CULTURE CALENDAR

Photo: Pixabay

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

The scent of mulled wine lingers in the cold air, gingerbread and minced pies are served – and we know Christmas is around the corner. Are you ready for a festive month of Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve Parties? We certainly are!

CHRISTMAS MARKET, MUNICH (21 NOVEMBER – 24 DECEMBER)

The famous ‘Christkindl Markt’ is the most traditional and popular German Christmas market by a mile. Popular far beyond just Germany, it attracts visitors from across the world and goes back to the 14th century. From Christmas crib rarities at the ‘Kripperlmarkt’, to the romantic ‘Square of the Stars’ or the stunning Christmas Tree featuring 3,000 candles – the market is without a doubt the place to be in December. www.muenchen.de

SALZBURG ADVENT FESTIVAL, SALZBURG (25 NOVEMBER – 11 DECEMBER)

For over 75 years, singing Christmas Carols together has been a well-established tradition in Salzburg. Without it, Advent simply would not be the same here. Alpine melodies take the audience back to biblical times and ignite the Christmas spirit in everyone. www.salzburg.info/en

WINTER FESTIVAL, SALZBURG (1 DECEMBER – 8 JANUARY)

The beautiful Winter Festival in Salzburg enjoys a great reputation in the international

Pferd & Jagd Hannover. Photo: FAHeckmann GmbH contemporary world of circus, and it is the largest festival of its kind across the DACH region. You can look forward to compelling acrobatics, gentle poetry and bizarre tales at Volksgarten. www.salzburg.info/en

GERMAN COMIC CON, DORTMUND (3 – 4 DECEMBER)

Are you a fan of the hit TV show Stranger Things? Or is Star Wars more like it? At the German Comic Con held in Dortmund, you can meet the stars from your favourite films and TV shows. It’s comparable in scale to the legendary Comic Cons in San Diego and New York. An absolute must for every superfan. www.germancomiccon.com/en/dortmund

CHOCOLART, TÜBINGEN (29 NOVEMBER – 4 DECEMBER)

Fancy a piece of premium chocolate? Look no further. Germany’s biggest chocolate fes-

Photo: Pixabay

Fly with us on your wild bee adventure!

Did you know that there are about 600 species of wild bees in Switzerland besides the honey bee? These industrious pollinators make an important contribution to our ecosystems and food. Start your journey into the world of biodiversity with a BeeHome including a startpopulation of harmless mason bees and create valuable habitat with the right wildflowers - for a buzzing world for all.

Fliege mit uns in dein Wildbienen-Abenteuer!

Wusstest du, dass es neben der Honigbiene etwa 600 Wildbienenarten in der Schweiz gibt? Die fleissigen Bestäuber leisten einen wichtigen Beitrag für unsere Ökosysteme und Nahrungsmittel. Starte deine Reise in die Welt der Biodiversität mit einem BeeHome inklusive einer Startpopulation mit harmlosen Mauerbienen und schaffe mit den richtigen Wildblumen wertvollen Lebensraum - for a buzzing world for all.

Wildbiene+Partner implements a holistic strategy for a future with wild bees: With well-founded educational work, active and targeted propagation of wild bees and with the creation of wild bee habitats, the young company contributes to ensuring that the pollinators in Switzerland do not disappear in the future.

Wildbiene+Partner setzt eine ganzheitliche Strategie für eine Zukunft mit Wildbienen um: Mit fundierter Aufklärungsarbeit, aktiver und gezielter Vermehrung von Wildbienen und mit der Schaffung von Wildbienenhabitaten trägt das junge Unternehmen dazu bei, dass die Bestäuber in der Schweiz auch in Zukunft nicht verschwinden.

Zürcher Silvesterlauf Photo: Zürcher Silvesterlauf tival chocolART is finally back this year and pampers visitors with some smooth culinary delights. A solid highlight for every chocolate connoisseur. www.chocolart.de

PFERD & JAGD (HORSE & HUNTING FAIR), HANNOVER (8 – 11 DECEMBER)

This fair is Europe’s biggest exhibition for hunting and equestrian sports as well as dog training and fishing. It not only showcases a wide range of quality products, but also features brand-new attractions showing the trends of the industry. www.pferd-und-jagd-messe.de

ZÜRCHER SILVESTERLAUF MARATHON, ZURICH (11 DECEMBER)

Traditional running clothes or Santa outfit? The choice is yours. This special marathon brings old and young together and encourages them to get fit with the beautiful city of Zurich serving as a magical backdrop. www.silvesterlauf.ch/home

NEW YEAR`S EVE PARTY, BERLIN (31 DECEMBER)

This is without question one of Europe’s biggest street parties and this year it returns with a bang. This massive free party always lives up to the high expectations. Book your trip to Berlin and say goodbye to the old year by the legendary Brandenburg Gate. www.berlin.de/en