year at Babylon is a four-day long showcase, including around 30 short and long documentaries.
- Babylon, (Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 30)
- Dec 12-15. OV with English subtitles.
Embroidered Gardens
Marvel at the lavish Ottoman textiles from the Borg Collection – including extravagantly decorated towels, carpets and hangs – as well as the craftsmanship that went into making them.
- Pergamonmuseum, (James-Simon-Galerie, Bodestraße)
- Dec 16-April 16
- €12 / 6 reduced
Phantoms of the Night: 100 Years of Nosferatu
Exploring the legacy of cult classic German vampire film Nosferatu on contemporary art and culture, this show celebrates F. W. Murnau’s silent classic 100 years after its premiere.
- Sammlung Scharf-Gerstenberg, (Schloßstraße 70)
- Dec 16-Apr 23
- €8 / 4 reduced
Insults on stage
The title says it all – Bühnenbeschimpfung by Sivan Ben Yishai confronts the audience with uncomfortable questions about the nature of the relationship between viewers and actors, power and authority.
- Gorki, (Am Festungsgraben 2)
- Dec 17 & 25. In German with English subtitles.
- €14-42
World Cup Final 2022
It’s been a controversial World Cup, to say the least, with plenty of lefty Kneipen across the city boycotting the proceedings – but the giant blood-stained spectacle will come to a close on December 18 with the World Cup Final. Who will lift the trophy? Check out our where to watch guide, with one spot for each participating team.
- Multiple venues across the city
- Dec 18
- €
Andrej Hermlin & The Swingin’ Hermlins
Not your normal black tie Weihnachtskonzert as the Berliner Philharmoniker welcomes the swing band to its hallowed stage. Now’s the time to let loose, Philharmonie-style!
- Philharmonie, (Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1)
- Dec 18
- €25-55
Christmas Film Festival
Each year, the festival curates a selection of the most unexpected Christmas films from all over the world. Expect comedies and satires as well as critical, tragic and even scary movies.
- Moviemento, (Kottbusser Damm 22)
- Dec 22-26. OV with English subtitles.
Swan Lake
We think we know Tchaikovsky’s music and yes, we’ve seen Natalie Portman’s big worried eyes in Black Swan. But there is something new for all the family in the Berlin Staatskapelle’s version, choreographed by Patrice Bart.
- Staatsoper unter den Linden, (Unter den Linden 7)
- Dec 23-Jan 20
- €16-130
EXBlicks: Love, D-Marks and Death
This year’s winner of the Berlinale Publikum prize, Cem Kaya’s documentary traces the Turkish Gastarbeiter music scene from the 1960s to the 1990s. Rare footage brings the subculture into a new light. Stay on for a Q&A with the filmmakers and a glass of wine.
- Lichtblick Kino, (Kastanienallee 77)
- Dec 26. In German with English subtitles.
- €5-8.50
PornBlicks presents: Narcissism
The year’s last EXBlicks rendez-vous presents a handpicked gem from Berlin’s Pornfilmfestival. Awarded best documentary for 2022, Toni Karat’s film explores gender identity, self-love and narcissism. Stay for the Q&A and a glass of wine.
- Lichtblick Kino, (Kastanienallee 77)
- Dec 29
New Year Eve: Welcome 2023!
Looking for Silvester fun? The big party at Brandenburg Gate is back. After the countdown, head to Clärchens Ballhaus for more intimate Weimar charm, or join the queer party on three floors at SchwuZ.
- Brandenburg Gate
- Dec 31-Jan 1
- Silvester: Free but booking is necessary
- Clärchens Ballhaus: €75
- SchwuZ: €25/€35
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