Here’s your quick update on what’s happening around the city on Friday, December 26 - from urgent alerts to stories in the subreddit. Today we went through 191 sources so you don't have to.

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✈️ Germany Resumes Criminal Deportations to Syria

Germany deported a Syrian criminal to Damascus Tuesday, marking the first such removal since the civil war began in 2011. The 37-year-old man, convicted of robbery and extortion in North Rhine-Westphalia, was handed over to Syrian authorities. This action follows a new agreement enabling regular returns of offenders. (DW)

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt defended the move, stating society has a legitimate interest in expelling criminals. This shift aligns with the governing coalition's pledge to limit migration and resume returns to Syria and Afghanistan. Authorities also deported a convicted Afghan offender to Kabul earlier on the same day. (InfoMigrants)

The policy change follows the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime over a year ago. Chancellor Friedrich Merz argues the civil war has effectively ended, removing grounds for general asylum. However, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned that infrastructure remains destroyed, making large-scale returns of non-criminals currently unrealistic. (ZDFheute)

This resumption challenges the principle of non-refoulement, a cornerstone of international law. The doctrine prohibits states from returning individuals to territories where they face a credible risk of persecution, torture, or irreparable harm. Exceptions are historically rare, usually requiring proof that the individual poses a severe security danger. (OHCHR)

This marks a major pivot for Germany, home to roughly 1 million Syrians. Public sentiment increasingly supports the crackdown, with 53 percent of polled Germans backing reduced asylum numbers. The move suggests a tougher future stance for the EU's largest economy regarding refugee protection standards. (AL-Monitor)

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🧣 Berlin Faces Coldest Christmas in 15 Years

Berlin and Brandenburg will experience freezing temperatures throughout the holidays. The German Weather Service (DWD) forecasts clear skies and highs around -1°C on Christmas Eve, with temperatures dropping to between -5°C and -9°C overnight. The first day of Christmas will remain sunny but sub-zero, while nights could plummet to -10°C before clouds return on Friday. (Berliner Zeitung)

This year's dry freeze aligns with long-term climate data showing dwindling chances for snow. While many locals hope for a "White Christmas," DWD statistics reveal that for Berlin-Dahlem, the probability of snow on all three holidays dropped from 16.7% between 1961 and 1990 to just 6.7% in the period from 1991 to 2020. (Der Spiegel)

The severe drop in temperature poses acute risks for the city's homeless population. In December 2024, the "Berliner Kältehilfe" system provided 1,162 emergency sleeping places, with utilization rates in districts like Mitte reaching over 100%. "Kältebus" and "Wärmebus" patrols are currently operating nightly to transport vulnerable people to these shelters to prevent hypothermia. (Kältehilfe Berlin)

The DWD has issued a "Level 1" frost warning for the region. This yellow-coded "Weather Warning" indicates that while the weather conditions—in this case, widespread sub-zero temperatures—are not unusual, they can still be hazardous. The agency advises citizens to exercise caution during outdoor activities and be aware of potential impacts on infrastructure. (Wettergefahren.de)

This cold snap is statistically significant, potentially marking the coldest Christmas since 2010. Meteorologist Nico Bauer notes that the 2010 holidays averaged -5.2°C, a sharp contrast to recent mild winters. With a projected three-day average of -2°C to -3°C this year, the region is experiencing a rare deviation from the warming trend. (Berliner Zeitung)

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🚑 Berlin & Brandenburg Holiday Emergency Contacts

Berlin and Brandenburg residents have access to specific emergency services during the holidays. The nationwide number 116 117 operates 24/7 for general medical needs, while specific Berlin clinics like Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin and Vivantes Neukölln remain open from 9 am to 9 pm. Parents can contact the poison emergency hotline at 030 19240, and the Kinder-Notdienst provides crisis support for children. (rbb24)

Psychosocial and social services remain fully operational to support vulnerable groups. The Berliner Krisendienst offers round-the-clock assistance for psychiatric emergencies, while the BIG Hotline supports women facing domestic violence. For homeless individuals, the Berlin Cold Bus ("Kältebus") runs daily from November to March, operating from 8 pm to 2 am to transport people to heated shelters. (rbb24)

Infrastructure and utility providers maintain hotlines for technical emergencies involving water, gas, or electricity. Berliners can report power outages to Stromnetz Berlin, while pharmacy locations are accessible via the mobile short code 22 8 33 for urgent medication needs. Most retail stores close on New Year's Day, though supermarkets at major train stations and Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) remain open. (rbb24)

The 116 117 hotline serves as the central "Patient Service Number" throughout Germany. Operated by the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, it directs patients to on-call practices for non-life-threatening ailments when regular surgeries are closed. This system ensures medical care is available nights and weekends without overcrowding emergency rooms reserved for critical 112 calls. (116117.de)

Access to these official channels prevents unnecessary costs and ensures safety during the widespread holiday closures. Calling a private emergency electrician can cost at least €230, whereas utility providers handle grid-level issues directly. With general practitioners and most shops closed, these designated networks bridge the gap in essential public services. (rbb24)

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⚡ Quick Hits

🇩🇪 Shopping on Christmas Eve: an overview of the opening hours of Berlin supermarkets | Berlin law lets most supermarkets open only until 2 pm on Christmas Eve, and they must close on Dec. 25 and 26. Some station stores stay open later, including Denn’s until 10 pm.

🇬🇧 How Germany's Deutsche Bahn aims to fix chronic delays | DB plans a 2026 restructuring that cuts 30% of executive roles after long-distance punctuality hit 55%. Years of underinvestment left half of tracks in poor shape, and repairs may worsen delays before improving them.

🇩🇪 Silbernetz Berlin: Digital bridges against Christmas loneliness | Silbernetz runs a free 24/7 holiday hotline through Jan. 1 and connects callers to local help and regular “friends” calls. Berlin also hosts a Zoom party and lists 1,400+ senior activities.

🇬🇧 Emergency aid for homeless: Cold weather buses and shelters | Berlin could face freezing temperatures as groups warn that more than 6,000 people are homeless. Helpers can call ambulances, contact cold weather buses, volunteer, or donate washed winter gear and money.

🇩🇪 Christmas in Berlin: Bakeries, Aldi, Lidl and co - these are the opening hours of the stores over the holidays | Berlin shops run reduced hours on Dec. 24. Most supermarkets open by 7 a.m. and must close by 2 p.m. Most stores shut Dec. 25 and 26. Tank stations and some train-station shops can open.

🇩🇪 "An incredible, large number" need the help of Berliner Tafel | Around 130,000 Berlin residents rely on Berliner Tafel each month. The group seeks volunteers through Jan. 2 to sort, pack, and deliver 4,000 extra holiday food bags.

🇩🇪 Are you still missing the kale? These supermarkets are open on public holidays | Many Berlin stores close early on Dec. 24, so shoppers should check reduced hours. On Dec. 25 and 26, only shops at stations, airports, bus terminals, plus pharmacies and gas stations, can open.

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📅 Events Today

🎟️ Christmas with Bibi & Tina | December 26 | 14:30 - 17:00 | 24.90 to 59.90 € | The family musical brings a festive children's adventure to life. It mixes new songs, laugh-out-loud moments and a cosy pre-show Christmas market (roasted almonds and children's punch).

🎟️ Christmas at the Tierpark | November 21, 2025 - January 10, 2026 | From €15,90 | Thirty giant light sculptures bathe a historic park in color. The trail guides a circular illuminated walk (starlit treetops, water shows, a poetic fire garden). Children adore the nostalgic steam carousel.

🎟️ Berlin's Christmas Garden | December 26 | 16:30 - 22:00 | 16,90 to 32,90 € | A glowing, walkable light exhibition turns a garden into a fairytale winter landscape. Over 30 large-scale illuminated installations pulse to music and create magical photo moments.

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💬 What Berliners Are Talking About

🗣️ FEX to BER on 1st January 2026 from Ostbahnhof? | Confirmed: early-morning FEX services will stop at Ostbahnhof via the Stadtbahn route.

🗣️ Working from BER Airport during Christmas (public area) - Power outlets & seating? | Advice offered: BER spots limited, so use cafés, SIMs, hotels, station lounges.

🗣️ "Defamation" removal of review by the restaurant 12 Apostel near Savignyplatz | Users share experiences and tips about German restaurants deleting negative reviews labeled defamatory.

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