Celebrate the festive season in a different way this year, with some gorgeous German events full of continental cheer, brought to you by the Goethe-Institut Irland.

This December, the Goethe Institut will be laying on some great entertainment to get us all in the Christmas mood. Starting off on Wednesday, 7th December at Brooks Hotel, there will be a free screening of The Flying Classroom – Das Fliegende Klassenzimmer (1954) by German writer Erich Kästner.

Set in the last few days of Christmas term at boarding school, Martin and his friends – nervous Uli, cynical Sebastian, Johnny, who was rescued by a sea captain, and Matthias, who is always hungry (particularly after a meal) – are preparing for the end-of-term festivities. But there are surprises, sadness and trouble on the way – and a secret that changes everything. A magical, thrilling and bittersweet story about friendship, fun and being brave when you are most scared. Come early for a glass of glühwein and some German Christmas treats before the film starts!

The Goethe-Institut and Homebeat come together once again for the “Zehr Gut” concert series on Friday December 9th to present German electronica artist Lux in her first Irish gig at Dublin’s Wah Wah Club. Hailing from Leipzig and a rising star of world-class label Giegling, Lux’s dreamy, spacey beats at the deep end of house makes for a sensitive and dynamic set. Alongside Erol Alkan with support from Colin Devine.

Another festival event to watch out for is the popular annual Christmas concert at the NCH of the choir whose establishment (in 1965) was supported by the Goethe-Institut. This year’s theme is Gloria, featuring choral pieces from the 16th, 18th and 19th centuries, by Bach, Bruckner, Britten and more, as well as a selection of Christmas carols. The choir is joined by the Young European Strings Chamber Orchestra and the Goethe Wind Ensemble.

EVENT DETAILS

The Flying Classroom – Das Fliegende Klassenzimmer (1954)
(German with English subtitles. Running time 88 minutes. Suitable for ages 6+.
Mulled wine reception from 6.45pm to 7.15pm, film begins screening at 7.30pm.)
On Wednesday December 7th, from 6.45pm
At Brooks Hotel, Drury Street, Dublin 2 – CURRENTLY BOOKED OUT: LIMITED WAITING LIST

Zehr Gut presents LUX
On Friday December 9th, from 11pm
At the Wah Wah Club, 37 Great Strand Street, Dublin 1
Tickets €8 available online

Christmas Concert of the Goethe-Institut Choir
On Monday December 12th
At the National Concert Hall
Tickets €15-25 available on NCH website

The Goethe-Institut is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural network with 159 institutes in 98 countries. The Goethe-Institut also has liaison offices in many countries in addition to alliances with local cultural societies, libraries and language learning centres. The role of the Goethe-Institut in Ireland is to inform about Germany, provide German language classes and foster cultural exchange between Ireland and Germany.