What happens in Germany in the month of November? Sure, it’s cold, but warm yourself up with a glass of Glühwein when the Christmas markets open, watch parades of children walking by lantern light, and climb the slopes of some of the best mountains in Europe.
November can be a quiet time to visit Germany, lighter on crowds and less expensive for accommodations and attractions. But this is also the time when smaller venues go into sleep mode with shorter shutdowns and hours.
The weather isn’t a highlight at this time of year either, with plenty of gloomy and rainy days and even some early snow. But that does not mean that the sun cannot penetrate from time to time. Pack for all weather with a heavy coat and scarf ready.
All Saints ‘Day y All Saints’ Day
While many Westerners welcome the spirits for Halloween on October 31, in Germany it is November 1 for All Saints Day ( Allerheiligen ) and November 2 for All Souls Day ( Allerseelen ). Visits to the cemetery are common, as well as in children giving Allerheiligenstriezel (braided yeast dough).
Allerheiligen is an official holiday in some southern and western states, but celebrations are absent elsewhere. However, that is changing with the growing popularity of Dia de Muertos ( Day of the Dead ). Even in places like Berlin, you can see some skeletons dancing.
JazzFest Berlin
Founded in 1964, the Berlin Jazz Fest is one of the world’s leading jazz events. Large-scale bands and ensembles, international jazz stars and the German Babelsberg film orchestra perform during the four-day event at famous festivals in the city.
DOM Festival in Hamburg
Since the 14th century, Hamburg has celebrated the SUN. This is one of the largest outdoor amusement fairs in northern Germany. It takes place three times a year: spring, summer and winter. This winter edition lasts a month and is suitable for the whole family.
Jewish culture days
The Jüdische Kulturtage (Jewish Culture Days) are dedicated to Jewish history, art and tradition. The celebration moves to a different city each year with the Jewish Association organizing series of concerts, theater, cinema, round tables, book readings and exhibitions.
Of particular importance is November 9, the Night of Broken Glass Remembrance Day. This refers to the Kristallnacht events of 1938 where the Nazis set fire to synagogues and Jewish-owned businesses throughout Germany.
Leonhardifahrt en Bad Tölz
For more than 160 years, Leonhardifahrt has been a traditional event in the small Bavarian town of Bad Tölz. Held in honor of Saint Leonhard, this religious procession takes place to the sound of church bells in horse-drawn carriages.
St. Martin’s Day
Saint Martin’s Day is recognized in many places in German-speaking Europe as Martinstag . Celebrate a saint and share some similarities to Halloween as it is primarily for children and involves nighttime activities. School-age children decorate their own lanterns and parade at night singing traditional songs on drums.
Tollwood winter festival in Munich
There is a summer festival and a winter festival that celebrate social and environmental issues through art. There are theater events, music, cabaret and many live performances. The event takes place on the first Sunday of Advent and rejoices in the Christmas tradition with its own Christmas market and program.
Christmas Markets
Christmas markets in Germany are a wonderful part of the Christmas tradition and a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. Almost every German city celebrates the season with at least one Christmas market (Berlin is home to 60 different Christmas markets). German Christmas fairs start on the last weekend of November and generally last until Christmas Day.
Ice skating
The ice skating season really begins when the Christmas markets open. The outdoor arenas offer skate rentals and a festive atmosphere in magical settings. Glide around an underwater king, under a castle or above an old mine on our favorite ice rinks.
Ski
While some people dream of ice, others look up to the sky for snow. The shoulder season in November is usually quiet and the skiing can be quite good. Choose locations in the Alps like Garmisch-Partenkirchen or base in cities like Munich where you can try a variety of ski resorts.
