In this post, we provide a list of fun and entertaining things to do in Berlin during the month of January, updated for 2023.
We will cover a variety of different activities, attractions, events, festivals and more.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN JANUARY
This top 10 list will help you narrow down your options in Berlin for the best concerts, events, and attractions to see and participate in during January.
You can find even more ideas on our other popular Berlin posts:
- Berlin Bus Tours
- Olympic Stadium
- Panoramapunkt Observation Deck
- Berlin Underground Bunkers
- Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
Be sure to check out our tours in Berlin post for activities at any time of year.
We also have a post on the weather in Berlin in January.
1. See a Variety Show
If you're in the mood to see a theatrical performance, there will be a few great variety shows to see in Berlin this January.
One of the biggest shows is called Arise, and it features hundreds of different performers.
This variety show is hosted at the beautiful Friedrichstadt-Palast theatre.
The following shows are also taking place in January in Berlin:
2. Attend a Sporting Event
In January there are football, basketball and hockey home games taking place in Berlin.
Football
Basketball
Hockey
3. Go on a Walking Tour
After the New Year's Eve crowds thin out, Berlin will be much calmer.
This means January is the perfect time to go on a walking tour - groups will be smaller and more enjoyable.
Here are some of the most popular tour options available:
Some of these tours are pay-what-you-like, so they’re very affordable.
We also offer multiple self-guided tours you may want to consider which won’t cost you a thing to enjoy:
4. Attend a Performance
No matter what time of year it is, Berlin attracts some amazing performers from around the world.
Yamato - the Drummers of Japan will be appearing at Admiralspalast from January 17th - 22nd, 2023.
Also in January, the Philharmonic will be putting on a number of interesting shows, including one with the Benny Goodman Revival Band.
Cavalluna - The Secret of Eternity, a show with horses and riding performances set to music, will be at Mercedes Benz Arena for four shows over January 7th and 8th, 2023.
5. Visit Chrismas Garden Berlin
Although Christmas is over, the winter fairlyland at the Berlin Botanical Gardens runs until January 15, 2023.
This event is modelled after the one at Kew Gardens in London.
These two botanicals gardens are the largest in the world, and they are able to create a truly a magical experience for visitors.
A two kilometer walk takes you past millions of lights, with music and 3D images adding to the impressive display.
The gardens are open from 16:30 (4:30 pm) to 22:00 (10:00 pm).
Tickets are timed and can be purchased here.
6. Visit an Interesting Museum
The Computerspeilmuseum covers 70 years of gaming, and has over 300 exhibits.
It also has some "authentically furnished rooms" in which you can play games, and an arcade hall with classics such as Space Invadors, Asteroids, and Frogger.
The Samurai Museum in Berlin houses an authetic collection of samurai artifacts, all pulled from a private collection.
The Museum of the Moving Image celebrates all things film, television and digital media.
It has special exhibits such as "Lou Reed's Berlin" and "Living With the Walking Dead" (which runs until January 22, 2023).
The DDR Museum immerses visitors in "everyday life in the former East Germany".
Visit a fully furnished East German flat, "drive" a Trabant P601 car, and see visit exhibits that cover Public Life as well as State and Ideology.
If none of these particular museums interest you, note that Berlin has over 150 museums, providing something for just about any taste or interest.
Also, many museum tickets are on discount passes such as the Berlin Museum Pass.
7. CTM Festival for Music and Art
The CTM Festival centers around music and art from January 27th - February 5th, 2023.
There will be live music at multiple venues, as well as networking, collaboration labs, panels, and visual arts on display.
This festival is for those who appreciate innovative and independent music and art.
Events take place at various Berlin venues, and tickets can be found here.
8. International Green Week
International Green Week is a massive convention, trade show, and celebration of local traditions.
You’ll find trade booths and vendors for produce, wine, beer, and other culinary products.
There will also be kitchen, farming, and cooking demonstrations and panels.
- January 20th - 29th, 2023.
- Find more information and tickets here.
9. New Year’s Day
New Year's Day is a public holiday, so most of the shops will be closed as everyone recovers from the New Year's Eve celebrations, parties, and fireworks.
The partying will last into the early hours of January 1, 2023, before the city goes to bed.
That doesn't mean you'll be stuck without things to do for the rest of New Year's Day, however.
You can still visit plenty of activities and attractions, such as the zoo, bus tours, and various museums, even if they open a bit late.
You can find museums and attractions that are included on a Berlin tourist pass.
If you get out early enough in the day, you can also take advantage of the various brunch specials offered at area restaurants.
10. Save Money with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
In order to maximize your time in Berlin and see as many attractions as possible, you can purchase a discount pass for one low price that gives you access to fun activities and points of interest.
Here are some of the most popular destinations included with Berlin tourist passes:
- Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
- Natural History Museum
- Aquadom & Sea Life
- Madame Tussauds
- Berlin River Cruise
- Panoramapunkt
- Berlin Dungeon
- LEGOLAND
No matter which pass you choose, you should be able to save between 20% – 50% off general admission prices.
For more details, please read our post covering Berlin tourist passes.
If you're interested in purchasing a museum pass, you can do that here: Berlin Museum Pass
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