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Seasonal Festivals in Germany

1st Quarter (January – March)

Carnival (February/March) – Central Germany, Southern Germany

Carnival is one of the largest and most colorful festivals in Germany, especially in the strongholds of Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz. The festivities take place before Lent, with the highlight being on Rose Monday. Colorful parades, imaginative costumes, and lively parties characterize this joyful time. Carnival has a long tradition and is deeply rooted in Rhineland culture. “Alaaf” and “Helau” are the calls of the revelers who fully enjoy the “fifth season.”

2nd Quarter (April – June)

Hamburger Dom (Spring Dom: March – April) – Northern Germany

The Hamburger Dom is the largest funfair in Northern Germany and takes place three times a year (spring, summer, winter). The festival offers a wide variety of rides, stalls, and attractions for the whole family. Especially popular are the historic rides that create a nostalgic atmosphere. The Hamburger Dom has a long tradition and is a staple of Hamburg culture. A special highlight is the weekly fireworks display that lights up the night sky over Hamburg.

Bergkirchweih (May) – Southern Germany

The Bergkirchweih in Erlangen is a large folk festival held every year in May, known as the “Franconian Oktoberfest.” The festival grounds are located on a hill, giving the festival its name. Visitors can celebrate in traditional beer cellars, enjoy Franconian specialties, and admire the view over the city. The Bergkirchweih has a long history and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who want to experience Franconian joy of life.

Rhein in Flammen (May – September) – Central Germany

Rhein in Flammen is a spectacular series of events taking place from May to September along the Rhine. In various locations such as Bonn, Koblenz, and St. Goar, breathtaking fireworks light up the night sky, offering an unforgettable experience. The fireworks are accompanied by fleets of ships on the Rhine, making the event even more impressive. These events attract visitors from all over Germany and combine the beauty of the Rhine landscape with an impressive light show.

Kieler Woche (June) – Northern Germany

Kieler Woche is the world’s largest sailing event and also a large folk festival. Every year in June, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the coast of Schleswig-Holstein. In addition to exciting sailing regattas, there are numerous cultural and musical events, an international market, and a grand fireworks display. Kieler Woche is a celebration of maritime traditions and offers a diverse program for water sports enthusiasts and culture lovers.

Bachfest Leipzig (June) – Central Germany

The Bachfest Leipzig is an annual music festival held in June, dedicated to the life and work of Johann Sebastian Bach. Leipzig was a central location for Bach’s work, and the festival honors his musical legacy with concerts, lectures, and exhibitions. International artists and ensembles perform in historic churches and concert halls. The Bachfest is a highlight for lovers of classical music and attracts visitors from all over the world who want to enjoy Bach’s music in an authentic setting.

3rd Quarter (July – September)

Hannover Schützenfest (July) – Northern Germany

The Hannover Schützenfest is the largest marksmen’s festival in the world and takes place every year in July. The festival combines traditional marksmen’s traditions with a modern funfair offering numerous rides, food stalls, and beer tents. A highlight is the Schützenausmarsch, a grand parade with thousands of participants in historic uniforms. The Schützenfest attracts millions of visitors every year and symbolizes the connection between tradition and joy of life in Lower Saxony.

Hamburger Dom (Summer Dom: July – August) – Northern Germany

Rüdesheimer Weinfest (August) – Central Germany

The Rüdesheimer Weinfest, held every year in August, is a popular event that attracts wine lovers from near and far. In the romantic setting of Rüdesheim’s old town and along the Rhine, visitors can sample regional wines and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. In addition to wine tastings, the festival also offers a varied entertainment program with live music and dancing. The Rüdesheimer Weinfest is a highlight on the region’s event calendar and offers the perfect combination of enjoyment and conviviality.

Wurstmarkt (September) – Central Germany

The Bad Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt is the largest wine festival in the world and takes place every year in September. Despite its name, the focus is not on sausages but on wine. Visitors can sample a wide range of regional wines and celebrate in the so-called “Schubkärchler,” small wine tents with special charm. The Wurstmarkt has a long tradition and is an important event for the region. In addition to wine, there are also numerous rides and cultural performances.

Cannstatter Wasen (September/October) – Southern Germany

The Cannstatter Wasen is a large folk festival in Stuttgart that takes place every year in the fall. It is considered the second-largest festival in Germany after the Oktoberfest. Visitors can enjoy traditional Swabian specialties, celebrate in beer tents, and experience numerous rides. The festival dates back to 1818 and is now an important part of regional culture. The Cannstatter Wasen is a place where tradition meets modernity, and visitors of all ages are welcome.

Oktoberfest (September/October) – Southern Germany

The Oktoberfest in Munich is the largest folk festival in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. It begins at the end of September and ends in early October. Visitors can experience huge beer tents, traditional Bavarian music, hearty food, and numerous rides. The Oktoberfest has a long history and is known worldwide for its unique atmosphere. It is a symbol of Bavarian culture and joie de vivre, attracting visitors from all over the world.

4th Quarter (October – December)

Freimarkt Bremen (October) – Northern Germany

The Bremer Freimarkt is one of the oldest folk festivals in Germany and takes place every year in October. The festival lasts for two weeks and offers a variety of rides, stalls, and entertainment options. A special highlight is the Freimarkt parade, a grand procession through the streets of Bremen. The Freimarkt, often referred to as Bremen’s “fifth season,” is an important part of regional culture and attracts visitors from all over Northern Germany.

Hamburger Dom (Winter Dom: November – December) – Northern Germany

Christmas Markets (December) – All over Germany

Christmas markets are a cherished tradition throughout Germany and take place during the Advent season. The Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Dresden, and Cologne are particularly well-known. Visitors can buy gifts, drink mulled wine, and enjoy traditional treats like gingerbread and sausages in a festive atmosphere. The markets are often decorated with craft stalls, carousels, and Christmas lights, offering a special opportunity to fully enjoy the pre-Christmas season.