Events in Berlin, November 26th-28th, including Hanukkah in Berlin

 Christmas Markets

The Christmas markets are open, and enjoy them for a while, given the changes in the regulations. I've prepared a map for you with all Christmas Markets, including ones in faraway, exotic places. However, always try to double-check if there is no last-minute cancellation or change in policies. 

For this weekend, the recommendations may be : 

• For those who must have as many rides as possible: Definitely the one near the Ikea in Lichtenberg, Winterzauber. Open daily 

• For those who want something respectable to bring their in-laws to: Gendarmenmarkt is the most suited place in this city

• And only at this weekend: 
• Escape to the middle of the forest in Grunau, for the Hanff`s Ruh  Advent market

• Go to see a different market, the Qweer Market, in the Alte Münze, in Mitte (Sat + Sun) 

• The "Sustainable Market" in the Schönhauen Palace in Pankow (SPSG)

• All Advent weekends, but no weekdays, at Subaemarkt in Schöneweide 

• Also on all Advent weekends: arts market in Mexikoplatz , in Karl-August-Platz  in Charlottenburg, 

Chanukkah

The first candle of Chanukka will be on Sunday, November 28th, and there are already a couple of activities: 

• Sunday, 4 pm : 
• the huge (10 meters high) Chabad Menorah in the Brandenburg Gate will be lit ; 

• Guy Dimenstein of the YouTube channel "The Good Ones" will light the first candle and spread love and Sufganyot at 5 pm in Alexanderplatz

• A Chanukkah party in Marie Antoinette (details) 

• Also on Sunday, a Chanukkah concert with Matan Goldstein and Doron Furman (details)

• Further Menorahs in the city, for example in the Fraenkelufer Synagogue (Sunday at 5:30, other days 6 pm); in Bayrischer Platz in Schöneberg; and near the Köpenicker Stadtkirche in the Altstadt and on the Marktplatz in Adlershof. They will be lit every day at 5 pm

• On Monday, November 29th, there is a "car parade" for Chanukkah, leaving the Chabad Centre on Muenstersche Str 6 at 6 pm

• Tuesday (3rd Candle): candle lightning in Rathaus Schöneberg, at 5 pm (info)

•  Wednesday (4th candle): 
• The German Israeli forum will light in Brandenburg Gate with the title "Antisemitism is not an opinion, but a crime"

• Sharon Jaegermann will show us how to make Sufganyot in a Zusammen workshop (registration)

• The "Shtetl Berlin" Festival for Yiddish Culture will start on Thursday with a Hanukkah concert in the Jewish Museum (info) 

• Also on Thursday: "Comic Concert" with Itai Dvorin, in the Fraenkelufer (info)
• And another concert + candle lightning, in the Pestalozzistr Synagogue 

Thanks for supporting the blog! 

  

Events in Berlin auf Deutsch 

אירועי סוף השבוע בברלין - בעברית

Events for the Weekend of November 19th-21st, and throughout the week (Thanksgiving!)

Before the event information, some clarifications about the Covid regulations (as of the moment I'm writing), for those who still need it. Currently, there's a G2 policy in places like most of the Christmas markets, restaurants, bars, clubs etc. This means: 

• Entry only for the vaccinated and recovering (2G) with relevant certificates

• Unvaccinated / not recovering, can enter if:
• They have a medical certificate that they are not allowed to get vaccinated, or: 
• They are children under the age of 6, or : 
• They people under the age of 18, who come with an up-to-date negative test

Supermarkets, shops, public transport and other essentials - are open to the public. Of course, a mask is needed.

Thanksgiving

Just before the Advent, the US celebrates Thanksgiving, and this year, it's on November 25th (the coming Thursday). 

• This coming Saturday (November 20th), supporters of the Democratic Party in Berlin will hold a Thanksgiving race to collect donations for their activities. You can also just come and cheer. Saturday, Tempelhofer Feld, 11:00 (details)

• Festive meals are available at Hard Rock Cafe (You can also order to take), If you prefer it vegan, there's also a place offering a festive vegan menu.  

Advancing towards the Advent

This Sunday is officially a mourning day (so flea markets will be closed), but there are many activities nevertheless. 

The Advent will officially start on November 28th (and before that weekend, actually, the traditional markets are closed), but in Berlin, we already have numerous markets open for business : 

• The Berlin Botanical Gardens are opening this weekend their "Christmas Gardens", with truly magical atmosphere and light decorations all over the place. The admission is pretty pricey; every afternoon, till January 9th 

• There is a similar events opening this weekend in the Tierpark - "Weihnachten im Tierpark", featuring lights, a skating rink and much more. Again, admission is pretty expensive. Every afternoon, till January 9th 

• For something a bit less expensive, you can visit Karl's in Elstal, featuring the "Schrottis Winterdorf", a trendy "upcycling" themed winter park. Open every day and literally for free. 

• The Historic Market has also started this week, linked to the same people who operate Renaissance Fairs, and if you like the genre, pack your girdles and codpieces and head your trusted steeds (Tram M10, trains to Warschauer Straße) to the RAW-Gelände. Every afternoon, till Dec 22nd

• The Japanese Christmas Market in the Festsaal Kreuzberg promises a mixture of Japanese culture, food and design with special Christmas stuff. Sunday, 12:00 till 8 pm 

• Also in Kreuzberg: The Finnish Cultural Centre is running a small Christmas market at the centre in Kreuzberg (Schleiermacherstraße 24a 10961 Berlin) , on Sat/Sun between 10 am and 6 pm 

• The people behind the light art exhibition, "Dark Matter" offer a Christmas light experience in Rummelsburg, Winterlights in Rummelsburg. Admission is for EUR 5, you get to see "200 luminous Christmas trees with 80.000 LEDs transform the darkness into a dancing glow of lights. The trees, arranged according to size, are combined with atmospheric music to create an overall audio-visual experience that repeats every half hour throughout the evening" 

• There is also a small (one-time) "winter" market in Schöneberg, on Karl-Heinrich-Ulrichs-Str. 10 10787 Berlin, not far from the Pride Market . The market is for charity and organised by the CVJM, which is practically the German version of YMCA, (well, the organisation, not the song). Further info

• In addition, I have already reported the following markets: 

•  Lichtenberg's Winterzauber, with lots of lights, rides and stalls. Daily till December 19th, on Landsberger Allee 364 (near the Ikea, Tram M6 from Alex). 

• The Winterwelt  in Potsdamer Platz is also open every afternoon, with its fake snow slide.  





• The "Pride", LGBTIQ Winterdays takes place till December 23rd near Nollendorfplatz 

• The Vorglüh-Markt in Holzmarkt 25 (Fri-Sun, free admission) 

Hanukkah 

Chanukah, the holiday with the 1000 spelling-options, will start next Sunday (so the 28th), but there are already some Hanukkah related activities for the kiddies out there. 

• Chabad Alexanderplatz will offer a pre-Chanukkah event for kids aged 3 to 12 on Sunday (2 - 4 pm)  

• The Fraenkelufer Synagogue will have Chanukkah activities in their Kids club on Sunday (for kids aged 3-10, in different age groups, details)

• Also sort of Hanukah related: A Peula (activity) of Hashomer Hatzair (where some pre-Chanukah activity will take place, but only as an appetizer to the real party in two weeks' time, info, for kids aged 7(ist) and up (till 15ish, they are not very strict). 

• The people of the Fraenkelufer Synagogue are inviting everybody to their Mitzvah Day get together, which will be, this time, a cleaning activity in the neighbourhood. 

The Rest of the Week

Except for Thanksgiving for our American (and feast-loving) readers, there are several other things happening throughout the week. 

• On Monday, "True Italian" will offer their "True Italian Pasta Week", where you can get a meal and a drink for only EUR 14.  (To the list of restaurants taking part)

• Well next Friday is Black Friday, and we'll probably have some shopping events

Thanks for supporting the blog! 

  

Events in Berlin for the Weekend of November 12th - 14th

 Christmas markets are here!

In principle, Christmas markets start with the First Advent, i.e. the fourth Sunday before Christmas (this year it is at the weekend of November 26th-28th), but since when is Berlin a traditional city? And so, some Christmas markets sneaked up on us - long, long before the holiday.

Speaking of tradition, please note that this coming Sunday (and also the one that follows) are legally considered days of mourning (Trauertag in German). Again, in Berlin it does not mean much, but in principle flea markets and street parties (and Christmas markets) should not be open. Some obey, some less so.

So what's going on this week, for those who do not have the patience to wait until the first Advent with their Glühwein?

• "Winterzauber" - This is the name of the Christmas market located right next to Lichtenberg's IKEA. This is an old market and known for its extravagance - it has existed (in various locations) since the 1920s and today provides the most (ahm...) baseborn experience (to put it mildly) of Christmas markets: lots and lots of facilities, flashing lights of overpriced plastic toys, hustle and bustle and more  pleasures of life. Until December 19, at Landsberger Allee 364 (right next to IKEA, as mentioned, tram M6 from Alexanderplatz). Open every day. 

• The first market to be opened (already two weeks ago), and actually one of the last ones to close (on January 2nd), is the Winterwelt in Potsdamer Platz, with its iconic fake-snow slide. This year, no ice skating rink (the slide is still there), but there are stalls with christmas snacks and gifts. Daily, U+S Potsdamer Platz. 

• In the Nollendorfplatz area, the "Proud Market" opens on Friday (November 12th), which is divided into two - before the Advent it calls itself "The LGBTIQ* Winterdays" and after the Advent - "The Christmas Avenue" and in both cases, takes place until December 23rd, i.e. almost till the holiday. You can expect a gay atmosphere (sorry, this is not even a dad joke, maybe a great-grandfather's one), and in any case a lot of surprises and an entertainment stage. G2 entrance (vaccinated or recovering with relevant documentation). Open afternoons

• The "Vorglüh-Markt" in Holzmarkt 25 lives up to its name with all kinds of drinks, but given it is Holzmarkt 25, it is fun for all. Fri-Sun, afternoon, free admission. 

• The "Medieval Market" on RAW will also open on Thursday (the 18th), but since I guess most of us are aiming for the current weekend - it will be reported next week.

Lantern Parades

St. Martin's Day is behind us, but you can still find some lantern parades at the weekend, if you haven't had enough of walking in the cold with that lantern. 

• On Friday afternoon you can join the Work'n'Kid  bilingual (German / English) parade in Friedrichshain (details / tickets) 

• The Museumsdorf Dueppel is offering a traditional parade with a horse, on Sat, 2 pm. According to the website, sold-out, but you can still have a try. Also the parade in the Zoo (Sat, 3:30) is already sold-out, but some of these places hold extra tickets at the entrance. 

•  The  Bizim Kiez walk is also a protest against the gentrification of the Kiez, Heinrichplatz, Sat 5pm 

• More parades will take place on Saturday at 4pm in the Sportsbad Britz and at 4:30 pm in Medaillonplatz in Rummelsburg 

• On Sunday there is an event including a parade in the Vierfelderhof in Kladow, as well as a parade in Mariendorf, at Mariendorfer Damm 342, 12107 Berlin, organised by the local church (2 pm).  

Israeli culture and Judaism

• The children opera "Das Tierhäuschen" will start on Sun (at 12:00) in the Jewish Community Centre on Fasanenstr., as part of the "Jewish Cultural Days" festival. 

• An interesting festival of Jewish and Muslim culture and the connections between them, the MuJew - Muslimisch-Jüdisches Festival 2021, will take place this weekend at the Prachtwerk in Neukoelln. In streaming or on the spot itself, Ganghoferstraße 2, 12043 Berlin (Karl-Marx-Str.). Trailer:

And finally, thanks to all those who support the blog .... and buy coffee

  

Events in Berlin, October 29th - 31st

 Halloween

The weekend is packed with Halloween events (which will take place on Sunday, October 31st), but please note that some events (e.g. a big weekend event in the  Klaistow Farm) were cancelled at the last minute due to public health considerations. Keep yourself updated on the various sites what the exact requirements are (2G, 3G, etc.) and whether it is necessary to coordinate arrival in advance or it is possible to arrive spontaneously.

For those who are in their first year here, and especially for those who are used to the American version, it should be noted that this is a much, much smaller matter in Germany (in Berlin a little more big interest than in the rest of the country).  For many Germans, this is an "American" holiday, many are not even aware of it (i.e., if you trick/treat on them they may have remembered, purchased some candy and delicacies in advance and would have given something, but maybe not either); And the events, if any, focus on two target populations - the children and the fans of clubs and parties.

Some notable events worth mentioning:

• Halloween at FEZ. The FEZ does not neglect its role as the children’s play kingdom with sessions for children of all ages ahead of Halloween, including an evening event for families with older children. Saturday + Sunday

• Halloween in Karl's - As mentioned in the last two weeks, "Karl" takes Halloween with the proper seriousness, with intimidation corners, pumpkin carving workshops, and more and more. Saturday / Sunday with free admission to most events; And if we're already in the state of Brandenburg, then the "Eldorado Templin" will also have a Halloween party, on Saturday.

• Halloween activity on Saturday in Britzer Gardens (details) 

• Waldseilgarten Jungfernheide's Halloween fun run - one of the most fun events, a fun run (in different allotments), with different costumes and scares, Sunday, for a fee

• For those looking for something a little less requires prepayment or pre-arrangement (or a drive to the end of the city in the direction of Karl), the Das Schloss shopping centre and the Wilmersdorfer Strasse pedestrian shopping street will hold all kinds of activities on Saturday

• On Sunday afternoon, the Deutsche Oper will offer a special concert for children with scary songs (details)

For adults (and older teens), there are parties in almost every self-respecting club, the well-known ones in the "Weekend" and in the Kulturbrauerei, but also for example this event / party, at Mahalla Berlin - bring your costumes as inflated as possible.

• In another disposition, the "Final Girls Berlin" film festival focuses on horror films from a feminist angle; Another less conventional event is the Halloween stand-up on Women's Purity *, in English, at Ma's Comedy Club on Saturday night (details)

A place suitable for both teenagers and adults looking to scare themselves, all year round, is the Berliner Dungeon, a kind of commercial and tourist adventure site. Of course, there is a Halloween event on site.

• At the Botanischer Volkspark in Panko, Sunday will mark "Dios de los Muertos" with a Latin fiesta (details)

In addition

The first in the Christmas markets opens this week! The clearly non-traditional market in Potsdamer Platz. The market does not include an ice rink like in previous years, because of the corona, but the traditional glitch on tubing exists. Outside there are 3g rules, inside 2g.

The list will be updated after I can breathe a little, I have more to tell (-;

Until then, have a magical and sunny weekend, relative to November

Events in Berllin for the Weekend of October 22-24th

 Sportscene

Some sporting events take place this weekend, and are also suitable for spectators (and hopefully, also for potential * participants *, some of whom can also register at the last minute). 

• Half marathon around the Müggelsee , starts on Sunday at 10:00 from the Hotel Müggelsee Berlin (at Müggelheimer Damm 145, 12559 Berlin). Arrival: Bus 169 to Rübezahl 

• For those who prefer to run with obstacles (or watch others wallowing in the mud), there is the Cross Challenge race (also on Sunday at Döberitzer Heide, including a run for children and youth and one for beginners, starting from 8:45, different times - in different races) . Arrival: Bus 638 from Spandau station 

Mud is healthy

• And the first public ice rink also opened this week - Neukoelln Ice Stadium. Right next to Templehoffer Feld, Oderstr. 182 12051 Berlin, Hermannstr Station ( for opening hours and additional information )

Not out yet, but you can already skate!

• Not exactly a sport, but quite outdoors (and important for drivers too): a huge environmental demonstration on Friday in the entire Potsdamer Platz area and the borough. Info

Indoors

Although this weekend is not really cold (and is supposed to be dry or dryi-ish), there are several cool things to do indoors, for those of you who don't believe "there is no bad weather".  Short and impressive selection: 

• The "Komische Oper" offers a new-dangling opera for children called Die Zaubermelodika, which is of course a kind of parody (or tribute) to "The Magic Flute". Premiere on Sunday, at 16:00 ( details and tickets )

• For kids and teens who feel more Berghain than Philharmonic, the KAHO in Karlshorst offers a workshop on how to learn how to be a DJ. In Berlin it's more of a future profession than a programming course, right? (Sunday, 14:00, info)

• Anime and manga festival at the Messe. I always hesitate to recommend these events, because they are usually commercial bore with insane prices, but since there are sure to be manga-fans in the general public, for your consideration ( details )

• And really only for adults: Cannabis Fair at the Arena with different and weird (legal) products from the plant ( details )
• And if you're looking for a legal option to get all hazy, you are invited instead to Collabfest, with different and weird beers at BrewDog Berlin Mitte every weekend ( details )

I ain't afraid of no ghost  

Because Halloween is approaching and although there will really be loads of recommendations (even for adults) for next week's post, there are already some seasonal sessions this week: 

• Online workshop (for those who are afraid to leave the house) of pumpkin design for children, Saturday, 15:00 ( info)

• On Saturday and Sunday, the children's theatre in Trapto Park will offer a "family experience" with "the ghost in the puppet theatre" with "black light" lamps. From age 3 and up ( details ) 

Ghost in the Puppet Theater

• In Karl's Strawberry Village they continue with the plan for Halloween, with lite intimidation, pumpkin design and the like. On Saturday night a real "Spooky Night" is planned, but unfortunately, all tickets are sold out ( details )

• The German "Famous Five Trio", the Drei ???, star in the planetarium with the play " Die drei ??? und das Dorf der Teufel ", aged 8 and up

• The Das Schloss Shopping Mall in Steglitz will offer various activities on Friday, Saturday and next week, including a mystery game (look for the treasure), intimidation in VR, and monsters that roam free in the mall. 

• For older youth (and adults), there is a Fantasy Film Festival at Kulturbrauerei ( details )

Somewhat Jewish

• Breeding like zombies, but this time it's got nothing to do with Halloween, but stand-up evenings with a Jewish orientation in Berlin: 

• The Shahak Shapira and Anna Bruce in Belushi's, Friday 

• On Sunday you can have a show at the Z Bar with a bagel, during the New York Bagel Pop Up & English Comedy Show 

• On Thursday evening, "TwoJews Presents: Live Musical Comedy!" In Herman Schulz in Friedrichshain; And on the same evening there will be a Klezmer session in Neukoelln 

• And if you are looking for more interesting events in the Israeli and Jewish context: 
• On Saturday, I will tour again (in German and for free) a tour on the Jewish history of the "Mühlenviertel" area in Prenzlauer Berg, at 15:00 ( details )

• On Sunday afternoon, Hashomer Hatzair Ken Berlin will meet for action in the Alexanderplatz area ( details )

Thanks to all those who support the blog .... and buy coffee

   

Events for the weekend of October 15-17th

 Autumn and its colours

• Lanterns and leaves - A workshop at the Freilandlabor Britz on Saturday ( details )

• At the Franklaufer Synagogue  , activities are planned for the synagogue's children on Sunday on the subject of autumn, the weather and the environment. In two groups, ages 3-5 and ages 6-11 

• And another autumn: on Sunday, the "Autumn Fair" will end at Zentraler Festplatz - a small amusement park with facilities, stalls and the like. Admission is free (facilities of course not). Until then, open every day 
• Address : Kurt-Schumacher-Damm 207, 13405 Berlin; 
• Getting there : U7 train to Jakob-Kaiser-Platz then bus lines X21, M 21, N 21 or U6 train to Kurt-Schumacher-Platz then bus lines X21, M 21, N 21, 128 

Other interesting events

• A very interesting event takes place in Urania on Friday afternoon - a "recycling" workshop for objects to create play areas and playgrounds, which also includes the possibility for "teams" of families to experience the makeshift playgrounds ( details )

• Hip hop party for the whole family at YAAM on Sunday ( details )

• This week (until Sunday) a small festival of Roma and Sinti culture takes place at Alexanderplatz, including music and food ( details ) 

• Some of the activities as part of " Children's Culture Month " still have places available - so jump to the opera this weekend, make posters or plan a better world without plastic 

• Every weekend there will be a beer festival near the IKEA "Tempelhof" (station: Südkreuz), at the entrance to the festival there is also a discount for the use of shopping at IKEA (details)

• Those looking for something a little more active (and a little more colorful) in the Templehof area on Sunday can join the Color Obstacle Rush race  at the Trabrennbahn Berlin-Mariendorf 

Autumn Holidays in Berlin

Are you also "stuck" in Berlin during the autumn holidays, without the possibility of flying without bothering with isolations and the like? Some ideas (that can be used even if you are currently reading the post from Mallorca) 

(1) Travel to Linum to see the storks. The storks and cranes come in large quantities to the Linumer Teiche, because the pools in the area provide the birds with food and a comfortable environment. It is not so easy to get to Linum without a car (RE6 to Kremmen station and then bus 758), but it is only an hour by car. 

Storks in Linum. The photo is not mine - it is from the website of the Nature
Conservation  Organization  NABU,
which also owns a "station" in Linum

(2) Scare yourself in "Karls". Yes, Halloween is around the corner. Of course, I will publish for Halloween, but in the meantime, " Karl " (from the strawberries) is already preparing a spooky programme Halloween . Of course you can also carve pumpkins there (arrival: by Strawberriy Bus or by regional train to the town of Elstal and from there bus 686)

(3) Go to a museum or exhibition! Beyond the "regular" candidates ( Berlin Museum of Nature , Berlin Museum of Technology, Museum of Computer Games , Children's Museum of the Jewish Museum or various museums for children like Mach Mit) there are also rotating exhibitions worth visiting, such as the Street Art Exhibition located in an abandoned casino in Nolendorf -Place; The exhibition Dark Matters in Bromelsburg and more. 

(4) Climb and jump - in trampoline halls (Jump House), in bouldering halls, or in an indoor rope hall, such as the BergWerk in Hellersdorf (near Hellersdorf station) 

(5) go swimming - the indoor pools are back, including those with slides like Schonberg's Hans Rosenthal Pool; And of course indoor "water parks" like the Tropical Islands, the TURM in Oranienburg and more. 

Roll into an artificial tropical landscape

(6) And almost last - I collected quite a few possible camps, I guess in most places are few (if any), but if you need help, because there is no Hort and you have no freedom, let's try to consult. Among other things, the Janusz Korczak House in the Nikolai district offers a creative day camp during the second week of the holiday (details in the photo) 

Adults only ...

Coincidentally there are several events this week that are definitely interesting and definitely do not involve the whole family: 

• The Berlin International Burlesque Festival enters its eighth year this weekend. The program, due to the corona, is narrower than usual ( details )

And in a sharp transition: 

• Friday - Workshop on "Jewish Resistance: Yesterday and Today" (in German, details )

• First - 
• New Year's (Jewish, I mean) concert with Mimi Sheffer, in Potsdam (details) 

• Also: Online discussion entitled " Confronting Antisemitism: Activating Archives, Libraries, & Museums "

• And if you are looking for ~ Hebrew lessons for girlfriends ~ or spouses - "Zuzman" offers regular Hebrew lessons for adults, in addition to the number of Hebrew classes for children in Berlin that they have started to offer.