If you want your New Year to go off with a bang, the obvious choice for New Years Eve is Berlin – a musical Mecca and hedonistic stage for a firework frenzy. The celebratory cacophony usually kicks off well in advance, building up to a crescendo as the new year begins. There is little to compare to the atmosphere of excitement on Berlin’s streets as the clocks strike 12, but be warned – it’s not for the faint hearted. Most of the smaller street party fireworks are unorganised and unpredictable, and all revellers – for obvious reasons – should keep their wits about them in the smoky, crowded chaos.
New Years Eve 2011 Berlin - Hyun Lee - Flickr
If your idea of excitement involves less risk but equal exhilaration, there are plenty of organised pyrotechnic displays; the most popular and iconic of which will be at the Brandenburg Gate. Whatever floats your boat, New Year in Berlin should be spent outside on the street. Most of the clubs don’t open until 1am and – in typical Berlin fashion – will continue through until the last person leaves.
Clubbing is, of course, only one of a huge variety of New Year events. The local phrase for Happy New Year is Guten Rutch, or ‘good slide’. Here are some of our festive picks across the board to ensure your slide from 2011 into 2012 is suitably smooth:
The Berlin Philharmonic
Sir Simon Rattle conducts this immensely popular concert, which starts at 5:30pm with an introductory presentation. Tickets cost between €70 and €220 and are available from the box office in person or by calling 0049 30254 88999 (sold out online).
Smile in 2012 at Prince Charles
One of Berlin’s newest, hippest joints, Prince Charles is a former swimming pool turned quadratic emporium of cool where Berlin stalwarts Made to Play records will provide the main attractions. Round Table Knights and Oliver $ are joined by a quality line-up as long as your arm, ensuring the €25 entry is money well spent. For some pre-club dinner close by, try Max und Moritz, a traditional restaurant serving Berlin specialities old and new.
Hippie New Year at Ritter Butzke
Headliners Frivolous and Stimming will both be playing live at this immense venue, a converted factory and low-key alternative to celebrated Berlin powerhouse, Berghain. Start the night as you mean to go on at nearby Admiralbrücke for a midnight congregation and street party with famously frivolous fireworks.
Berlin’s largest indoor party at the Culture Brewery
If you, like many others, find the pressure of organising New Year occasions too much, there’s a selection of packages that include the lot so you can focus on enjoying the evening. Prenzlauer-Berg’s Kulturbrauerie is an old converted brewery, now encompassing a range of separate indoor and outdoor venues. The annual extravaganza will feature 30 live bands and DJs over 15 locations and a spectacular firework display at midnight. Tickets cost from €29 from any of the participating venues or the box office on 0049 30443 1551, and there is also an additional all-inclusive meal option at Palais.
Wunderkammer at the Chameleon Theatre
Australia’s answer to Cirque de Soleil has received rave reviews, leaving audiences awestruck by both the original curation and world-class performances. The afternoon performance, which begins at 4pm on New Year’s Eve, still has spaces left (from €42 per ticket) and is the perfect way for families and groups of friends alike to start the celebrations. Prepare to be blown away long before the first firework fuse is lit.
Written by local resident Natalie Holmes
