The Christmas markets in Germany are well-known all over the globe, but this European country has many more celebrations to delve into. We list some exciting festivals that celebrate the German cuisine, the culture, and the dark days of December. Berlin is not only the capital of the country, but it’s also the host for numerous German events. With this guide, you’ll have a sneak preview of 2020’s coolest family events in Germany.
The 9 Best Family Events in Germany for the Second Half of 2020
1. German-American Folk Festival Berlin (27 – 30 August)
This annual buzzing event, which was introduced back in 1961, is set up for the entire family. For four days, the Marienpark in south Berlin turns into a miniature Wild West, with country music performances, an imitated western town, muscle cars, and American food and drinks.
Where to stay during German-American Folk Festival Berlin?
Pension Friedrich-Wilhelm, budget
Guests at this accommodation have their own kitchen and a garden for kids to enjoy. Pension Friedrich-Wilhelm is near a large supermarket, and the festival terrain is within 3 kilometers distance.
2. Berlin Festival of Lights (11 – 20 September)
The ordinary structures become extraordinary at night during one of Berlin’s most favored annual events: the Festival of Lights. Berlin is temporarily the stage of artists who have their artworks projected across the city through lights. The spectacular shows will be pitched on famous landmarks such as the Brandenburger Gate, the Berliner Dom, and the Bundestag house of parliament. Visually, the Festival of Lights is superb and reason enough to visit the capitol in September.
Where to stay during the Berlin Festival of Lights?
Schulz Hotel Berlin Wall, mid-range
The most family-friendly feature of this centrally located establishment is the youth lounge with table football games, beanbags, and a large cinema screen. Schulz Hotel Berlin Wall also has a bakery and beer garden. Close to the property you’ll find attractions such as the East Side Gallery and Alexanderplatz.
3. Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt (11 – 20 September)
Even though Bad Dürkheim is modest in size, this town in West Germany receives thousands of visitors every year during the world’s biggest wine festival. The Wurstmarkt – literally Sausage Market – has numerous stalls and tents with wines from the Rheinland-Pfaltz region, and attracts over 600.000 visitors as a result. Although a wine fest sounds like an occasion exclusively for adults, the presence for tons of food stalls, candy shops, and a funfair make the Wurstmarkt a real family event.
Where to stay during Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt?
Even outside the opening hours of the Wurstmarkt, you can have a blast in Bad Dürkheim if you stay in this hotel. Kurpark-Hotel has an indoor pool, extensive gardens, spa facilities, and a gym. It’s also easy to discover the Palatinate Forest and the nearby Limburg Abbey with the bicycles the hotel rents out.
4. Heritage Day Berlin (12 – 13 September)
Like many other European cities, Berlin opens the doors of monuments that generally wouldn’t be accessible during the Heritage Day. This event aims to make the public aware of the cultural treasures around them and the importance of preserving these monuments. To understand the historical features of the city, you can get guided tours of truly exceptional buildings. In Berlin, historic churches, artistic dwellings, and even an original watchtower of the Berlin Wall can be discovered.
Where to stay during Heritage Day Berlin?
H2 Hotel Berlin-Alexanderplatz, mid-range
A central location, family rooms, and excellent connections with other parts of the city via public transportation: this hotel is a compelling place to stay during the Heritage Day. Rooms have a tv with kids’ channels and panoramic views over central Berlin. In the H2 Hub, you can eat at the bistro or browse the on-site shop.
Scandic Berlin Kurfürstendamm, mid-range
There’s much to like about Scandic Berlin Kurfürstendamm: easy metro access, a gym, a daily beautiful breakfast spread, and a sauna. You can use the minibar free of charge, and the rooms feature a safe as well, so you can explore the festival without worries.
5. Day of German Unity, Berlin (1 – 3 October)
This special day for the German nation is celebrated since 1990, almost a year after the Berlin Wall fell, and to the road to the reunification of East and West Germany was opened. The festivities during this 3-day commemoration take place around the Brandenburger Gate, Republic Square, and the Bundestag house of parliament. Visitors can attend concerts, poetry slams, and comedy performances on several stages. Food stalls and a funfair complete the celebrations.
Where to stay during the Day of German Unity?
The snuggly rooms in BlnCty Hotel have a desk, living space with a tv, and an on-site bathroom for a comfortable stay. This accommodation receives praise for its location near the central train station, the Mall of Berlin, and the festival terrain.
6. Weimar Onion Fair (9 – 11 October)
It might not sound obvious to celebrate onions, but Weimar does it for centuries. Every October, this humble vegetable is honored in the central German town through decorations made from onions, an extensive market with onions and other veggies, and even a pageant for the ‘Onion Market Queen’. Entertaining elements of the festival include musical acts, a city-run in Weimar, and a giant Ferris wheel from where you can overlook this remarkable festival.
Where to stay during Weimar Onion Fair?
Ramada by Wyndham Weimar, mid-range
Thanks to a pool, wellness arrangements, a library, and a restaurant with regional delicacies, Ramada by Wyndham Weimar never cease to amuse the guests. The family rooms are incredibly spacious and have a living room with dining table, radio, and tv.
Romantik Hotel Dorotheenhof Weimar, mid-range
The hotel’s family rooms have tea and coffee facilities, a comfy living room, and a spacious en-suite bathroom. Furthermore, in the property, you’ll find an international restaurant and wellness services for a pleasant visit.
7. Christmas Garden Berlin (1 November 2020 – 1 January 2021)
Throughout the year, it is a pleasure to stroll around the Botanical Gardens of Berlin, but during the darker winter months, an extra layer of magic is added to the experience. Over 10 million lightbulbs and laser beams bright up the gardens and the Botanical Museum. If you follow the designated route through the gardens, you can see all the highlights of the enchanting light shows and the illuminated trees. The otherworldly atmosphere and beauty make the Christmas Garden one of Berlin’s most neat family festivals in winter.
Where to stay during the Christmas Garden Berlin?
Seminaris CampusHotel Berlin, mid-range
This hotel is only a 10-minute walk away from the Botanic Gardens of Berlin, and a metro station is just around the corner. Besides the compelling location, Seminaris CampusHotel Berlin has attractive facilities like a bar, restaurant, gym, and a roomy lounge.
8. Christmas in the Tierpark (21 November – 5 January)
Berlin is so under the spell of Christmas that even the zoo is turned into a mystical world of lights. To see around 30 light sculptures spread over the zoo, you can follow a 2-kilometer trail and gaze upon the lights in the treetops. The climax of this scenic walk is Friedrichsfelde Palace, a 17th-century mansion that’s illuminated as well. Around the palace, an ice skating track and Christmas food stalls for visitors to delve into.
Where to stay during Christmas in the Tierpark?
ABACUS Tierpark Hotel, mid-range
The ABACUS Tierpark Hotel is only footsteps away from the zoo, and this accommodation has comfortable amenities as well. A restaurant, spa center with massages and beauty treatments, and a relaxing lounge will keep you occupied during your stay. This 4-star hotel doesn’t have family rooms, but as a guest, you can request connecting rooms.
HOLI-Berlin Hotel is an excellent budget-friendly option near the Tierpark. The rates are low, and a sumptuous breakfast buffet is included in the price. From HOLI-Berlin Hotel, it’s a 2,2-kilometer walk to the entrance of the zoo. Cribs for the smallest travelers are available upon request.
9. Christmas Market Stuttgart (25 November – 23 December)
Stuttgart is a magnificent historic city in Germany’s southwest, and it is home to one of the country’s grandest Christmas markets. Over 300 delicately decorated stalls cover the age-old central quarter of the city, where you can soak up the scents of typical Christmas delicacies and watch thousands of lights brighten the dark December skies. Indulge in soothing specialties like hot chocolate, bratwurst, and mulled wine, and discover the stunning historic buildings in the center. The splendid Old Castle and the Schillerplatz square are both located in the heart of Stuttgart.
Where to stay during Christmas Market Stuttgart?
This atmospheric property is conveniently located near the old center, and it has family apartments that can sleep up to five people. Many rooms have a balcony, a large tv, and a living area.
Close proximity to the center, very spacious family rooms, and an amazing rooftop garden: there’s lots to love about Abalon Hotel ideal.
Some of the rooms even have their own terrace, from where you can look out over Stuttgart.
