Mercure's travel guides

From Christmas markets to carnivals to a spectacular Pyronale fireworks competition, there is always something exciting going on in Berlin. The annual Filmfestspiele (Berlinale) cinema festival in February is one of the world's most important gatherings for the movie industry while art exhibitions such as the Berlin Biennale and Art Forum Berlin see culture lovers flocking here from all over the world. Fans of music are treated to a re-creation of the French Fête de la Musique on midsummer's night, with free live music on streets and in bars all over the city. And as the year draws to a close, Berliners head to Brandenburg Gate for a New Year's Eve celebration complete with live music, fireworks and an all-night street party.

Weihnachtsmärkte

Multiple markets in the city, Berlin
http://www.berliner-weihnacht.de/index.php

Description:

Germany's famous Christmas markets kick off at the end of November, giving each city a good dose of Christmas spirit – and Berlin is no exception. Sample some of the Glühwein (mulled wine), gingerbread, or stolen (traditional German Christmas cake). Wander through the stalls of hand-made Christmas decorations, toys and knitted scarves. Some of the bigger markets have fun-park rides and entertainment, like carol singers or jazz bands.
November 23 - December 26, 2011

Karneval der Kulturen

Zossener and Blücherstrasse, Blücherplatz, Berlin, 10961
+49-(0)-30-6097-7022 - +49-(0)-30-6097-7013
http://www.karneval-berlin.de

Description:

Held in the waning days of spring, this four-day festival celebrates Berlin's diversity and its justly earned status as a city with a flair for international culture. Indeed, the streets of Kreuzberg explode in a celebration of colour, music, dance, art and food when representatives from more than 70 countries strut their stuff and showcase their homelands. Wild costumes, parades and street performers – it's little wonder that each Karneval has drawn more than half a million revellers since the event's 1996 debut. U-BAHN: Hermannplatz
June 2012

Internationales Berliner Bierfestival

Karl Marx Allee, Berlin, 10245
+49-(0)-30-6576-3560 - +49-(0)-30-6576-3569
http://www.bierfestival-berlin.de

Description:

Now in its second decade, the International Berlin Beer Festival is host to what is arguably the longest beer garden in the world. Taking up over 2 kilometres of the Karl Marx Allee, more than 240 breweries are represented, offering a mouth-watering 1750 types of beer. There's plenty of regional German cooking to be sampled as well. Upon arrival, pick up an official beer-tasting mug for €3.50 – apart from being an ideal souvenir, you'll be eligible for a discount at many beer stands when you try to fill it up. U-BAHN: Frankfurter Tor
August 5 - August 7, 2011