For expats and émigrés, Christmas in Berlin is a mixed blessing.

On one hand, you’re a thousand miles away from your family. And on the other hand, you’re a thousand miles away from your family. So while all your German friends are grumbling about overbearing mothers or disapproving family members, you’re facing a solitary night, unloved and all alone, a tear trickling down your frozen face as you wander deserted streets and gaze at the icy Spree.

But wait! You don’t have to resign yourself to a bag of paprika chips and It’s a Wonderful Life on YouTube. Berlin Loves You has gone around the city to compile a handy list of Christmas activities for orphans just like you.

Eat Your Dinner in a Fancy Restaurant

No culinary skills? Forgot to go shopping? Not to worry! Believe it or not, a few of Berlin’s top restaurants are actually open on Christmas Eve and serving up serious Weihnacht eats.

Christmas Dinner at RosaCaleta – Muskauer Str 9, Kreuzberg
Well, you didn’t make it to the Caribbean this Christmas, but you can still have a classy Jamaican dinner at Rosa Caleta. From 24-26 December, they’re serving up four different 3-course prix-fixe menus from €28 to €40. Choices include a succulent honey ginger jerk duck leg with Jamaican Christmas Cake for dessert.
More Info & Reservations

British Christmas at Fräulein Fiona – Fritschestraße 48, 10627 Berlin
“In the second of a series of British food nights at Fräulein Fiona, british chef Ruby Harrison brings the flavours of home to Berlin on Christmas day. Sit at the family Christmas dinner table and experience classic dishes and traditions straight out the British Isles. All served on sharing platters with a table tier of welcome treats.”
More Info & Reservations

Tlayudas for Christmas Breakfast! at La Despensa Berlin – Samariterstr. 35, 10247 Berlin
La Despensa Berlin and Tentacion Mezcalothek are throwing a Oaxacan Christmas breakfast party and you’re all invited. Expect good spirits, excellent beer and a homely, welcoming crowd for X-mas morning. They’ll be serving Tlayudas, a speciality from Oaxaca, Mexico consisting of crispy tortillas layered with delicious meaty and veggie toppings.
More Info & Reservations

Weihnachtsbrunch at Hofbräu Berlin – Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 30, 10178 Berlin
Bavarian Christmas brunch! For us, Hofbräu House is on the right end of the tourist spectrum. It’s gaudy, ridiculous and fun! Head down for a beer and schlager-fuelled brunch. No doubt they’ll pull out all stops to make this one embarrassingly festive.
More Info & Reservations

Plant-Based X-mas Buffet at LÜCK’S – Sonntagstr. 26, 10245 Friedrichshain
Fans of plant-based food rejoice! This is a full Christmas dinner loaded with rich gravy and hearty side dishes and not a single animal was hurt in the process.
More Info & Reservations

Get Your Christmas Kicks

Need to blow off some steam after being polite to your family all night? Looking for some exercise having gained 5 kilos over the holidays? Put on your dancing shoes and head out to these frolic pads.

UCI Kinowelt Events: Doctor Who Weihnachtsspecial 2017 – Landsberger Allee 52, 10249 Berlin
No explanation needed for Doctor Who fans. This cinema is screening the latest Doctor Who Christmas special in its original English language.
Find out more here.

159th Monday Jelly Roll Session-X mas blues! at Bassy Club – Schönhauser Allee 176A, Prenzlauer Berg
For old school blues and rock ‘n’ roll dancing, head on over to the Bassy Club this Christmas. “Blues and Funkysoul session every Monday at BassyClub hosted by Marcos Coll and his top class band that features the best local talents,top international players, blues dancing lessons, DJs and many other surprises.”

Blues Dance Lessons
Advanced Class “Muddy Waters” 19h-20h
Beginner Class “Shakey Jake” 20h-21h
Jelly Roll Session 21h
Visit their Facebook event page

Weihnachts-Bingo im Zum Starken August – Schönhauser Allee 56, 10437 Berlin
There’s no better way to digest your Christmas over-eating than with some civilised parlour games. Alternatively, you could head down to Zum Starken August for their night of drinking and bingo, hosted by the hilarious Elena Gabrielle.
Find out more here.

Stars in Concert mit Christmas-Special – Sonnenallee 225, 12057 Berlin, Germany
Stars is a Berlin institution. Holed away in the Estrel Hotel on Sonnenallee is a troupe of celebrity impersonators who put on shows around the year (we’ve all seen the posters!). But now, for Christmas, they’re bringing out their best tributes to Christmas songs. Camp fun you can’t miss.
Find out more here.

And of course, if you’re a slave to the rave, then you’ve got a plethora of choices for a delirious night of electronic beats:

PAH! by TrashEra [X-Mas Edition] @ Salon – Zur wilden Renate

Black Santa Cristmas Bash – Hip Hop – Dancehall & Afrobeats @ Musik und Frieden

Factory at ://about blank – 25th December

The What x Baambi Lounge XMas Edition @ Prince Charles

Regardless of what you choose to do, we hope your Yuletide is merry and gay. Berlin Loves You on Christmas and every day. Ho ho ho!