When most people think of German celebrations, Oktoberfest is the first thing that comes to mind. While the world-famous beer festival is a highlight, Germany has many other fascinating holidays and traditions that offer unique cultural experiences.
From carnival parades and Christmas markets to fire-jumping on Easter and mystical Walpurgis Night, this guide will introduce you to some of the most interesting, lesser-known German holidays that you’ll love!
Karneval (Fasching) – Germany’s Wildest Carnival 🎭🎉
📅 When: February or early March (exact dates vary)
📍 Where: Mostly in Western & Southern Germany (Cologne, Düsseldorf, Mainz, Bavaria)
Karneval, also known as Fasching or Fastnacht, is Germany’s version of Carnival, similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Brazil’s Carnival. It’s a time of costumes, parades, and parties before the fasting period of Lent.
🔥 What to Expect:
• Massive street parades with colorful floats and costumes
• People shouting “Alaaf!” (Cologne) or “Helau!” (Mainz, Düsseldorf)
• Free candy, chocolates, and small toys thrown from parade floats
• Wild costume parties in bars and public squares
💡 Don’t Miss: Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) – The peak of Karneval, featuring the biggest parades and wildest celebrations.
Walpurgisnacht – Witches’ Night 🔥🧙♀️
📅 When: April 30
📍 Where: The Harz Mountains (especially in Thale and Brocken), and some parts of southern Germany
Walpurgis Night (Walpurgisnacht) is a spooky, ancient tradition celebrating the end of winter. Inspired by medieval beliefs, it’s said that witches gather on mountaintops to dance and cast spells on this night.
🔥 What to Expect:
• Bonfires and torch-lit processions
• People dressing as witches and devils
• Traditional folk music and street performances
• Dancing and outdoor feasts
💡 Don’t Miss: Brocken Mountain Festival – The biggest Walpurgisnacht celebration, featuring live music and theatrical performances.
Maifeiertag & Maibaum (May Day & Maypole Traditions) 🌳🎶
📅 When: May 1
📍 Where: Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and rural villages across Germany
May 1st is both International Workers’ Day and the traditional Maypole (Maibaum) celebration, marking the arrival of spring.
🌿 What to Expect:
• Villages erect beautifully decorated Maypoles
• Traditional folk dances around the Maibaum
• Outdoor feasts, beer gardens, and brass band performances
• Romantic tradition: Young men secretly place small decorated trees (Liebesmaien) outside their sweetheart’s window.
💡 Don’t Miss: The lively Maypole-raising ceremonies in Bavarian towns like Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Johannistag (Midsummer Bonfires) 🔥☀️
📅 When: June 24
📍 Where: Rural areas and villages across Germany
Midsummer celebrations (Johannistag) are inspired by pagan solstice traditions and celebrate the longest days of the year.
🔥 What to Expect:
• Huge outdoor bonfires (Johannisfeuer)
• Jumping over flames for good luck and fertility
• Open-air concerts and folk dancing
💡 Don’t Miss: The stunning bonfire festivals in Bavaria and Swabia, where locals dress in traditional lederhosen and dirndls.
Erntedankfest – Germany’s Thanksgiving 🍂🌾
📅 When: Late September or early October
📍 Where: Mostly in rural areas and churches throughout Germany
Germany has its own version of Thanksgiving, called Erntedankfest (Harvest Festival), which celebrates a successful harvest.
🌾 What to Expect:
• Special church services with harvest decorations
• Processions with colorful wheat and fruit displays
• Traditional folk festivals with music, food, and wine
💡 Don’t Miss: The huge Erntedank parade in Ludwigsburg, featuring horse-drawn wagons full of fresh produce.
St. Martin’s Day – Lantern Parades for Children 🏮🎶
📅 When: November 11
📍 Where: Nationwide, especially in Catholic regions (Bavaria, Rhineland, and Baden-Württemberg)
St. Martin’s Day (Martinstag) is a charming holiday where children walk through towns with handmade lanterns, singing songs and celebrating the spirit of giving.
🏮 What to Expect:
• Lantern processions through towns and villages
• Reenactments of St. Martin sharing his cloak with a beggar
• Traditional Weckmann (sweet bread man) treats
💡 Don’t Miss: The large lantern parade in Cologne, one of Germany’s biggest Martinstag events.
Nikolaustag – St. Nicholas Day 🎅🍪
📅 When: December 6
📍 Where: Nationwide
Before Santa Claus, Germany had St. Nicholas (Nikolaus), who rewards well-behaved children with treats.
🎁 What to Expect:
• Children leave boots (Nikolausstiefel) outside their door on December 5
• In the morning, they find chocolates, nuts, and small gifts (if they were good)
• Naughty children might get a birch stick from Krampus (in Bavaria and Austria)
💡 Don’t Miss: The Nikolaus parades in Bavaria, featuring costumed St. Nicholases and Krampuses.
Silvester – Germany’s Explosive New Year’s Eve 🎆🍾
📅 When: December 31
📍 Where: Nationwide, but especially in Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich
New Year’s Eve (Silvester) in Germany is a night of fireworks, feasting, and fortune-telling traditions.
🎇 What to Expect:
• Fireworks displays (both official and private)
• Bleigießen (lead pouring) – melting lead to predict the future
• Feasting on raclette, fondue, or Berliners (jam-filled donuts)
• A national tradition of watching the comedy sketch “Dinner for One”
💡 Don’t Miss: The huge Berlin New Year’s Eve party at Brandenburg Gate, one of Europe’s biggest celebrations.
Celebrating Germany’s Hidden Gems
Beyond Oktoberfest, Germany’s holidays offer a fascinating mix of history, folklore, and local traditions. Whether it’s jumping over bonfires on Johannistag, watching spooky Walpurgisnacht rituals, or singing lantern songs on St. Martin’s Day, these unique celebrations provide a deep insight into German culture.