December in Germany is a magical time – twinkling fairy lights, bustling Christmas markets and a calendar packed with cultural treats.
Ready to make the most of December? Whether you’re after culture, music, food or pure festive fun, Germany has something to offer everyone this month.
No December in Germany is complete without a visit to one of the country’s 2,500 Christmas markets. From Munich’s Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz to Dresden’s Striezelmarkt and Cologne’s Cathedral market, each city offers its own blend of festive stalls, mulled wine and seasonal treats.
But there’s plenty happening in Germany beyond Christmas markets in December. Whether you’re new to Germany or a seasoned expat, here’s your guide to the best events across the country.
November 25th – December 23rd: Tollwood Winter Festival, Munich
Munich’s Theresienwiese transforms into a vibrant winter wonderland for the Tollwood Winter Festival, a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar.
Under the motto “Now more than ever!”, this year’s festival champions peace, democracy and environmental awareness. Expect a dazzling mix of theatre, live music and contemporary circus.
French artist Johann Le Guillerm’s poetic show “Terces” is a must-see, where machines seem to breathe and objects dance.
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At the “Market of Ideas,” you’ll find a treasure trove of fair-trade crafts and organic food from around the globe. Warm up with mulled wine, sample international street food or try your hand at curling on ice.
The Hexenkessel tent hosts free concerts and circus acts, while the fire show square promises spectacular pyrotechnics. Children can get creative in the kids’ tent, and if you’re still hunting for Christmas gifts, you’ll find plenty of unique options here.
November 26th – December 14th: Women’s Handball World Championship
This year, Germany and the Netherlands co-host the 27th IHF Women’s Handball World Championship, with matches in Stuttgart, Dortmund and Trier.
Handball is a fast-paced, high-energy team sport played indoors with seven players per side that try to throw the ball into the opponent’s goal. It’s hugely popular in Europe, with a passionate fan base and electrifying atmospheres in the arenas.
The tournament features 32 teams from five continents. France, the reigning world champions, are the favourites going into the event but Norway and Denmark are also strong contenders.
Germany, as co-hosts, will be eager to impress on home soil, facing teams like Iceland, Uruguay and Serbia in the group stage.
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The Group D match between Germany and Iceland during the IHF Women’s Handball World Championship took place in Stuttgart on November 26th. Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE / AFP
December 6th: Dresden Stollen Fest
Dresden’s Stollenfest is a feast for the senses and a highlight of the city’s Christmas season.
On December 6th, over 500 bakers parade a giant stollen cake – sometimes weighing several tonnes – through the historic old town, accompanied by brass bands and Baroque costumes.
The procession ends at the Kulturpalast, where the ceremonial cutting of the giant stollen takes place. Pieces are then sold with proceeds going to charity.
The festival celebrates Dresden’s centuries-old tradition of baking marzipan-filled stollen. The event coincides with the Striezelmarkt, Germany’s oldest Christmas market, so you can sample buttery stollen and browse over 200 festive stalls.
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December 13th: Ceramics Festival, Cologne
Cologne’s Kulturbunker in Mülheim hosts the Keramikfestival X-Mas Edition on December 13th.
This artisan market showcases the creativity of local potters, with a diverse range of handmade ceramics – perfect for unique Christmas gifts or adding a touch of style to your home.
The festival also offers workshops, so you can try your hand at pottery. Entry is donation-based, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
December 13th – 30th: Eisheilige Nacht Tour
The Eisheilige Nacht (Holy Night) Tour is a beloved winter tradition for fans of the German band Subway to Sally – and medieval folk rock and metal more generally.
Formed in Potsdam, Brandenburg in 1990 shortly after German reunification, Subway to Sally pioneered medieval folk metal with bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, violin, and German lyrics alongside heavy riffs.
This year, with co-headliners Schandmaul and support from Haggefugg and Kupfergold, the tour visits cities including Stuttgart (December 13th), Oberhausen (December 19th), Dresden (December 21st) and Potsdam (December 30th).
Expect fire shows, pagan rituals and a raucous, immersive atmosphere – a truly unique way to experience Germany’s alternative music scene.
December 14th: Krampus run in Munich
Munich’s Krampus run (Krampuslauf) is a thrilling spectacle rooted in Alpine folklore.
On December 14th, over 300 costumed Krampus and Perchten – demonic figures with elaborate masks and bells – parade through the city centre, starting at Augustiner Straße and winding through the old town.
The run attracts up to 50,000 people each year, which means the route really fills up with onlookers. So be sure to arrive early to find a good street-side spot for the best view.
Men dressed as ‘Krampus’ creatures take part in a parade at Munich’s Christmas market near Marienplatz. (Photo by Michaela Rehle / AFP)
Essentially, Krampus is a horned, half-goat, half-demon figure from Alpine folklore who serves as the fearsome companion to St Nicholas during the Christmas season. While St Nicholas rewards good children with gifts, Krampus punishes the naughty ones by swatting them with birch twigs or bundling them off in his sack to a fiery fate.
But don’t worry – these days Krampus are more mischievous than menacing and the event is family-friendly.
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December 19th – January 4th: Berlin Christmas Circus
The Berlin Christmas Circus at the Olympic Stadium is a festive treat for all ages.
Running from December 19th to January 4th, the circus features international acrobats, clowns, and magical performances in a nostalgic, heated big top.
Special family days offer half-price tickets, and the New Year’s Eve gala includes a sparkling celebration with music and dancing. Book early for the best seats.
Throughout December: Christmas concerts
Germany’s Christmas concerts are a highlight of the season, with performances in grand venues like Berlin’s Philharmonie, Munich’s Residenz and churches across the country.
Enjoy classical masterpieces, carols, and festive choral music – many concerts are multilingual and accessible to all.
A couple notable events in Germany’s most populous city include the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin’s Christmas programme at Sophienkirche (December 2nd), and family-friendly concerts by the Berliner Philharmoniker (December 13th and 14th).
December 24th & 25th: Christmas
In Germany, Christmas Eve is the focal point of the holiday season, marked by the exchange of gifts and a festive evening meal. Shops and other businesses tend to close around midday on the 24th, giving employees time to head home and spend time with their families.
On Christmas Day, things tend to be a bit quieter, and people often spend the day at home relaxing, enjoying their gifts and eating and drinking to their heart’s content.
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Fireworks go off behind the Oberbaum Bridge on New Year’s Eve 2024. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Paul Zinken
December 31st: New Year’s Eve fireworks
Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate hosts one of Europe’s biggest New Year’s Eve parties, with a DJ-led celebration and a spectacular seven-minute fireworks display at midnight.
Entry is free but ticketed (register online early), and the event is broadcast live on TV.
Hamburg’s Überseequartier also throws a massive open-air party, with live music, food stalls and waterfront fireworks.
Both cities attract huge crowds, so use public transport and dress warmly.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
