Culture Calendar: December 2025
TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE
Advent Singing. Photo: Franz Neumayr
As winter wraps the DACH region in its festive glow, the streets come alive with markets, music and celebrations. Whether you’re chasing the perfectly spiced mulled wine or counting down to midnight in style, December’s events promise magic at every turn.
CHRISTMAS MARKET, MUNICH (24 NOVEMBER – 24 DECEMBER)
The iconic Christkindl Markt stands out as the most quintessential and beloved German Christmas market. Dating back to the 14th century, it attracts visitors from across the globe with its magical atmosphere. Explore the intricate nativity displays at Kripperlmarkt, wander through the enchanting Square of the Stars, and admire the magnificent Christmas tree adorned with over 3,000 candles.
WINTER FESTIVAL, SALZBURG (25 NOVEMBER – 6 JANUARY)
Salzburg’s Winterfest transforms the city’s Volksgarten into a glittering circus realm each winter. As the German-speaking world’s largest festival for contemporary circus art, it draws around 30,000 visitors into its magical tents of acrobatics, poetry, and surreal humour. Originating in 2001, this bold festival invites hand-picked international troupes to perform under the winter sky.
Winterfest. Photo: Winterfest
ADVENT SINGING, SALZBURG (28 NOVEMBER – 14 DECEMBER)
For more than 75 years, Salzburg’s Advent Singing has been the heart of the city’s festive season. Set in the grand Grosses Festspielhaus, this moving production blends folk music, choral harmonies, and traditional Alpine storytelling into a beautifully staged reflection on light, hope and humanity. Each year brings a new narrative and musical arrangement, performed by local singers and musicians.
chocolART. Photo: Daniel Schneider
CHOCOLART, TÜBINGEN (2 – 7 DECEMBER)
Each winter, the charming university town of Tübingen transforms into a paradise for chocolate lovers. chocolART is Europe’s largest chocolate festival, celebrating all things cocoa. Visitors can sample handcrafted creations, watch live demonstrations, join tastings and workshops, and meet master chocolatiers from around the world. With its focus on quality, sustainability and pure indulgence, the festival turns the historic old town into a deliciously fragrant wonderland.
chocolART. Photo: Daniel Schneider
chocolART. Photo: Daniel Schneider
PASSION PFERD FAIR, HANNOVER (4 – 7 DECEMBER)
Born from the long tradition of Pferd & Jagd (Horse & Hunting) fair, PASSION PFERD is now a dedicated festival of horse culture, bringing together riders, breeders and enthusiasts under one roof. Held annually in Hannover, the fair features spectacular live shows like Night of the Horses, pony performances, expert-led workshops, gear displays and themed zones exploring everything from stable equipment to rider fashion.
PASSION PFERD. Photo: PASSION PFERD
GERMAN COMIC CON, DORTMUND (6 – 7 DECEMBER)
Step into a world where fandoms collide: at German Film Comic Con Dortmund, fans can meet their favourite stars from TV and film, shake hands with voice actors and revel in cosplay, panels, and more. Expect autograph sessions, photo-ops, Q&A panels, artist alleys, immersive fan groups, and a vast marketplace of collectibles, props and memorabilia.
Silvesterlauf Zürich. Photo: Silvesterlauf Zürich
ZÜRCHER SILVESTERLAUF MARATHON, ZURICH (14 DECEMBER)
When the Christmas lights sparkle across Zürich’s old town and the chill of winter sets in, the Zürcher Silvesterlauf invites runners and fans alike to take to the streets for a lively end-of-year tradition. This fun, inclusive run winds through festively decorated routes, with race categories for all levels – from casual joggers to seasoned athletes.
Vienna’s New Year’s Eve Trail. Photo: Stadt Wien Marketing / Christian Kremser
VIENNA’S NEW YEAR’S EVE TRAIL, VIENNA (31 DECEMBER)
As midnight approaches, Vienna transforms into one vast open-air celebration. The Wiener Silvesterpfad (New Year’s Eve Trail) links multiple stages across the city centre from Freyung and Graben to Stephansplatz, Rathausplatz, Kärntner Straße and more – with each offering different live music, DJ sets and performances as well as food stalls. Don’t miss the beloved communal midnight waltz and the striking visuals on LED screens that animate the city’s historic facades.
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