Union Berlin Christmas Caroling

The Christmas carol singing event at 1. FC Union Berlin is one of the most emotionally resonant highlights of the pre-Christmas season in the capital and has long since achieved true cult status. Traditionally held on December 23, the event sees attendees come together to form one of the most famous Christmas choirs in Germany.

The tradition has a charming and humble origin: in 2003, 89 members of the “Alt-Unioner” fan club met at night on the stadium’s center line to sing Christmas carols and find renewed strength following a rather lackluster first half of the football season. What began as a spontaneous gathering grew over the years, eventually exceeding the stadium’s capacity. This Berlin-born concept has since inspired numerous imitations across the German football landscape—including in Cologne, Dresden, and Munich.

What does the event entail?

On December 23, thousands of fans, families, and music enthusiasts gather in the stadium, equipped with candles, winter hats, and hot drinks, to sing traditional carols. A staple of the evening is the recitation of the Christmas story by Pastor Ulrich Kastner.

Musical accompaniment is provided by the school choir of the Emmy-Noether-Gymnasium in Köpenick, which sets the key and tempo for the large crowd, alongside a small brass band that adds a festive sound. To ensure everyone can join in easily, songbooks and candles are distributed on-site free of charge.

Due to capacity limits, admission is not free; however, tickets remain available at an affordable price (approximately €4–8). Tickets will initially be allocated to club members via a lottery system; any remaining, unclaimed tickets will subsequently be made available for general sale.

Place: Stadion An der Alten Försterei, An der Wuhlheide 263, 12555 Berlin
Date: December 23, 2026, 7:00 PM
Admission: From €7.50 (reduced rate from €4)

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