December TV Highlights

Battle for the climate

How can we stop climate change? And what can we do to counter rising sea levels, mountains of plastic waste and species extinction? These are some of the cticial questions that will be discussed at UN Climate Conference in December in Madrid. DW will provide full coverage of the conference and related issues in news bulletins, documentaries and magazine programs.

Starting November 30, science magazine Tomorrow Today reports on the consequences of climate change in polar regions and present new concepts for stabilizing these areas. Tomorrow Today also visits the first observatory in Africa dedicated to examining climate change.

Tightrope act in Dresden

On December 19, 1989, just a few weeks after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helmut Kohl travelled to Dresden to meet East German Premier Hans Modrow to discuss the future of the two German states. However, he was meet with thousands of people on the streets who were in no mood for drawn out negotiations but who wanted Germany unity, preferably with immediate effect. His spontaneous address became a rhetorical tightrope act as he could neither disappoint the East Germans, nor Germany's allies.

Thirty years after Kohl’s speech, former television correspondent and today's DW Director General Peter Limbourg returned to Dresden and spoke to those who witnessed this historic event. The documentary film starts airing December 19. 

Putin’s witnesses

Starting December 13, DW brings you a two-part documentary film with unique and intimate insights into the presidential succession of then Prime Minister Vladimir Putin from President Boris Yeltsin, and the transition between the collapse of the Soviet Union and the turn of the millenium.

Silent night

Did you know that 'Silent Night' is the most famous chrismas carol? But what makes it so special? Starting December 24, DW brings you the documentary film Silent Night - A Song for the World which explores the origins and significance of the song that made the UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2011 for fostering cultural diversity.

Winter fairytale

Every year, the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber turns into a winter fairytale during Advent, when one of the most unique Christmas markets in Germany opens its doors. The "Reiterlesmarkt" has been held here since the 15th century. Check-in presenter Neus Pérez mingles with visitors from all over the world getting into the festive spirit with sparkling lights, candied almonds and mulled wine. Starts on December 21. 

Christmas magic

For almost 30 years, the town of Deventer in Holland transforms itself into a 19th century English town for its famous Charles Dickens Festival - commerating the British novelist. During the festival, characters from Dicken's classics such the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge from "A Christmas Carol" come to life. Starting December 21, Euromaxx takes its viewers on a literary journey back in time to the world of Charles Dickens.

Caroline Link

DW interviews Caroline Link; Oscar-award winner for "Nowhere in Africa" and one of Germany's most sucessful filmmakers. Themes such as family, childhood and coming-of-age underpin much of Caroline Link’s work. Catch the interview on Arts.21, starting December 21.

Musica Maestra
On December 25 and 26, DW will broadcast new episodes of Musica Maestra with Alondra de la Parra.