Customs and Festivals in German

Neujahr

Celebrates the start of the new year with parties and fireworks.

Tag der Arbeit

Honors workers and labor rights with demonstrations and parades.

Tag der Deutschen Einheit

Commemorates the reunification of East and West Germany.

Weihnachten

Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with festive meals and gift-giving.

Ostermontag

Extends Easter celebrations with family gatherings and outdoor activities.

Himmelfahrt

Commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven.

Reformationstag

Marks the anniversary of Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses in 1517.

Allerheiligen

Honors all saints and martyrs of the Christian church.

Fronleichnam

Celebrates the Eucharist and is observed mainly in Catholic regions.

Erntedankfest

A celebration of the harvest and thanksgiving.

Sylvester

Marks the end of the year with parties and fireworks.

Mariä Himmelfahrt

Commemorates the assumption of Mary into heaven.

Karfreitag

Observes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Ostern

Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Pfingsten

Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit.

Christi Himmelfahrt

Celebrates Christ’s ascension into heaven.

Heiligabend

The night before Christmas

Mariä Geburt

Celebrates the birth of the Virgin Mary.

Sankt Martin

Commemorates St. Martin of Tours with lantern processions and charitable acts.

Oktoberfest

A world-famous beer festival held in Munich with Bavarian food and music.

Karneval

A pre-Lenten festival with parades

Weihnachtsmarkt

Festive markets featuring crafts

Biergartenfest

Celebrations in beer gardens with music

Schützenfest

Celebrates local marksmanship with parades and competitions.

Lichterfest

A celebration of light installations and performances in various cities.

Wurstmarkt

A festival in Bad Dürkheim focusing on sausages and wine.

Hamburger Dom

A large fair in Hamburg with rides

Kölner Lichter

A spectacular fireworks display over the Rhine River in Cologne.

Düsseldorfer Karneval

A major carnival celebration with parades

Potsdamer Schlössernacht

An open-air festival featuring classical music and illuminated palace grounds.

Bremer Freimarkt

One of the oldest fairs in Germany with rides