CULTURE CALENDAR

Photo: Pixabay

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

When the air starts to smell of mulled wine, gingerbread and pinecones, it is most definitely December. From Christmas markets to New Year’s Eve parties – we are glad all the festive fun is back.

CHRISTMAS MARKET, MUNICH (22 NOVEMBER – 24 DECEMBER)

The legendary ‘Christkindl Markt’ is by far one of the most traditional and popular German Christmas markets. Well-known beyond just Germany, it attracts visitors from all corners of the globe and has its roots in the 14th century. From the Christmas crib rarities at the ‘Kripperlmarkt’ to the romantic ‘Square of the Stars’ or the stunning Christmas Tree featuring 3,000 candles – this market never disappoints. www.muenchen.de

SALZBURG ADVENT FESTIVAL, SALZBURG (26 NOVEMBER – 12 DECEMBER)

Singing Christmas Carols together has been a wonderful tradition in Salzburg for over 75 years and Advent time simply would not be the same here without it. Alpine melodies take the audience back to biblical times and ignite the Christmas spirit in everyone. www.salzburg.info

CHOCOMARKT, TÜBINGEN (30 NOVEMBER – 5 DECEMBER)

Craving some chocolate? You are in luck. Although Germany’s biggest chocolate festival, chocolART, is not back this year, the chocoMarkt will instead be pampering visitors with smooth, sweet delights, and is certainly going to be a highlight for every chocolate connoisseur. www.chocolart.de

GERMAN COMIC CON, DORTMUND (7 – 8 DECEMBER)

Meet the Hollywood stars from your favourite films and TV shows at the German Comic Con

Visit the chocoMarkt. Photo: Alexander Gonschior

Pferd and Jagd Fair, Hannover. Photo: FAHeckmann GmbH

held in Dortmund. It’s comparable in scale to the legendary Comic Cons in San Diego and New York. An absolute must for every super fan. www.germancomiccon.com

PFERD & JAGD (HORSE & HUNTING FAIR), HANNOVER (9 – 12 DECEMBER)

The Pferd & Jagd fair is Europe’s biggest exhibition for hunting and equestrian sports as well as dog training and fishing – but this year it promises to be a very special edition. After last year’s hiatus, it not only showcases a wide range of quality products but also features brand-new attractions. www.pferd-und-jagd-messe.de

WINTER FESTIVAL, SALZBURG (9 DECEMBER – 8 JANUARY)

This year the beautiful Winter Festival in Salzburg celebrates a very special occasion: its 20th anniversary. It enjoys a great reputation in the international contemporary circus world and is the largest festival of its kind across the German-speaking regions. Compelling acrobatics, gentle poetry and some truly bizarre tales await visitors gathering at Volksgarten. www.salzburg.info

Zurich’s Silvesterlauf Marathon. Photo: Zürcher Silvesterlauf / alphafoto.com

ZÜRCHER SILVESTERLAUF MARATHON, ZURICH (12 DECEMBER)

This is not quite your regular marathon. Traditional running clothes or Santa outfit? The choice is yours. This special run brings old and young together and encourages them to get sporty with the beautifully decorated city of Zurich as a magical backdrop. www.silvesterlauf.ch

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY, BERLIN (30 AND 31 DECEMBER)

This is without question one of Europe’s biggest street parties and this year it returns with a two-day extravaganza. This massive, free party attracts around one million people each year and lives up to all expectations. Book your trip to Berlin and kiss the old year goodbye under the iconic Brandenburg Gate. www.berlin.de