Christmas Market on the Island of Frauenchiemsee Dec. 1 and Dec. 6-8

The Bavarian Alps and Herrenchiemsee Castle make a storybook backdrop for a Christmas market with carolers, mulled wine and a children’s program.

Ball Night Dec. 7 in Wiesbaden

A smartly-dressed crowd mixes, mingles, sips sparkling wine and dances to the sounds of live pop and jazz music in the elegant setting of the Kurhaus.

Krampus Runs Dec. 8 and 22 in Munich

It’s a scary Christmas at the Marienplatz when some 300 fur-clad, horned Alpine beasts race through the market, frightening shoppers in their wake.

Forest Christmas Market Dec. 14 - 15 in Trippstadt

Handmade crafts, regional specialties, Alpine horn players and fire artists lend this market its unique flair. As darkness falls, torches light up the night.

Night of the Proms Dec. 12 in Stuttgart

A classic orchestra backs up pop artists from the past few decades, creating an unforgettable night of music. The show visits 10 other cities in Germany.

Christmas Circus Dec. 20 - Jan. 5 in Wiesbaden

Acrobats, trapeze artists, clowns, tigers, dogs and ponies are amongst the performers set to dazzle audiences in a heated tent set up at the Gibber Kerb.

Christmas Magic Dec. 25 - 30 in Triberg

An icy waterfall illuminated by thousands of glittering lights is the centerpiece of this spectacle made up of concerts, shows and dazzling fireworks displays.

New Year’s Run Dec. 31 in Trier

This Brazilian-inspired running event set to the sounds of samba drums attracts Germany’s top athletes and amateurs alike. Men run 8 km, the ladies 5 km.

Plan ahead

Craft Beer Festival Jan. 10-11 in Karlsruhe

Sip and sample the innovative and tasty creations of some two dozen of Germany’s most creative brewers, ideally accompanied by the hot and tasty street food available on site. Bottled beers to enjoy back home are also on sale. Tickets go for 8 euros.