Frank Zander’s Christmas Dinner: Return and 30th Anniversary

Frank Zander (82) has several reasons to celebrate this year: For the 30th time, the Berlin singer is hosting his traditional Christmas dinner for the homeless and needy at the Hotel Estrel in Berlin’s Neukölln district this Saturday (December 21st). But it is also a return for Zander: last winter, the 82-year-old was seriously ill in the clinic and was only able to be there via video message. In previous years, due to the corona pandemic, the meal took place outdoors with food trucks.

Frank Zander is supported by his son Marcus and his grandson Elias in personally welcoming the approximately 2,500 guests. The 82-year-old said that it would be a very emotional evening for him: “I hope that my voice holds up.”

Zander was hospitalized in mid-December 2023 because of so-called hydrocephalus (congested brain fluid). In January 2024 he had to undergo head surgery. The operation was followed by a months-long recovery process.

In October 2024: “Now I’m back for the people.” There is already a new project: at the end of October, Zander’s newly founded foundation opened its own café for those in need in Berlin in collaboration with Caritas.

Frank Zander first organized the Christmas dinner at the Hotel Estrel in 1995. A total of around 3,000 goose legs, 6,500 dumplings, 850 kg of red cabbage and 250 liters of sauce are served every year.

In addition to numerous companies as sponsors, celebrities also offer their help with serving every year. Frank Zander is particularly looking forward to one thing this year: Hertha BSC President Fabian Drescher (42) will be there as a waiter. “I hope he is wearing comfortable shoes, because the hall in the Estrel is large and we are expecting around 2,500 homeless and needy people who we will host,” said Zander.