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Events in Berlin - Berlin Hotels .com

Vibrant, historic, and undeniably explorable, Berlin is a vacation destination not to be missed; in fact, it is ranked as the third most popular tourist spot in the European Union. Visitors searching for an insider's look at this complex city often turn to its parade of annual festivals, where Berlin and its inhabitants open themselves, their history, and their culture to remembrance and celebration.

Berliners and other savvy Europeans know how to start the New Year off right -- with a December 31st countdown at Brandenburg Gate. On this eve, one million international strangers gather together at this historic gate to share champagne, make new friends, salute old ones, dance to famed international DJs, and watch the dramatic fireworks display that dominates the Berlin skyline. Over the years, Berlin's Sylvester (New Year) Celebration has gained in popularity, and now overshadows even New York City's Times Square ball drop in size and decadence.

History buffs pore over the German capitol's complicated and engrossing relationship with power -- from Prussian kings in the eighteenth century to the seat of the Third Reich during World War II.

Berlin's annual Jewish Culture Days are an important addition to the city's historical landscape. This five-day festival, held in March, presents Jewish culture, history, customs, and traditions for Jews and non-Jews. Concerts and performances are held, as are traditional cooking classes and lively religious dialogue. In addition, films and lectures address the history of the Jewish community in Berlin, and its contemporary cultural influence on society.

Liberal travelers who tour the city in late August will enjoy Berlin's annual Hanfparade, or Hemp Parade. At this popular political festival, cannabis activists and supporters can meet with local politicians and discuss the benefits of cannabis, hemp, and personal freedom. Festival-goers convene in the Mitte district, where musical acts dominate various stages, vendors at the "Market of Possibilities" sell a mind-boggling array of hemp-related products, and advocates and protestors continue their debate related to all things cannabis.

Though young, the Hemp Parade and festival has become a lively, peaceful, and popular addition to Berlin activities, perhaps in part because local law enforcement is not stringent about controlled substances infractions.

In late September, hundreds of thousands of art lovers flock from far and wide to visit the Art Forum Berlin, the city's internationally acclaimed contemporary art exhibition. More than 120 galleries from 25 countries contribute art in all imaginable media -- from painting and installation to photography and sculpture. Twice-daily art forums hosted by distinguished art figures dominate the scene, and in recent years, Berlin's opera house and several experimental theatre and arts groups have joined the festivities.

Late November brings with it the most popular event in Berlin, if not Germany: the Christmas Markets. Berlin alone hosts 50-plus Christmas markets that enchant locals and tourists alike.

The largest and most popular Christmas market is found at Gedachtniskirche, located along Kurfurstendamm. Visitors are delighted by the market's traditional German wares, such as figurines, toys, wood carvings, unique marionettes, lambskin shoes, and homemade candles. Shoppers are further wooed by the market's enchanting smells: Vendors offer an array of warm mulled wines, hot chestnuts, baked apples, gingerbread biscuits, and grilled sausages.

At night, these Christmas markets glow with thousands of white Christmas lights. There is nothing that embodies the Christmas spirit like the markets of Berlin, but no matter what time of the year you visit, the city and its residents find something to celebrate.