Oktoberfest (mid-September to early October): The world's largest folk festival in Munich attracts over 6 million visitors. 16-18 days of beer tents, traditional music, fairground rides, and Bavarian culture. Book accommodations year in advance. Tent reservations essential for weekends. Traditional costume (Tracht) encouraged. Family-friendly despite beer focus - Tuesday designated family day with reduced prices.
Christmas Markets (Christkindlmärkte - late November to December 24): Magical markets throughout Bavaria featuring handcrafted gifts, mulled wine (Glühwein), roasted almonds, and Lebkuchen. Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt most famous. Munich hosts multiple markets - Marienplatz, Residenz, Tollwood. Rothenburg extends season into January. Each market has unique character - research to find preferred atmosphere.
Fasching/Karneval (February/March): Pre-Lenten carnival celebrations with colorful parades, costumes, and street parties. Munich's Viktualienmarkt hosts market women's dance. Smaller towns often have more authentic celebrations than tourist centers.
Strong Beer Festival (Starkbierfest - March): Munich breweries serve powerful Lenten beers (Doppelbock) in beer halls. Less tourist-focused than Oktoberfest, more traditional atmosphere. Paulaner Nockherberg hosts famous political satire shows.
Munich Opera Festival (June-July): World-class performances at Bavarian State Opera and National Theater. Outdoor screenings make opera accessible. Book tickets months ahead for popular productions.
New Year's Day, Epiphany (Jan 6), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day (May 1), Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, Assumption Day (Aug 15), German Unity Day (Oct 3), All Saints Day (Nov 1), Christmas Dec 25-26. Many attractions closed on these dates - plan accordingly.