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← Events ☏
Events

Germany events guide for families

Content updated 1 Nov 2026 Facts last checked 1 Nov 2026
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The short answer

Germany's family calendar runs the year: Berlinale film week and Cologne's carnival in February, Rhine in Flames fireworks through the summer, Oktoberfest and the Berlin Marathon in September, and Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt to end the year. Most highlights are free to watch; dates are confirmed about a year ahead on the official sites linked below.

February

Berlinale

Berlin Typical timing

Usually Eleven days in February. The 77th edition runs 10-21 February 2027.. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

One of the world's big three film festivals turns Berlin into a cinema city: hundreds of public screenings across town, from premieres with stars to the Generation section of films for children and teenagers.

For families: Book public tickets online when sales open; the Generation programme is made for young viewers. February in Berlin is freezing - plan indoor hops between cinemas.

Event website

Cologne Carnival

Cologne Typical timing

Usually Street carnival week in February (2026: 12-17 Feb, Rose Monday parade 16 Feb). Dates move with Easter.. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

The 'fifth season' takes over Cologne: costumes everywhere, neighbourhood parades, and the giant Rose Monday procession where riders throw sweets (Kamelle) and flowers into the crowds.

For families: Children adore the parade sweets - bring a bag and stand back from the tram tracks. It is loud and packed; mornings with the smaller neighbourhood parades (Veedelszoch) are gentler.

Event website

May

Rhine in Flames

Rhine Valley Typical timing

Usually Five summer nights (2026: Bonn 2 May, Bingen 4 Jul, Koblenz 8 Aug, Oberwesel 12 Sep, St. Goar 19 Sep).. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

On five summer Saturdays, convoys of illuminated ships sail a stretch of the Rhine while castles and banks glow and a big music-synced fireworks show closes the night.

For families: Watching from the riverbank is free; arrive before dark with a picnic blanket. Paid ship tickets sell out months ahead. The fireworks run late, so plan a slow next morning for small children.

Event website

September

Oktoberfest

Munich Typical timing

Usually 16 days ending the first October Sunday. 2026: 19 Sep - 4 Oct; 2027: 18 Sep - 3 Oct.. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

The world's biggest folk festival fills the Theresienwiese with beer tents, brass bands, roast-chicken stands and a huge funfair with rides for every age.

For families: Go on a weekday morning or the family Tuesdays with reduced ride prices; the Oide Wiesn corner is the calm, traditional part. Evenings in the big tents are loud and adult.

Event website

Berlin Marathon

Berlin Typical timing

Usually The last Sunday of September (2026: 27 September).. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

One of the six World Marathon Majors runs past Berlin's landmarks to finish through the Brandenburg Gate, cheered by roadside bands and a million spectators.

For families: Free to watch and great fun for children: pick a spot on Straße des 17. Juni near the finish. The Saturday before hosts a 5k and skater events that families can join.

Event website

November

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

Nuremberg Typical timing

Usually 2026: 27 November - 24 December, daily 10:00-21:00 (24 Dec until 14:00).. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

One of the world's oldest Christmas markets: a 'little city of wood and cloth' on the main square, opened by the Christkind, selling handmade decorations, roasted almonds and Nuremberg gingerbread.

For families: The children's market (Kinderweihnacht) has a carousel, small steam railway and candle-dipping. Weekday mornings are calmest; it closes at midday on 24 December.

Event website

Trips to Germany

We have no open trip to Germany right now. Tell us your dates and we will help you find one.

Quick questions

Which German festival is best with children?

The Christmas markets are the easiest win: lights, rides, gingerbread and carousels, all free to wander. In autumn, Oktoberfest on a weekday morning works well - it is as much funfair as beer festival, with family Tuesdays offering reduced ride prices. Carnival's Rose Monday parade in Cologne throws sweets to the crowd, which children never forget.

Is Oktoberfest suitable for families?

Yes, in the daytime. The Wiesn is a giant funfair besides the beer tents, and Tuesday family afternoons cut ride prices. Mornings and early afternoons on weekdays are relaxed. Evenings in the big tents are loud, crowded and adult. The Oide Wiesn (the traditional corner) is the calmest part.

Do we need tickets for these events?

Mostly no: carnival parades, Rhine in Flames from the riverbank, marathon watching and wandering the Christmas markets are all free. You pay for reserved Oktoberfest tent tables (evenings), Rhine in Flames ship tickets, and Berlinale cinema seats - book those online in advance.

When are German festival dates announced?

Oktoberfest and the big Christmas markets follow fixed patterns and publish dates about a year ahead. The Berlinale is always in February and the marathon on the last September Sunday. Carnival dates move with Easter. We link the official sites, which carry each year's confirmed dates.

What is the quietest time of year for events?

January to mid-February and November before the markets open are the calmest, with the smallest crowds and lower hotel prices. The busiest stretches are carnival week in the Rhineland, the Oktoberfest fortnight in Munich, and the four Advent weekends in the Christmas-market cities.

Sources

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