Events in Berlin

May Day (May)

The first of May is quite a sight in the capital and attracts many tourists and locals alike. "Tanz in den Mai", dancing into May, means the streets around Kreuzberg and other districts near it are more or less closed to traffic and people take to the street in droves to dance to the loud music that issues from bands and DJs. The party starts early and goes until late.

The Berlinale

The Berlin Film festival or Berlinale is one of the most prestigious of its kind and every year show-cases large and small-scale productions from around the world. Previous judges have included Hollywood stars such as Meryl Steep and Natalie Portman and international stars such as Audrey Tautou and Christoph Waltz. The capital is home to a wide range of small and large cinemas and the festival is spread out through these so that you can take in a show in any district of the city.

The Festival of Lights (October)

Every October for the last 10 years, the city and its buildings have been illuminated and transformed into living art during this unique festival. Famous landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate take on a whole new life thanks to the creative light shows that take place throughout the whole month.

Christmas Markets (December)

Each year Berlin lights up with over 60 Christmas markets, each styled in a traditional, fairy tale-like aesthetic. If you have ever wanted to know what it would feel like to wander through a real-life winter wonderland then you need to try this at least once. Along with the sights, there is also traditional food to be had, including German sausages, Lebkuchen and of course, mulled wine, known locally as Glühwein.