Heidelberg Events and Festivals

(Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany)

Local events and festivals occur frequently in Heidelberg, and visitors to Heidelberg have plenty of chances to see local residents in action.

More often accompanied by beer drinking and sausage eating than not, the festivities this city has to offer are always filled with merriment.

Among the year's highlights are the Christmas Market, magically decorated, and the Heidelberg Fall Festival, an enormous street party.

There are several magazines that are available at all newsagents offering visitors to Heidelburg listings on all forthcoming things to see and do in this vibrant city, including up-to-date information on entertainment, shopping and dining.

Heidelberg National Public Holidays

• 1st January (New Year's Day)
• Late March or early April - Good Friday / Easter Sunday / Easter Monday
• 1st May (Labour Day)
• Early May - Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter
• May / June - Whit / Pentecost Sunday and Monday
• 3rd October (Day of German Unity)
• 25th December (Christmas Day)
• 26th December (Boxing Day / St. Stephen's Day)

Heidelberg Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• New Year's Day - a public holiday, celebrating the start of the new year. German's like to party on the eve preceding this day

February

• Fasching - a Mardi Gras feel overtakes the city, which transforms into a party zone
• Vampire Ball at Heidelberg Castle - if you are in Heidelberg in February, try to attend this fancy affair within one of the city's premier attractions. However, be prepared to dress up

March

• Long Night of the Museums - March sees Heidelberg's museums open late into the night, so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy a fun and educational experience after hours
• Heidelberg Fruehling - held from mid-March to mid-April, this international music festival attracts both classical and contemporary musicians, with concerts held at venues across the city

April

• Easter - while more Germans participate in chocolate egg hunts than attend Mass these days, this day has not lost its religious significance altogether, with Heidelberg's churches holding special services in remembrance of the crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ at this time

May

• Deutsche Bank-SAP Open Golf Tournament - golf fans will not want to miss out on this major golfing tournament held in St Leon Rot

June

• Schlossbeleuchtung - an event that occurs three times a year, including on the first Saturday in June, the 'castle lighting' is a big summer attraction. The fireworks event sees residents in a festive spirit and a party atmosphere take over the city. The castle appears to be in flames before the fireworks burst into action
• Heidelberg Castle Festival - this annual event is held from 23rd June to 12th August and includes festivities such as musical performances. There is also a procession in celebration of the 'Student Prince' who returns to the castle

July

• Schlossbeleuchtung - the second Saturday in July is also the second 'castle lighting' event of the year, when Heidelberg Castle is lit up so as to appear it is on flames. The show culminates in a 15-minute firework display which is best seen from the 'other' side of the river

August

• No significant events and festivals in Heidelberg in the month of August

September

• Schlossbeleuchtung - your final opportunity to see the city's 'castle lighting' is on the first Saturday in September. Just after nightfall, the castle is lit up so that it appears as though it is on fire. An impressive fireworks display follows to the delight of Heidelberg residents, who take up spots all along the river and at Philosophenweg
• Heidelberg Fall Festival (Heidelberger Herbst)- 29th September, probably Heidelberg's most popular festival known throughout Germany, where the city takes to the streets to party on. Expect local beer to be flowing readily and hot sausages are on hand for merry revellers

October

• German Unity Day - 3rd October, this nation-wide celebration in commemoration of the Reunification of Germany. Marking the re-merging of East and West Germany, Heidelberg residents celebrate the birth of the Federal Republic of Germany

November

• Christmas Market - held from 24th November to 22nd December, the Christmas Market is one of the annual highlights of Heidelberg. Open daily from late morning until around 21:00, aside from the magic atmosphere, this is a great place to do your gift shopping. Even if you do not purchase any of the unique arts and crafts for sale, make sure you sample some of the speciality foods such as the tasty German sausages and mulled wine

December

• Christmas Day - celebrated on the 25th December, people in Heidelberg and throughout Germany participate in gift giving and family get-togethers on this day. The city is adorned in illuminated decorations in the month proceeding, with the Christmas Market helping residents to get into the festive spirit