Weihnachten im Tierpark is an experience for all the senses, far from the usual pre-Christmas hustle and bustle. This year, the unique Christmas garden will continue the high standards set in previous years, but this time it includes even more exciting elements. Visitors will be captivated by astonishing state-of-the-art audiovisual displays and light installations, all accompanied by atmospheric sound compositions created exclusively for the event. The staging incorporates the unique charm of this extraordinary location, providing plenty of scope for quiet contemplation at this most wonderful time of the year. Weihnachten im Tierpark features around 30 installations and a host of nostalgic Yuletide attractions – including a traditional merry-go-round – that are guaranteed to provide an unforgettable winter’s evening. “I’m looking forward to seeing our visitors’ eyes light up as they behold the artistic illuminations at the Tierpark this winter – the fourth time the event has been staged,” says Zoo and Tierpark Director Dr Andreas Knieriem. “Once darkness falls, a sea of lights will transform our beautiful Tierpark into a magical place, far from the Christmas hullabaloo elsewhere in the city, and take visitors on a journey that is sure to stir their emotions and inspire their imaginations.”
New highlights include the “Jungle Adventure”, “Natura” and “Swan Lake” installations.
One of the event’s star attractions is the artistically illuminated façade of Café Kakadu. The “Jungle Adventure” projection brings tropical animals to life, set to a jazzy score with reggae beats. Another video projection introduces visitors to “Natura”, a woman’s face adorned with flowers. Voiced by celebrity voiceover artist Luise Lunow, Natura calmly addresses passing visitors, inviting them to pause for a moment and contemplate the preciousness of nature and the need to protect it. A labyrinth of chiming bells, with lights hanging in a zigzag arrangement, creates individual photo niches where visitors can capture special festive moments. The sensational video projection “Into the Undergrowth” features native wild animals moving around in the undergrowth as mysterious creatures made of light. The tranquil “Swan Lake” installation portrays two swans gliding majestically across the “water” –LEDs arranged in wave patterns – to synchronised music. Friedrichsfelde manor house offers a bright splash of colour, with a gigantic Pani projection transforming the building’s façade into a magnificent floral array. This illusion is accompanied by the gloriously illuminated flowerbeds, offering a view of spring at the end of this wintery walk.
But it is not only the fabulous illuminations and art installations that make a visit to Weihnachten im Tierpark worthwhile – there is even more to discover besides! Children will love the nostalgic steam-powered menagerie merry-go-round, and everyone can enjoy a range of delicious treats at the various food outlets run by caterer Marché. Visitors who would like to recreate the mood of Weihnachten im Tierpark at home can access a selection of the music produced especially for the event. A playlist will be available on streaming platforms Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Deezer.
“We are very pleased to be presenting two magical winter wonderlands in the German capital again this year,” says Sebastian Stein, Managing Director of Christmas Garden Deutschland GmbH. “The Christmas Garden in Berlin’s botanical gardens has enchanted visitors since 2016 and has become an established tradition in the run-up to Christmas. And now Weihnachten im Tierpark is already in its fourth season, once again delighting visitors with some spectacular Christmas magic. The elaborately designed audiovisual walks with atmospheric light installations in the Tierpark and the botanical gardens promise more unforgettable moments this year in two very special Berlin locations.”
The open-air illuminations at Tierpark Berlin run from 15 November 2023 to 14 January 2024. Tickets are available from weihnachten-im-tierpark.de and myticket.de. For opening hours and dates visit weihnachten-im-tierpark.de.
Further information about the Weihnachten im Tierpark event is available on the press page: weihnachten-im-tierpark.de/presse.
Fotos: © Weihnachten im Tierpark // Michael Clemens
