Opening the season in the Rheingau (Rhine District), 120 winegrowers and restaurants of the region invite guests from near and far to their picturesque courtyards and taverns. The selected dishes are accompanied by wine, tours of the wine cellars, musical treats, strolls through the vineyards and much more.
City tours focussing on the more than 625-year Hanseatic history and the celebrated Hanseatic table, at which you will be served on the Prinzipalmarkt by the city's retailers, will make your weekend a very special experience.
Truly a festival for all senses: Local wines and food are served in a festive, baroque atmosphere at the Residence Palace.
Party atmosphere at its best - The "Maiwoche" (May Week Festival):
From 11th to 13th of May 2012 Warnemünde beach becomes the setting for a first class event. For the second time the beautiful seaside resort will play host to the Beach Polo Ostsee Cup. This public event fascinated tourists and locals already in 2011. National and international teams with about 70 Argentine polo horses take part in the tournament. During the event, the horse tents are open to visitors where they can get interesting information on the world's oldest team sport. Furthermore, visitors can purchase tickets for the VIP tent where they not only enjoy a superb catering but also an exclusive view across the field. Experience this fast-paced and action-packed sport in the unique setting of Warnemünde.
The element of fire features strongly in Heidelberg´s varied history. The city has suffered great destruction during the 30-Years´-War and the Palatinate War of Succession. When the French general Ezéchiel de Mélac practically eradicated Heidelberg in 1693, the castle was blown up, too.
For 90 years Germany's oldest Mozart festival has taken place in the "Würzburger Residenz" (Würzburg Residence). Founded only one year after the "Salzburger Festspiele" (Salzburg Music Festival) the Mozart Festival Würzburg has a long tradition and is one of the leading music festivals in Germany. For four weeks thousands of visitors from Germany and all over the world enjoy the intimate festival atmosphere and the unique architecture of the "Würzburger Residenz" in 50 classical concerts. During 85 years of the Mozart festival history many internationally renowned artists such as Alfred Brendel, Philippe Herreweghe, Christopher Hogwood, Gidon Kremer, Lorin Maazel, Sir Neville Marriner, Waltraud Meier, Yehudi Menuhin, Trevor Pinnock und Jukka-Pekka Saraste have been on stage.
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The element of fire features strongly in Heidelberg´s varied history. The city has suffered great destruction during the 30-Years´-War and the Palatinate War of Succession. When the French general Ezéchiel de Mélac practically eradicated Heidelberg in 1693, the castle was blown up, too.
This street festival around the "Hessisches Staatstheater" (Hessian State Theater), at the Bowling Green in front of the "Kurhaus" and along Wiesbaden?s magnificent boulevard, the "Wilhelmstrasse" (William Street), has been a crowd-puller for more than thirty years and is the oldest street festival in Germany today. During the three-day festival in 2011 several thousand visitors enjoy street performers, bands of several styles as well as a rich variety of culinary pleasures. A classic street festival for the senses, where happiness and vitality play a dominant role. Another attraction is a colorful artisans market in front of the "Kurhaus" with its original and individual range of offers.
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This is a traditional Würzburg wine festival that takes place in the historical courtyard of the “Bürgerspital zum Hl. Geist” (Bürgerspital - Wine Estate to the Holy Spirit). Great place to sample top wines from the estate and to meet friendly locals.
An unforgettable baroque setting: The picturesque grounds of the Residence Palace’s Court Gardens are the location of this atmospheric wine festival, courtesy of the “Staatlicher Hofkeller”, one of the most prestigious German vineyard estates. Admission is free.
Due to its location on the Moselle River, the Trier Moselle Festival always has a very special charm: People sit on the riverbank, listen to the music and enjoy some of the food specialties and drinks or amuse themselves at the kermis.
The Warnemünde Week promises top-class sailing in one of the world's most beautiful sailing areas. Every year, more than 2000 regular sailors and surfers compete for world rankings in all Olympic boat classes just off the coast of Warnemünde and 200 aquatic athletes vie for the Laser European Cup. An attractive "shore leave" is guaranteed by the traditional "Waschzuberspektakel" (a wash tub race), a dragon boat race, music and entertainment at the lighthouse and the "Niegen Ümgang" (a procession in traditional costumes) to commence the event.
Every summer the "Domstufen" (Cathedral Steps) which run between the magnificent architectural ensemble of the "Mariendom" (St Mary's Cathedral) and "Severikirche" (St Severus Church) are transformed into one of the world´s most beautiful festival stages. It is traditional for the "Festspiele" (Festival Plays) to bring together artists from all genres in a way which unites singers, choirs and orchestras, theater and ballet.
The element of fire features strongly in Heidelberg´s varied history. The city has suffered great destruction during the 30-Years´-War and the Palatinate War of Succession. When the French general Ezéchiel de Mélac practically eradicated Heidelberg in 1693, the castle was blown up, too.
Barques, brigs and schooners create a magical romantic atmosphere at Rostock?s quaysides during one of the greatest maritime festivals in the world. For four days in August, Warnemünde and the Rostock City Harbor will host impressive windjammers, traditional sailing ships and museum ships. Hanse Sail Rostock is the name of this fantastic rendezvous of majestic ships attracting more than one million guests from home and abroad. Among the highlights of the Hanse Sail Rostock are the regattas of the traditional ships, firework displays, music and colorful markets.
For more than 35 years, the "Rheingauer Weinfestival" (Rheingau Wine Festival) has turned the center of Wiesbaden into the "longest wine bar in the world" or the largest Wine Festival in the world - and is an attraction for more than thousand of visitors. At about 120 booths, winegrowers present their products, both newly made and superior wines, as well as bubbly sparkling wines. To go with the special flavors of the Rheingau Riesling wines, culinary delicacies may be purchased at Wiesbaden's "Schlossplatz" (Palace Square), at the "Dern?sches Gelände" (Dern'sche Square) and on the square in front of the "Marktkirche" (Market Church). Moreover, music bands and other show acts provide entertainment on a number of stages and make this Wiesbaden street festival unforgettable.
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Every single year, this unique spectacle delights around 250.000 visitors on the banks of the Rhine and around 20.000 guests on the brightly decorated boats. "Rhein in Flammen®" (Rhine in Flames) is the largest and oldest firework show in Germany and enjoys over 200 years of tradition in Koblenz. In 1756, fireworks were set off in Koblenz in honor of the electoral prince Johann-Philipp von Walderdorff.
This inspiring festival of art and culture transforms familiar locations in the city with light installations, open-air events and outdoor eateries.
Every year the Mainz's "Rosengarten" (Rose Garden) and "Volkspark" (Peoples' Park) are the sites for the "Weinmarkt" (Wine Market), the last weekend in August and the first weekend in September. White wines and rosés from the previous year are offered as well as some reds as well as wines from earlier vintages. It is a great chance to meet hundreds of vintners and thousands of other wine lovers, discover new wines and simply have fun on a fine summer day.
The element of fire features strongly in Heidelberg´s varied history. The city has suffered great destruction during the 30-Years´-War and the Palatinate War of Succession. When the French general Ezéchiel de Mélac practically eradicated Heidelberg in 1693, the castle was blown up, too.
The "Heidelberger Herbst" (Heidelberg Old Town Autumn Festival), with its Medieval Market and cultural programs throughout the pedestrian zone, includes an arts & crafts market, flea markets, and regional specialties. Musical entertainment of the widest range is offered in virtually every available space.
The traditional Koblenz Christmas market is one of the largest and most beautiful in Rhineland-Palatinate and takes place in the picturesque ambiance of the romantic Old Town throughout the shopping streets. There is everything your heart could desire at Christmas among the 130 and more stalls with handmade arts, Christmas decorations and a massive selection of gift articles. Seasonally decorated with the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine in the air and Christmas melodies in the picturesque ambiance of the romantic Old Town: that is the Koblenz Christmas market. An extensive range of handmade crafts and Christmas decorations along with a huge selection of gift items are waiting for the visitors each year. Rounded off with an extensive program with live concerts called "Christmas Vokal", the Christmas bakery and many more attractions; a visit to the Koblenz Christmas market is an experience you will not want to miss.
Every year, on the last Monday in November at 5 p.m., the "Christ Child" makes a special visit to Heidelberg's "Marktplatz" (Market Square) to festively open the Heidelberg Christmas Market. From then through December 22nd, the Old Town is aglow with the enchantment of Christmas. More than 140 special stands fill Heidelberg's large and small squares with an endless variety of everything that makes the season so unique. With a cup of hot mulled wine to warm the hand and heart, and delicious treats from the wide range of the region's gastronomic offerings, a leisurely stroll through the fairytale setting at the foot of the castle ruins is an unforgettable experience.
A special attraction of Osnabrück's Christmas market is the largest Christmas music box in the world. Atmospheric bright lights illuminate the Old Town as a lovingly restored children's merry-go-round from 1907 turns and festively decorated stalls offer craftwork, wooden toys, or sweets. St. Nikolaus visits each day to open a window on the huge Advent calendar in front of the "Rathaus" (Town Hall) where Osnabrück's Treaty of the Peace of Westphalia was signed in 1648.
The Freiburg Christmas Market on the "Rathausplatz" (Town Hall Square) in the heart of the Old Town is considered one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the whole of Germany. Framed by the Gothic cloister of the one-time Franciscan monastery, the nave of the "St. Martinskirche" (St. Martin's Church) and the picturesque, newly renovated facades of the new and old town halls, an enchanting collection of little houses is erected four weeks before Christmas. The Freiburg Christmas market is very much part of a tradition of Black Forest Christmas Markets.
Münster's Christmas markets are unique: over 250 stands and festive illumination await the visitors in the wonderful atmosphere of the historical Old Town. The Christmas markets stand in rows along the market streets like pearls in a chain. They are just a few minutes walk from each other.
Augsburg's Christkindlesmarkt radiates the charm of the holiday season with more than 500 years of tradition. Every weekend evening, the impressive Renaissance "Rathaus" (Town Hall) turns into a huge Advent calendar as twenty-four angels make music while standing in the windows of the Renaissance structure.
Erfurt's historic Old Town and the "Mariendom" (St Mary's Cathedral) where Martin Luther was ordained as a priest in 1511) provide a magical atmosphere at Christmas time and the "Domplatz" (Cathedral Square) is an ideal place for the Christmas market with a tradition of more than 150 years. Craftsmen sell a wide range of Thuringian handicrafts from Christmas tree decorations to blue print textiles and a rich choice of ceramics and pottery.
The picturesque "Schlossplatz" (Palace Square) forms the fascinating setting for the Wiesbaden Twinkling Star Christmas Market. Four gates decorated with stars grant access to this fairytale like scene, where young and old will find desirable and beautiful items. Not only will the ambiance provide for a cheerful mood, but so will the accompanying program comprising choirs, nativity plays, wind quartets, concerts, storytelling and much more.
As Germany's oldest city, Trier's glorious history can be witnessed at every step on a stroll through the bustling Old Town that is made particularly inviting for the holidays. The "Hauptmarkt" (Main Market) and the "Dom" (Cathedral) present themselves as a picturesque backdrop for the annual Christmas market.
Würzburg is the northern gateway to the Romantic Road. In the heart of Old Town, one of Germany's most picturesque and enchanting Christmas markets carries on a tradition of holiday cheer dating from the early 19th century and provides a charming scene fit for a Christmas card with its Gothic Chapel.
The Rostock Christmas Market is the largest in Northern Germany. The colorful fair offers seasonal treasures such as "Rostocker Bratwurst" (fried sausage) and "Backbanane" (banana baked in dough) as well as traditional craftwork, music and a Ferris wheel. The market begins with the anticipated arrival of Santa Claus and his wife on a sailing ship. Santa then will give presents to the children while his wife is telling fairy tales.
The historic market square in Mainz is a blaze of lights. The air is scented with a Christmassy mixture of roast almonds, gingerbread, hot chestnuts and mulled wine. Large and small visitors gladly let themselves be enchanted by this pre-Christmas atmosphere. On a stroll through Mainz Christmas market, the stress and hectic pace of everyday life are quickly forgotten.Against the imposing back-drop of the over thousand year old "Dom" (Cathedral), showmen and craftsmen offer Christmas specialties and original presents. People saunter leisurely past festively decorated stands, collecting many suggestions for fine Christmas presents in passing. Home-made Advent garlands and straw stars, Christmas tree decorations, wooden toys, carvings, ceramics, candles and much more are on offer.
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Christmas market package


