Christmas time! The most wonderful time of the year, and we’re not interested in any of your cynicism. Christmas is a time to appreciate all the wonderful things we have, the great people in our lives and the opportunities that life affords us. It is also a great excuse to get blind drunk for an entire month, if you’re into that sort of thing. Us? No, certainly not. This beer is medicinal, honest. 

The temperature has plummeted but when you get to live in a city like Berlin, who really cares? You can always wear more clothes. The German capital is a stunner all year long, but there is something about the winter chill that really brings out its best side. It might be the twinkling lights of the Christmas markets, and we’ve got them covered with our annual feature. Head to page 8 for that. 

What else have we got going on? The usual fantastic array of exhibitions, shows and gigs of course, with Japanese noise bandits Envy coming this way in December. Best live band we’ve ever seen? Quite possibly. Head to Bi Nuu on December 17 and decide for yourself. Berlin’s museums and galleries offer plenty more than simple shelter from the cold, as the 30 year anniversary of the Wall’s dismantling continues to dominate. It is a pretty big anniversary, we’re sure you’ll agree. 

Berlin is a romantic city at heart and nothing screams ‘romance’ more than getting all festive at a Christmas market, so make that your main goal this season. Speaking of goals, Hertha will be hoping for an improvement on the pitch, as the city giants sit a number of places below noisy neighbours Union in the table. Who would have predicted that? Us, that’s who. Have a great Christmas, and don’t forget to send us your feedback, whether through email, social media or via Santa’s sleigh. He’s surely got room.