Culture Calendar: November 2025

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

The clocks may have gone back, but November does not slow down! This month is filled with film festivals, art events, early carnival celebrations and food fairs – not to mention the first Christmas markets twinkling into life. Whatever your passion, you will find something to brighten up the darker days.

GENEVA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (31 OCTOBER – 9 NOVEMBER)

Celebrate the 31st edition of the Geneva International Film Festival, a firm favourite for filmmakers across the world. Expect international premieres, thought-provoking master classes and buzzing networking opportunities in one of Switzerland’s most dynamic cultural hubs.

www.giff.ch

Berliner Märchentage. Photo: MÄRCHENLAND

BERLINER MÄRCHENTAGE, BERLIN (6 – 23 NOVEMBER)

Step into the world of myths and magic during the 36th Berlin Fairy Tale Days. This beloved festival brings classic stories and modern fantasy to life through readings, performances and exhibitions across the city. This year’s theme is ‘The Swan Princess’ and it promises to be a cultural highlight for families and dreamers of all ages.

www.berliner-maerchentage.de

Berliner Märchentage. Photo: MÄRCHENLAND

INTERNATIONAL A CAPPELLA FESTIVAL VOICE MANIA, VIENNA (7 NOVEMBER – 7 DECEMBER)

For its 27th edition, Vienna once again be- comes the stage for vocal artistry in all its forms. Voice Mania goes far beyond tra- ditional singing, blending jazz, pop, rock, beatboxing, comedy and vocal experimentation into a month-long celebration. Expect dazzling performances in theatres, clubs and even on the streets of Vienna where the human voice takes centre stage in the most inventive ways.

www.voicemania.at/das-festival

Plaza Culinaria. Photo: Achim Kaeflein

PLAZA CULINARIA, FREIBURG (7 – 9 NOVEMBER)

Southern Germany’s premier gourmet fair returns to Messe Freiburg, attracting more than 35,000 food lovers each year. From live cooking shows to wine tastings and workshops, Plaza Culinaria offers a delicious weekend of culinary inspiration with regional and international flair.

www.plaza-culinaria.de

VIENNA ART WEEK, VIENNA (7 – 14 NOVEMBER)

For one week each November, Vienna turns into a city-wide stage for contemporary art. With free exhibitions, studio visits, talks and performances across museums and independent spaces, Vienna Art Week celebrates creativity across the board while keeping culture accessible to everyone.

www.viennaartweek.at

CARNIVAL SEASON KICK-OFF, COLOGNE (11 NOVEMBER)

At exactly 11.11am, Cologne bursts into celebration with the official start of carnival season. Thousands of people in colourful costumes fill the streets, turning the city into a joyful madhouse of music, dancing and laughter. It’s the perfect way to experience Germany’s most famous carnival tradition at its most vibrant, long before the big parades in spring.

www.koeln.de

Buch Wien. Photo: Buch Wien, Bernhard-Widmoser

BUCH WIEN, VIENNA 12 – 16 NOVEMBER)

Austria’s leading book fair brings together more than 500 exhibitors and a rich programme of readings, discussions, workshops and book signings. From novels and non-fiction to children’s books and graphic novels, Buch Wien celebrates literature in all its diversity. A cornerstone of the Austrian iterary scene, it attracts book lovers and industry professionals from around the world.

www.buchwien.at

CITY OF STARS, ST. GALLEN (27 NOVEMBER – 6 JANUARY)

St. Gallen welcomes the festive season with its enchanting ‘City of Stars’. More than 700 glowing stars light up the historic old town, creating a magical backdrop for the Christmas market. Over 50 wooden stalls offer handcrafted gifts, festive decorations and Swiss delicacies, while the UNESCO-listed Abbey and a towering Christmas tree with 18,000 lights add to the city’s sparkle.

www.sternenstadt.ch