German school children and their families have plenty of opportunities to go on holiday, with small breaks throughout the year as well as the bigger summer holidays. Here are the dates for 2026.
April marks a particularly joyful time in every German's calendar: the start of asparagus season. But how did this humble vegetable become a beloved cultural symbol? Here's what you need to know.
From blazing wheels to silent water, horseback hymns and competitive egg cracking, Easter in Germany is filled with events that are equal parts improbable and endearing. Here are five interesting customs to observe or join in on.
In Germany, Good Friday, or 'Karfreitag' is a designated silent holiday. Here's a look at what's allowed and what's not, and what you can still get up to on the public holiday.
Easter brings a four-day weekend to most people living in Germany. Here's how businesses, transport and other services are affected by the public holidays.
New Year's Eve in Germany is all about fireworks. Here are The Local's suggestions for where to watch them across the country, from Berlin and Hamburg to Cologne, Munich and elsewhere.
Hang a shining... pickle... on the highest bough? The Weihnachtsgurke, or Christmas Pickle, is supposedly a classic German tradition. But it may not be quite as traditional - or German - as you'd expect.
'Drei Hasselnüsse für Ashenbrödel' - or 'Three Wishes for Cinderella’ - is one of Germany's most beloved Christmas films. Here's how you can watch it this year.
You might spot a branch or two in the homes of Germans in the lead up to Christmas. Here's what you need to know about the festive customs connected to St Barbara.
For shepherds, moving sheep between summer and winter pastures is a seasonal event, but in Nuremberg this march runs right through the city's central market square. Photographer Taeseok Oh shares his photos of the procession.
You may have noticed lots of paper lanterns popping up in shops across Germany. Here's why you you may see processions of school children with them on Tuesday evening.
From scavenging for mushrooms to drinking Apfelwein, autumn is a truly magical season in Germany. Here's how to make the most of the fall months just like the locals do.
Workers in Germany get a day off on Friday, October 3rd to mark German reunification. How are shops, transport and medical services affected by the public holiday?
One of the most difficult things about moving to a new country is immersing yourself in the culture and history. Here are eight effortless ways to deepen your knowledge of Germany.
Summer holidays have come to an end for pupils in the states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia while those in other states will be trickling back until mid-September. Here's when kids go back to school in all of Germany's states.
All but two German states rotate their summer holidays to prevent gridlock on the roads and railways and spread demand at holiday destinations. Irritation at Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg’s refusal to join in may finally be coming to a head.
Kaffee und Kuchen - or coffee and cake - is a strong German tradition. So of course there is a huge selection of sweet treats across the country. Here's 10 that we think you should try.
Students in the states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia will start their summer holidays at the end of June while those in other states will have to wait until July or August. Here are the vacation periods in all of Germany's states.
Marriage may be in long-term decline in Germany. But with nearly 350,000 marriages registered in 2024, there’s still a good chance you’ll be invited to one if you're in the country for any length of time. Here’s our guide to what you can expect.
Punctual, organised, lovers of beer... we all know the stereotypes about Germans. But how well do you know the stereotypes for each of the German regions?
