Historic Preservation

**Join Us for Christmas Candlelight at the American Church in Berlin** **English-language worship with traditional liturgy** Celebrate Christmas Eve with us at our Candlelight Service! Join us in person for a beautiful service filled with candlelight, timeless readings, and your favorite Christmas hymns. It’s a peaceful and joyful way to welcome Christmas—whether you come with family, friends, or on your own. Before and after the service, you are invited to enjoy fellowship along with traditional Christmas treats. This service will be a bit more brief at one hour long. Don’t miss this heartwarming tradition. We look forward to celebrating with you! [ACB Website](www.americanchurchberlin.de)

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* Escape the hustle of Berlin and step into the royal elegance of Potsdam — the former residence of Prussian kings and a UNESCO World Heritage city. On this half-day walking tour, discover the stunning Sanssouci Palace Gardens, grand architecture, and fascinating stories that shaped Europe’s royal past. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll stroll through Potsdam’s historic center, see Cecilienhof Palace, where the WWII Potsdam Conference took place, and admire the beautiful Dutch Quarter and Brandenburg Gate of Potsdam. Then, explore the world-famous Sanssouci Park, with its terraced vineyards and ornate palaces built by Frederick the Great — the “Prussian Versailles.” This tour perfectly combines royal history, scenic beauty, and architectural splendor, making it one of the most enchanting day trips from Berlin. **🌟 Highlights** * Explore the royal city of Potsdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site * Visit Sanssouci Palace Gardens, the jewel of Prussian architecture * See Cecilienhof Palace, site of the post-WWII Allied conference * Wander the charming Dutch Quarter and Brandenburg Gate * Learn fascinating stories of Prussian kings and royal intrigue from your expert guide **✅ What’s Included** * Expert local guide * Half-day guided walking tour * Highlights of Potsdam’s palaces, parks, and historical landmarks * Small group for a more personal experience

[*Registration form required below*] **Interested in Japanese sword fighting or Japanese culture? Come join a trial and experience the traditional Samurai art at Katori Shintō-ryū in Schöneberg.** **Trial Fee**: **25€**/ session (2hr). Classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 19:00 to 21:00. **!!SIGN UP HERE**: [Katori Shinto-ryū Berlin Sign-up (google.com)](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBt4A13VgnEcgQQ2PDaruthmYMRWineG4KtUCKsuC9KBsCUQ/viewform) Registration is required before your participation so that we can prepare enough training equipment. **Address**: Belziger Str. 25, 10823 Berlin. **No previous experience required!** The classes are in English and German. **Our website**: [Kenjutsu Berlin - Official school of Katori Shinto-ryu in Berlin (katoriberlin.org)](https://katoriberlin.org/) **Katori Shintō-ryū** is one of the oldest Japanese sword fighting traditions (koryū) still practised today and is recognized by the Japanese government as a cultural intangeable asset. The school was founded in the middle of the 15th century by Iizasa Chōisai Ienao at the Katori Shrine (Katori jingū) and has become the origin of numerous other martial arts schools over the course of its almost 600-year history. The training consists of the continuous repetition of fixed sequences of movements (kata) and includes the use of classic Japanese weapons such as the sword (iai-jutsu, battō-jutsu, ken-jutsu, ryōtō-jutsu, kodachi-jutsu), the long staff (bō-jutsu), the lance (naginata-jutsu) and the spear (sō-jutsu), as well as unarmed disciplines, tactics and spiritual aspects. **The Katori Berlin dojo** is the only official shibu of Otake Nobutoshi-shihan’s dojo Shinbukan in Germany and fully dedicated to the transmission and study of one martial tradition: Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryū. Through these efforts we aim to contribute to the cultural preservation of this martial tradition. The dojo has one officially appointed shidosha. **Our sensei**: Sebastian Graetz has been active in martial arts since 1997. After almost 15 years of taekwondo in Berlin, he started with Katori Shintō-ryū in Asia in 2014. Since then, he has studied in Japan with Ōtake Risuke-shihan and Ōtake Nobutoshi-shihan, and in Vietnam with Malte Stokhof-shihandai. In 2023, he received his Menkyo license and permission to set up a training group in Berlin the following year.

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* Step back into one of the most sobering chapters of world history on this powerful half-day tour from Berlin to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial. Guided by an expert historian, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Nazi Germany, the Holocaust, and the human stories behind the camp’s walls. This former concentration camp—now a place of remembrance and education—stands as a moving tribute to the victims who suffered here. Walk through the remaining barracks, guard towers, and the punishment cells as your guide provides historical context, survivor testimonies, and insight into the rise and fall of the Third Reich. The tour offers a respectful, educational experience that encourages reflection and awareness. Ideal for travelers seeking to understand Germany’s past and its ongoing commitment to remembrance. ✅ What’s Included Professional licensed guide Fully guided tour of Sachsenhausen Memorial Return train transportation from Berlin (ABC ticket required) Entry and memorial site access Historical context and stories from expert historians **🌟 Highlights** * Visit one of the first Nazi concentration camps * Learn about the history of the Holocaust and Nazi Germany * Explore original camp structures, including barracks and watchtowers * Hear real stories of prisoners and survivors * Guided by an expert with deep historical knowledge

It seems that December 24th is going to be a sunny day, so let's walk through the grassy grounds around Hobrechtsfelde! The land around Hobrechtsfelde was used for more than 100 years for the - nowadays weirdly sounding - combination of septic drainage and agriculture. These times are gone now and the area have been renaturated and is used now for various ecological projects. On the dry grassy grounds scattered with bushes and trees, cattle and Konik horses are roaming. Through gates, it is possible for visitors to walk through these areas. A bit to the north is the Schönower Heide. This area was once used as military training ground and is marked by the very sandy ground which only allows sparse vegetation. We'll meet on Wednesday at 12:08 at the S-Bahn station Zepernick on the S2 line. From there ... * ... we'll walk through to village Hobrechtsfelde * walk a round though the surrounding area and cross the meadows and possibly meet some animals * walk through the Schönower Heide We will finish our hike at the S-Bahn station Karow which is also on the S2 line. The hike will be about 16 km long. The area has many things to see and discover, so its also possible to slightly deviate from the route and browse a bit. Important things to note: * This is an easy hike with a relatively long distance. Thus, you should wear suitable shoes. Expect some muddy and wet and possibly icy grounds. * You are all responsible for yourself. None of us is mountain guide or something like that. * There won't be too many Späties along the route, so have enough water and food with you. * Please note that the number of participants is limited, because at a certain size a group gets virtually unmanageable. As the demand may be higher than the number of available spots, please be fair and only RSVP if you are sure that you can make it. If you learn later that you cannot take part, please update your RSVP accordingly.

**Join Us for Christmas Eve Family Worship at the American Church in Berlin** *English-language worship with Holy Communion* Celebrate the wonder of Christmas Eve with a joyful family-friendly service in the heart of Berlin! Together we’ll hear the Christmas story, sing your favorite songs, and light the night with the hope and peace Christ brings. This service is especially designed for families with children—full of warmth, welcome, and moments that help kids enter the story of Jesus’ birth with joy and imagination. Whether you come with little ones, teens, friends, or on your own, you’ll find a caring community and the glow of Christmas light. After worship, stay for fellowship and traditional Christmas treats. We can’t wait to celebrate the good news of Christ’s birth with you! [ACB Website](www.americanchurchberlin.de)

Berlin Rebels Alternative Pub Crawl: Dive Bars, Back Alley Beats & Insider Stories. Experience Berlin’s underground nightlife like a true rebel. Experience Berlin’s underground nightlife like a true rebel. This alternative pub crawl takes you beyond the typical tourist circuit and into the beating heart of the city’s subcultures — punk, goth, squatters, techno heads, and creative misfits. In intimate groups, we explore lesser-known venues across Prenzlauer Berg, Neukölln, Kreuzberg, and more. Leave behind the commercial party strip and join the alternative crawl. On this 5-hour nighttime adventure, you’ll discover Berlin’s rebellious spirit through its grungiest, weirdest, and most unforgettable nightlife spots. Our route changes nightly but could include: • Ping pong matches with locals in hidden bars • A secret rock or metal bar with horror-movie décor • Absinthe lounges, beach bars, techno bunkers, or surreal basements • Squatter spaces turned legal venues and hidden alley speakeasies Your guide — a true Berlin nightlife insider — will take you to places most tourists never hear about. You’ll also uncover the stories behind these venues: how post-wall Berlin became a global nightlife capital, how music scenes shaped entire neighborhoods, and how many of these bars still operate just under the radar. Whether you’re into indie rock, dark-wave, hip hop, punk, or Berlin-style techno, this crawl adapts to the vibe of the night. Nothing cookie-cutter. No two nights are the same. Please bring valid ID and a public transport ticket (Zone AB).

As the year draws to a close, join us on a reflective pilgrimage hike along the scenic Havel River to Potsdam. This 15 km route is not just a walk through history but a journey inward as we explore themes of closure and renewal. 📅 **Date & Time** * Date: Saturday, 27 December 2025 * Start: 10:00 am at Wannsee S-Bahn Station (Travel via RE1, S1, or S7) * Finish: approx. 4:00 pm at Potsdam Hauptbahnhof (Return via RE1 or S7) 🗺️ **Route & Highlights** * Komoot tour: [https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/1995532602](https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/1995532602) * Walking along the Havel River and through Düppeler Forst * Historical sites: House of the Wannsee Conference, Glienicke Bridge, Babelsberg Palace **🤔 Why this hike?** The period between Christmas and New Year can feel overwhelming for many – filled with pressure to reflect and plan ambitious resolutions. This hike is an opportunity to let go of the expectations. As we walk, we’ll explore ways to release stress, embrace the present moment, and approach the new year with a sense of purpose and serenity. **🔔 What to know & bring** * We walk at a steady, moderate pace, with breaks and care for one another. * It’s winter, dress for the season and the weather. Important: hiking or running shoes, warm layered clothing, hat and gloves. * Bring enough food and water for the whole day, as we won’t stop anywhere to buy snacks or drinks. A thermos with hot tea or coffee is highly recommended! * Don’t forget your public transport ticket for the way there and back. * Bring your pilgrim passport. There may be opportunities to collect stamps along the route. **🌊 Optional Ice Bath Experience:** At a riverside beach along our path, we will pause for a symbolic ice bath (completely optional). This tradition represents cleansing, renewal, and a fresh start for the new year. If you’d like to participate, please bring swimwear, a towel, and warm clothes to change into. 📩 **Questions & Registration** Reach out any time for more details or help with your travel plans. You’re also welcome to join our WhatsApp group, where we share updates and photos from the trail. Feel free to contact Pilgrimage Guide Alexander via WhatsApp message (01575 – 7652601) or email (alexander.steinfeldt@outlook.com). **Waitlist = You're in! 😊** Currently, only 10 members can officially register on Meetup (due to the restrictions of the free version). However, you’re welcome to join the hike by joining the Whatsapp group for this event (Message me directly to confirm your participation and get the link for the Whatsapp group).

Silent Book Club is a group of book lovers who enjoy reading together in public. All books and all readers are welcome. (Kindly RSVP 'yes' only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and our fellow readers on the waitlist!) This page-turning party will unfold in the Café (1st floor) at the Bode Museum. There's no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the cafe and don't bring any outside drinks :) No quizzes, no pressure, no assigned books - just a group of book-loving souls basking in the beauty of silent reading. **Our thrilling agenda:** 10:30 am - 11:00 am - Arrivals, ordering drinks/food (social time) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - The Great Quiet Reading Hour (where silence is the star) 12:00 pm - 13:00 pm - Optional socializing, share your reading adventures or just keep exploring the pages Stay for lunch, and who knows? You might just find your next favorite book over a pizza. NB: If you plan to go for lunch, please consider bringing cash, as some restaurants only accept card payments after a certain amount.

**Join Us for Christmas Morning Worship at the American Church in Berlin** *English-language worship with traditional liturgy and Holy Communion* Celebrate the joy of Christmas Day with a beautiful morning service in the heart of Berlin. Come and hear the Christmas gospel, sing beloved songs, and share in the hope and peace that Christ brings to the world. Whether you come with family, friends, or on your own, you’ll find a welcoming community and the warmth of Christmas light. This is a great place to meet people rom al over the world! After the service, you are invited to stay for fellowship, get to know people over coffee, and traditional Christmas treats. We look forward to celebrating the good news of Christmas with you! [ACB Website](www.americanchurchberlin.de)

Bringt gute Laune, schönes Wetter und Interesse mit. Wir treffen uns je nach Tour an unterschiedlichen Orten. Am 1. April 2018 um 15 Uhr gehts los am Eingang zur Akademie der Künste am Pariser Platz neben dem Brandenburger Tor.

Meet up and join us this Saturday! Whether you're a long-time resident or just travelling through, come and meet new people to have fun, make new friends and enjoy your Saturday evening in a safe and welcoming environment at one of Berlins fantastic bars (and then there's always people who want to go to a club afterwards). This week we're heading for the first time to the fantabulous **Tabula Rasa** (see link to location). We always have several organisers there (male and female), so come say hello to us! We care to make sure that everyones enjoys themselves and we have **no tolerance for bad behaviour or creepiness.** **Follow us on Insta:** @siphappens.berlin **Join us on Telegram:** t.me/siphappens_berlin **👉 Other important notes:** \- 🍸 The locations we visit are bars and clubs\, they are businesses and we are able to keep these events free ONLY if people buy drinks\. Please respect the locations and the event by making purchases \- 🦹‍♂️ Remember to keep an eye on your belongings and prioritize your own well\-being\. We are not responsible for any lost items or personal issues\. \- 📷 By attending our events\, you consent to being photographed or filmed\. Photos and videos taken during the events may be shared on our social media\. If you do not wish to appear in the photos or if you appear in a photo that we post that you would like removed\, please send us a private message as soon as possible on Instagram \(@siphappens\.berlin\)

Berlin Rebels Alternative Pub Crawl: Dive Bars, Back Alley Beats & Insider Stories. Experience Berlin’s underground nightlife like a true rebel. Experience Berlin’s underground nightlife like a true rebel. This alternative pub crawl takes you beyond the typical tourist circuit and into the beating heart of the city’s subcultures — punk, goth, squatters, techno heads, and creative misfits. In intimate groups, we explore lesser-known venues across Prenzlauer Berg, Neukölln, Kreuzberg, and more. Leave behind the commercial party strip and join the alternative crawl. On this 5-hour nighttime adventure, you’ll discover Berlin’s rebellious spirit through its grungiest, weirdest, and most unforgettable nightlife spots. Our route changes nightly but could include: • Ping pong matches with locals in hidden bars • A secret rock or metal bar with horror-movie décor • Absinthe lounges, beach bars, techno bunkers, or surreal basements • Squatter spaces turned legal venues and hidden alley speakeasies Your guide — a true Berlin nightlife insider — will take you to places most tourists never hear about. You’ll also uncover the stories behind these venues: how post-wall Berlin became a global nightlife capital, how music scenes shaped entire neighborhoods, and how many of these bars still operate just under the radar. Whether you’re into indie rock, dark-wave, hip hop, punk, or Berlin-style techno, this crawl adapts to the vibe of the night. Nothing cookie-cutter. No two nights are the same. Please bring valid ID and a public transport ticket (Zone AB).

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* Get ready for an unforgettable night out in Berlin! Join The Original Berlin Pub Crawl and dive into the city’s legendary nightlife — from buzzing bars to hidden underground clubs. This is the Berlin experience you don’t want to miss. Your night starts with a warm welcome shot and a friendly local guide who knows every hidden corner of Berlin’s party scene. You’ll explore some of the city’s most exciting bars, enjoy exclusive drink specials, free shots at every stop, and meet fellow travellers from around the world. As the night goes on, we’ll lead you straight to one of Berlin’s top nightclubs — where you’ll skip the line and dance until dawn. This isn’t just a pub crawl — it’s a social adventure through Berlin’s most electric neighbourhoods, filled with laughter, music, and new friends. **✅ What’s Included:** * Friendly local nightlife guide * Free welcome shots at each venue * Exclusive drink deals & discounts * VIP entry to one of Berlin’s top clubs * A fun international crowd **🌟 Highlights** * Discover Berlin’s best bars and hidden party spots * Experience the authentic Berlin nightlife scene * Meet travellers and locals from around the world * Enjoy free drinks and skip-the-line club entry * Dance the night away in true Berlin style

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant. Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ). This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us.

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Stauf’s German Village! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends! Afterwards, we’ll visit The Book Loft (next door) and stroll the shelves.

RSVP here to join us for BRUNCH Before MARTY SUPREME at the Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall! We have a 2pm reservation so meet the group there around 1:55pm! We’ll have a large table reserved for the group but seating is limited. As a courtesy to the restaurant and your movie group friends, PLEASE….. Only RSVP if you plan to attend. Try to avoid last minute cancelations or no shows. If your plans change, please try to update your RSVP by Friday before the event. If there is a waiting list and you’re on it, please be sure to check the morning of the event to see if any space has opened up. ABOUT THE RESTAURANT: The Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall is set in a historic landmark with multiple bars and dining areas, 24 taps and great globally inspired food. Rooted in the historic beauty of Franklin Park, the Beer Hall was built in the late 1800’s and preserves the original masonry and character as an historic landmark. CBC Beer Hall is located next door to the East Market at 200 Kelton Avenue, Columbus, OH! ABOUT THE MENU: Their Brunch Menu features an array of fun apps, fritters, wings, and tons of breakfast options like steak and eggs, cornmeal pancakes & tenders, breakfast tacos (including a vegan version), skillets, French toast, and more! For the vegetarians/vegans in the group, their menu is super veg friendly with vegan sausage and crispy tofu! BRUNCH MENU: https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#brunch-menu-drinks FOOD MENU: https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu BRUNCH PLAN: Brunch at CBC Beer Hall will now be at 1:30pm! Arrive by 1:25 and we should have plenty of time to mix, mingle, and enjoy a fun brunch together before departing for the theater around 3pm. If you can, cash always makes for a quick exit! Also, we had some major shifts in the RSVP list so if you were on the waiting list, there’s a good chance you’re now on the YES list! Be sure to check the RSVP list to see if you made it in! For those still on the Waiting List, recommend checking again on Friday and on Sunday morning in case any space opens up. See separate event listing to check your RSVP or join the waiting list. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Wild Ones: Annual Native Seed Swap January 10, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Join Wild Ones Columbus for their annual native seeds swap. If you have native seeds to share, please label them with the Latin name and common name. The seeds don’t need to be removed from the seed head if you aren’t sure how to do it, but remove as much stem as possible. Bringing seeds is not required. Bring bags or envelopes to store seeds. Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S. Hempstead Rd. Westerville, OH 43081 Phone (614)895-6216 This event will be held in the Greenhouse/Multipurpose Building located near the east end of the parking lot. Click here to see the Inniswood map. If you have native seeds to share, label each species with this information: * Botanical Name * Common Name Species we will accept: * Species native to our ecoregion (8.2.4) - Best * Species native to Ohio and surrounding states - Good * Straight species only - no cultivars. The seeds don’t need to be removed from the seed head if you aren’t sure how to do it, but don’t leave much stem on the seed heads. Please email the list of species to Mary May so we can prepare information for attendees. You can bring the seeds on the day of the swap, or we can arrange to have them picked up beforehand - just let her know in the email. If you don’t have any seeds to bring, no worries. If you are new to native plants or didn't have time to collect seeds, there are ALWAYS plenty from those that do bring them! We love to see "newbies" at our seed exchange! Also, remember to bring something to put seeds in such as envelopes, paper bags or containers.