Things to do in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany: The Best Cultural Events

For the people of Cologne, 11 is the lucky number. On November 11th at 11.11am the fifth season, aka carnival season, begins. While celebrations are mainly put on hold until after the holiday period, come the Thursday before Lent in February the parties truly kick off for a solid week of what’s known as ‘crazy days.' Locals raid their cupboards and tourists pack the costumes because Cologne’s Carnival means fancy dress and fiestas. Street parties and mini raves keep festival goers entertained all week long but it’s Rose Monday everyone waits for: the day of masks and marches as the town’s nominated Prince, Peasant, and Maiden lead a parade while watchers show their support by dressing in their wackiest wardrobes. It's tradition at the carnival to give a kiss, just a little peck, so don't be too alarmed should you arrive home with more than a few rouge stains!

Germany's second-biggest funfair after Oktoberfest, Cranger Kirmes in Hernes stands out its focus on carnival attractions rather than beer consumption. The festival does provide a giant beer tent, but the main draw remains the 500-odd showmen and their roller coasters, ghost trains, games, and curios spread out over an 111,000-square-meter space. Originally founded in the 15th century as a horse market, Cranger Kirmes soon evolved into an entertainment event replete with jugglers and magicians. Today, the colorful funfair welcomes about 4 million visitors over 10 days starting the first Friday of August. 

The "Largest Fair on the Rhine", Düsseldorfer Rheinkirmes celebrates St. Apollinaris, the patron saint of Dusseldorf, with a massive 10-day funfair starting the third Sunday of each July. About 4 million people make their way to the neon-lit fairgrounds every year to enjoy a wide variety of rides and games. Event highlights include the "Historic Procession" of marching bands, uniformed shooters, and horse-led carriages, the spectacular fair-closing fireworks, and a target shooting competition. This competition lies at the heart of the Rheinkirmes -- taking place since the event's inception in 1435, its winner holds the title of "Schützenkönig" for a year.

At Dortmunder Weihnachtsmarkt, the largest Christmas tree in the world towers over a collection of 300 traditional wooden stands selling toys, decorations, and holiday-season delicacies. At a height of 45 meters (147 feet), the tree illuminates the night sky with 48,000 lights, providing a festive contrast against the modest surrounding church steeples. Glühwein, or mulled wine, serves as the adult beverage of choice, with the market's collectible glühwein cup featuring a new design each year. While adults warm themselves with wine, children in the Christmas Village sing, bake, and build crafts. Market-goers of all ages gather to dance and sing along with performers at the annual WDR 4 Christmas concert.

Held in Cologne each year, Gamescom is the world’s largest gaming event so naturally every Mario Kart master, Nintendo wizard and console ninja comes to Cologne. Currently in its 6th year, Gamescom takes place at the end of August and is where the latest and greatest in gaming technology from the world’s biggest gaming companies can be found. Think special reveals, exclusive info, and computer game premieres. While parts of the event are only intended for business heads, the music acts and gaming platforms on offer are very appealing to the general public. Also, rumour has it that once the conference is wrapped up for the day, there’s some cheeky gambling to be done.