Germany has millions of festivals and events, every city has street festivals in various neighborhoods throughout the year and Christmas markets spring up in November in even the smallest of towns. Some of the most famous festivals attract people from around the world and thousands of visitors. Oktoberfest, Carnival, the Christmas markets, these are but a few of the events that are well worth attending. Everyone has their favorite festivals and cities, but listed here are a few of the best of the best festivals in Germany.
1. Oktoberfest in Munich
Oktoberfest, naturally, is one of the most famous festivals in the world and is attended by millions each year. The Munich Oktoberfest is the Granddaddy of them all and everyone that loves beer and Germany should attend the Munich Oktoberfest at least once.2. Oktoberfest in Hannover
3. German Christmas Markets
Germany's Christmas markets make Christmas. German Christmas markets are alive with the sound of carolers and revelers and each one has its own special character. You would be hard-pressed not to find a Christmas market in almost every town in Germany. Some of my favorites are the Nuremberg Christmas Market, the Hamburg Christmas Market (the largest today in Germany), the Rothenburg Christmas Market (in the medieval city) and the Trier Christmas market. Of course there are Christmas markets in every city so regardless where you are from the last week of November until Christmas, you will find Christmas markets that truly make Christmas feel like Christmas should.4. Carnival in Germany (Karneval)
Carnival (Karneval) in Germany is fun. No doubt about it! It is loud, it is lively, and everyone lets down their hair at Carnival. The best places to celebrate are in traditionally Catholic cities, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Mainz and Aachen are among the best. Carnival begins with balls on November 11 at 11:11 pm - but the real fun starts the week before Ash Wednesday each year with a whirl of celebrations, parades and events throughout the week. While Carnival in Germany is not as popular for tourists as Oktoberfest or the Christmas markets, it is definitely worth attending - the Germans know this and come out in droves for the fun and games.5. Hamburg Harbor Birthday (Hafensgeburtstag)
The Hamburg Harbor Birthday (Hafengeburtstag) is billed as the world's largest port festival. The tall ships make an appearance, there is music, food and plenty to do. Generally the Queen Mary II appears in port and all of Hamburg comes out for the festivities which include street festivals and fireworks in addition to the ship parades and tours.6. Mosel Wine Festivals
7. The Rhine in Flames
The Rhine in Flames offers visitors the chance to see the Rhine alight with fireworks. Every month, from November to September, a different town or city is host to the Rhine in Flames, with boat parades, fireworks and festivals.8. Stuttgart Wine Festival
9. Kieler Woche (Kiel Week) - Annually in June
Tom Denham
Kieler Woche (Kiel Week) is a delightful week-long event in the harbor city of Kiel in Northern Germany, boats and ships from around the world are on display and take part in regattas, races and parades. From the oldest of the tall ships, to the latest sailing craft and military ships, from ship parades to Olympic races, Kieler Woche is indeed a delight for the 3.5 million people that attend each year. Usually taking place the last full week of June, the event is one of my favorites.
10. Frankfurt Dippemesse - Spring and Fall Annually
The Frankfurt Dippemesse is held two times per year annually, for two to three weeks in both spring and fall. Expect lots of rides, a lot of good food, plenty of locally made gifts to buy and make sure you indulge in a little Apfelwein, a specialty in Frankfurt. I particularly like the earthenware mugs the wine is served in that you can take with you for the cost of the deposit you make on the wine.Spring Dippemesse
14 Mar - 6 Apr 2008Festplatz am Ratsweg
Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu 2pm-11pm; Fri & Sat 2pm-12am; Sun 12pm-11pm
Fall Dippemesse
9 Sept - 22 Sept 2008Festplatz am Ratsweg
Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu 2pm-11pm; Fri & Sat 2pm-12am; Sun 12pm-11pm