1. Bauhaus Year 2009
©VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2009
2. Carnival in Germany
Patrick Stollarz/ Getty Images
Carnival is also called the “Fifth Season” in Germany; alongside with many colorful costume balls, the highlight of this festival is the Rose Monday Parade with marching bands, dancers, and decorated floats parading down the streets across Germany. Carnival is celebrated throughout the country, and some would say even more so in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Muenster, and Mainz.
3. International Film Festival in Berlin
Dirk Michael Deckbar@Berlinale 2005
Every February, Berlin rolls out the red carpet to host the Berlin International Film Festival. What to expect? More than 400 films from all over the world, parties, and special events open to everyone who loves film. Besides Cannes and Venice, the Berlinale is the most important film festival in Europe.
4. Rhine in Flames Festival
raayab
5. Carnival of Cultures in Berlin
svenwerk
Berlin celebrates its own unique carnival in summer, the colorful Carnival of Cultures - more than 1,5 million visitors pay tribute to the multicultural spirit of Germany’s capital with this four-day street festival. Enjoy exotic food and drinks, concerts, parties, and a carnival parade with decorated floats, singers and dancers from over 70 different countries.
6. Bach Fest in Leipzig
This world-class music festival in Leipzig commemorates the life and work of the city's most famous resident, Johann Sebastian Bach. Renowned artists from all over the world perform Bach's classical masterpieces in historical venues like the Thomaskirche (Thomas Church), where Bach worked as a cantor for 27 years.7. Rock am Ring Music Festival
More than 150,000 rock music fans gather each summer at the race track of the Nuerburg Ring to get up and get down at "Rock am Ring", Germany's biggest open air music festival. The star-studded lineup of international rock bands keeps the fans dancing for all three days.8. Oktoberfest in Munich
GNTB/Rainer Kiedrowski
The highlight of our German festival calendar: Oktoberfest in Bavaria. Every fall, over 6 million visitors from around the world come to Munich to drink beer, eat sausage, and join together in song. The festival is a colorful celebration of Bavarian culture and cuisine, and a unique way to experience the best in German tradition.
9. Wine Festival and Wurstmarkt in Bad Duerkheim
Although this fair is officially called "Wurstmarkt" (sausage market), it is famous for its celebration of excellent local wines. Located in Rhineland Palatinate, Germany's second largest wine growing region, the Wurstmarkt prides itself in being the world's biggest wine festival. This culinary event has been celebrated every September for over 590 years.10. Christmas Markets
Rene Schwietzke
Christmas markets are a wonderful part of the German holiday tradition and a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. Every German city celebrates the season with at least one traditional Christmas market; enjoy old-fashioned carousels, buy handmade holiday decoration, listen to German Christmas carols, and sample home made Christmas treats.
