New year – new highlights! As usual, January in Berlin is full of cultural and exciting experiences to banish the winter blues. Especially at the end of the month, there are exciting events that are not to be missed. Here are the top 5 tips for an exciting January 2025:
1. Berlinale
The film festival in a class of its own! The Berlin International Film Festival, or Berlinale for short, once again transforms the capital into a paradise for film fans in February. With premieres, glamorous red carpet moments and international stars, the festival is one of the most important of its kind. In addition to the competition films, you can also discover exciting retrospectives and independent productions. Tickets are in high demand, so secure them quickly – the advance sale starts on the Berlinale website on Monday, February 10 at 10 am!
ℹ️ Berlinale 📅 13 – 23 February 2025 📍Various cinemas in Berlin 🕰️ tba 💵 tba VVK ab 10. Februar 2025
🎥 Cate Blanchett @ Berlinale 🐻
2. Biennale of the Berlin philharmonics
The Berliner Philharmoniker invite you to the Biennale and present top-class, cross-genre concerts with world-famous soloists and conductors. This year’s motto is Paradise lost? and focuses on the extinction of species and the current climate situation. The unique blend of classical music, innovative programs and extraordinary interpretations makes this event a must for music lovers. The performances take place in the Philharmonie but also in the Musical Instrument Museum, St. Matthew’s Church and more. Check out this incomparable sound experience.
ℹ️ Biennale of the Berlin philharmoncks 📅 13 February – 1sr March 2025 📍various venues, mainly Philharmonie 🕰️ Different performance times every day 💵 starting at 25 Euro
3. Winter-CSD 2025 – Berlin Winter Pride
Berlin is sending out a strong signal for diversity and equality – and now in winter too! The first Winter CSD will take place in February 2025 and will bring the community together with a colorful parade and numerous events. With music, speeches and a festive atmosphere, the event will demonstrate for more acceptance and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community even in the cold season. On February 15, 2025, the CSD movement is calling for a nationwide day of action under the motto “Choose Love”. In Berlin, the Winter CSD will start at 11:55 a.m. – a sign for the rights of the community and the protection of democracy!
ℹ️ Winter CSD 📅 15 February 2025 📍Bundestag (federal parliament) 🕰️ 11:55 am 💵 free
4. ISTAF Indoor
Sports fans can look forward to the 12th ISTAF Indoor in the Uber Arena! This spectacular athletics event brings the best athletes in the world to Berlin. Excitement, records and thrilling competitions in disciplines such as sprinting, long jump and hurdles ensure a sporting highlight in the middle of winter – this year even on Valentine’s Day ❤️
ℹ️ ISTAF Indoor 📅 14 February 2025 📍Uber Arena 🕰️ 4:30 pm 💵 starting at 20,60 Euro
5. Japanese market
Welcome to the Year of the Snake 🐍 If you are passionate about Japanese culture, you shouldn’t miss the Japan Market in Berlin. Here you can find traditional art, handmade goods, Japanese delicacies and exciting workshops about the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. From calligraphy and origami to delicious sushi – here you can immerse yourself in the Far Eastern world.
ℹ️ Japanese market 📅 9 February 2025 📍 Festsaal Kreuzberg 🕰️ 10 am to 7 pm 💵 adults 16 Euro with time slot
