In this post, we provide a list of fun and entertaining things to do in Berlin during the month of January, updated for 2024.
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 in 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
There are a number of comedy and variety shows to see in Berlin in January
Some of the shows include:
- Mad Magic Variety Show | Wintergarten
- Falling in Love | Friedrichstadt Palast
- SIXX PAXX Theatre Berlin
- Die Live Show | Quatsch Comedy Club
- Laughing Spree Comedy Show | On a Boat
- Variety Show | Knutschfleck Berlin
- Variety Show | Wilde Martilde Bar
2. Attend a Music Festival
Berlin is known for it's rich and diverse music scene. From classical to punk to electronic, it has played a part in the development of many genres of music.
In January, a few music festivals will be taking place in the city.
CTM Festival
This festival spotlights artists from electronic and experimental music.
This year is their 25th anniversary, and they will be celebrating at a number of different venues across Berlin.
The festival runs from January 26th to February 4th, and you can visit the website for further details.
Jazzfest Neukölln
What a more perfect place to celebrate Jazz than the creative and vibrant area of the city, Neukölln.
Musicians and those who love jazz gather to hear some amazing concerts. There will also be a contest for new musicians.
The dates for 2024 haven't been released yet. Tickets are free but a donation is requested.
Visit the website for updates.
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 or Take Part in a Sporting Event
If you want to start off the new year in a healthy way, or just watch those who are already healthy compete, there are a few events for you.
Berlin New Year's Day Run
Join thousands of runners who didn't likely stay up until 2AM for the Berlin New Year's Run.
The event is free to enter, and sends runners past some well-known sites in the city.
Visit the website for more information.
SixDay Berlin
Amateur and professional cyclists compete over six days in the Velodrome starting January 25th.
For those watching, there's also entertainment between the races.
Visit the website for more information and to purchase tickets.
5. Visit Chrismas Garden Berlin
Although Christmas is over, the winter fairyland at the Berlin Botanical Gardens runs until January 14, 2024.
This event is modeled after the one at Kew Gardens in London.
These two botanical 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.
Tickets 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 Invaders, Asteroids, and Frogger.
The Samurai Museum in Berlin houses an authentic collection of samurai artifacts, all pulled from a private collection.
The Museum of the Moving Image celebrates all things film, television, and digital media.
The DDR Museum immerses visitors in "everyday life in 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. Attend a Film Festival
The British Shorts Film Festival celebrates the works of filmmakers from the UK.
You'll find many genres of film including comedy, action, drama, documentaries, and more.
The screenings take place at two locations: Splitnik Lino, City Kino Wedding, Acudkino, and other locations.
The festival runs from January 18th-24th, and tickets can be purchased online or at the screening.
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.
Events take place January 19th - 28th. Find more information and tickets here.
9. Enjoy 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
RELATED POSTS:
