At the time of writing, it is not clear how New Year's Eve will be celebrated and how much public entertainment restrictions have been placed (restaurants, bars, but also just kindergartens and schools after the holidays). Can tell that I have already received messages from various relevant bodies indicating that preparations are being made for the closure of public institutions such as schools and meeting places for children and youth. At a similar time last year, I increased the amount of posts pertaining to online activities, and I hope I can do the same this year as well.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve celebrations are usually characterized by mass parties on the streets, plus the use of fireworks and explosives everywhere (sold in stores). This year it is not allowed to sell explosives, but it is allowed to use them (or at least, there is no ban on use) if you already have one at home (say, if you are the chav neighbours who travelled to Poland and brought tons of them, or the cheeky ones who bought it illegally somewhere in the back of a dodgy Späti). A great holiday for the hand surgery departments in Berlin (which is why you should avoid it, of course).

And beyond black humour: If you have animals that are not deaf and frightened by noise, try to provide a place of refuge for them and / or at least have a sedative at the vet.

If you have small children (and / or disabilities) who have difficulty with surprising noises, as well - try to take care of the solution well in advance.

The traditional New Year's Eve fun runs are unfortunately cancelled. You can of course run alone ...

Reminder: On January 1 the stores are closed (except for "emergency" stores) and also on December 31 they will close at noon, prepare accordingly

And still...

The central event in the Brandenburg Gate will be actually set without an audience, and broadcasted on television (ZDF, from 8:15 PM)

The Sprungraum in Templehof offers a New Year's Eve party on trampolines for children, at 31 in the afternoon (details)

But if you are a fan of concerts or theater, there is quite a bit on offer, including for example a special concert of the Berlin Symphony with the Roncalli Circus

The market at Gendarmenmarkt will hold a final event on New Year's Eve, for a special fee (details)

More Events at the Weekend

This is already a Berlin tradition: the first Sundays of the month are free Sundays at many museums in the city, including events for the whole family. Also, on this Sunday, several dozen museums will be open for free. It is recommended (but in most places not mandatory) to try to reserve a window time in advance

Last chance to enjoy the Christmas "remnants" including spectacular street lighting (in KuDamm, Potsdamer Platz, Gendarmenmarkt, etc.) but also a few Christmas markets that are still open after the holiday:

The market near the Memorial Church, Weihnachtsmarkt an der Gedächtniskirche (in Breitscheidplatz) - until Sunday. On New Year's Eve, December 31, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; On New Year's Day, January 1, 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

The market near the "Red City Hall", Weihnachtszeit am Roten Rathaus, until Sunday. Closed on New Year's Eve (Friday, December 31); Open Saturday / Sunday 11:00 - 21:00

Potsdamer Platz, the Winterwelt market is also open until January 2

The Christmas Gardens at Tierpark and the Botanical Gardens are open until January 16 and 9 (respectively), which means - you can still make it!

And if bright gardens are nice and beautiful, but the prices of "Christmas gardens" a burns a little, the Natur-Park Schöneberger Südgelände offer beautiful holiday lighting on the park (of course more modest than the light shows of "Christmas gardens"), at a cost of Euro Single entry (until January 3, details)

This weekend is also your last opportunity to see the Roncalli Christmas Circus in the Tempodrom. Shows on Saturday and Sunday (not on NYE night...)

On Sunday the "New Year's Festival Tempelhof" takes place in the car park of Ikea Tempelhof. Including magic show, live music, fire show, and much more ... from 11:00 to 21:00

In the first week of the year

On Tuesday, a (small?) Demonstration takes place at the Brandenburg Gate against the Uighur genocide in China and in protest of the hosting of the Winter Olympics in the country

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