The Top January Festivals in Germany

Bundle up if you travel to Germany in January – temperatures can be freezing. While there is less to do after the mad rush of Christmas Markets, you will be rewarded with low hotel rates, smaller crowds, and some great German events and festivals.

Note that January 1st (New Year's Day) is an official holiday with closures of businesses and offices across the country, while January 6 (Epiphany) is only a holiday in a few states (more details below).

Here is what’s happening in Germany in the month of January.

01 of 09

New Year's Run in Berlin

If your New Year’s resolution is to work out more, you can start with an a light Berliner Neujahrslauf (New Years Run).

It is 2.5 miles (4 km) long and starts at the iconic Brandenburg Gate and leads you past many of the most famous Berlin sights. No reservations required, kids are welcome, and donations are appreciated. Start your new year right!

When: January 1
Where: Brandenburg Gate

02 of 09

New Year’s Ski Jumping in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Olympic Ski Jump Garmisch-Partenkirchen — Alexander Hassenstein/GettyImages

These winter-ready athletes really lead into the new year. The New Year’s Ski Jump in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the second event in the International Four Hills Tournament.

The qualification jumps are on December 31st with the final on January 1st. This competition has taken place for nearly 70 years and tickets sell out fast.

When: December 31- Jan 1st, 2021
Where: Richard-Strauss-Platz 282467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen

03 of 09

Tanztage

Sophiensaele Studio — Sophiensaele GmbH - Joe Goergen

It's time to dance during Tanztage (Days of Dance. This contemporary dance festival in Berlin showcases both choreographers and dancers is an inventive mix of visual arts with commentary on current events and pop culture.

When: early January 2021
Where: Sophiensaele in Berlin-Mitte

04 of 09

Three Kings Day

Epiphany carolers in Wildbad-Kreuth — Johannes Simon / Freier Fotograf

For a more traditional Epiphany or Dreikönigsfest, head to the German states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony-Anhalt where it is a public holiday. The traditional celebration is children dressed as the Three Kings and sternsinger (star singers) going door-to-door caroling and collecting money for charity. Homes and stables are cleansed by burning frankincense. They leave the mark of a blessed house with a chalk “C+M+B” (Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar) with the date written on either side (for example in 2019: 20*C+M+B*19).

Celebration actually begins on January 5 when friends and family gather to prost (cheers) to a new year over a strong bockbier. The holiday also centers on church service with a prominent krippe (crib) display. Children act out the Christmas story with crib scenes in the home as well.

When: January 5 - 6
Where: Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony-Anhalt

Continue to 5 of 9 below.

05 of 09

Cologne Music Week

Cologne's party season is strong throughout the winter and this is the first of many celebrations. Over 50 acts at four locations take place over seven days.

When: mid-January 2021
Where: Various locations

06 of 09

Fashion Week Berlin

Berlin Fashion Week happens twice a year with collections from German and international designers. The shows are on the cutting-edge of the fashion world with plenty of theatrics and avant garde design. Sustainable fashion has been a focus in recent years with Greenshowroom und Ethical Fashion Show dedicated exclusively to this trend.

They are followed by important trade fairs and legendary after-parties.

When: January 13 - 17, 2021
Where: various

07 of 09

International Green Week

Berlin's International Green Week (IGW) touts itself as the world's largest exhibition for sustainable food and agriculture. The BioMarkt presents fresh goods from produce to sausages to beer and wines. There are also presentations and talks concerning ethical forestry, renewable resources, and breeding of livestock.

When: January 15 - 24, 2021
Where: Messe (Fair Grounds), Berlin

08 of 09

Sylt Gourmet Festival

Thousands of foodies flock to the German island of Sylt in the North Sea to indulge in this 4-day long Gourmet Festival. Top chefs and sommeliers from around the world prepare their feasts in the best restaurants on Sylt, offering everything from fresh-caught lobster and fine French wines to Spanish Tapas.

When: late January, 2021
Where: Island of Sylt

Continue to 9 of 9 below.

09 of 09

Motorcycle Fair & Trade Show

If you love motor sports, speed to one of the largest motorcycle fairs in Germany. Leipzig's Motorrad Messe draws motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world to drool over the latest bikes, trikes, quads, and gear.

Of course it wouldn't be a show if there wasn't some action. Catch the live performances and watch the two-wheeled stars.