How to celebrate New Year 2022 in Berlin

30 Dec

Photo by **Tairon Fernandez** from **Pexels**

What’s open? What’s allowed? Here’s how to welcome the new year 2022 in Berlin!

The below suggestions are for people that are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. German/Berlin rules for non-vaccinated people are much stricter. If for some reason you are yet to receive a coronavirus vaccine then check all the rules yourself.

The party at the Brandenburg gate is closed

Yep, you read it right. The usual concert and fireworks display at the Brandenburg Gate is still happening, but without a live audience those that still want to watch the show can tune into German TV channel ZDF at 20:15 and celebrate from home.

Click here to stream the Brandenburg Gate celebrations live.

Clubs are open but don’t call them clubs

The federal German government has decided that night clubs are not allowed to open over new year 2022. In response, the state government of Berlin said that clubs are now bars and they can open but dancefloors are not allowed to open. Bars are allowed to open.

Have a party with 9 friends

The government has said that fully vaccinated people can have private events in groups of up to 10 people. That means if you’re attending a house party there should only be 9 other people attending, not including children.

Do a walking tour

Look, the weather is unseasonably warm for December and January. Enjoy yourself, take an award-winning Original Berlin Walks tour. The Discover Berlin tour is running in English and German every day. We’ve even put on extra tour start times at 12:00 in case you’re hungover!

Start the new year by learning something and getting some fresh air!

Watch out for fireworks

German firework safety is, to be honest, non-existent. Sales of fireworks have been reduced this year, and the city has said that fireworks are not allowed on certain streets, but honestly I can tell you that the streets of Berlin are nothing like anywhere or anything you’re used to on December 31st. Residents of Berlin let off fireworks anywhere they want. In the street, from balconies, inside train stations. Many people, including locals, really don’t like this, but that’s how it is. Please, stay safe and careful out there.