A truly brilliant idea supported by multiple voluntary organisations but primarily by KinderKinder…read moree.V and SportSpaß. The whole theme of the event is music for kids. And this festival occurs every year around June. What can you expect? Planten und Blomen is transformed from a tranquil park space into a park full of music and activity. Expect international dances, childrens songs, instruments for all children to experiment with, storytelling, face painting, and much much more. There is always a programme (see above to the pdf link for that). And then on the side lots of stuff for your kids to experiment with. Not just traditional instruments are there, expect strange looking home made instruments made out of drain pipes, pots and pans, and anything else that makes a great sound. It's incredibly hard to describe how it really is. If you have kids then just head over there and have a fantastic afternoon. I have been there the past few years and never been disappointed with the offering there. Conclusion: A yearly festival that you just have to visit if you have kids. And even if you don't, then just act like a big kid! And the added bonus it doesn't cost a thing.

We were in Hamburg after our cruise and found out there was an Oktoberfest celebration here, so we…read moredecided to stay in town for a couple of days to check it out. It was actually still the middle of September, but Oktoberfest had already started, and we could only go on a Sunday, so we weren't sure how festive it would really be. Turns out, it was! It wasn't crazy packed, which was great for us because we were a bit tired of huge crowded spaces from our cruise, but there were definitely more people there than we expected on a Sunday. We didn't think we needed to make reservations and saved the few extra bucks in doing so, as it absolutely wasn't necessary for us at the time, but might have been on a Friday or Saturday. Everything we expected was there - music, sausages and pretzels, and, of course, allll the beer! There were also other vendors outside for more food and drinks, as well as candy, treats, and some rides for the kids. Wandsbeker Wiesn is conveniently located at/on top of Wandsbek Markt (Hamburg U-Bahn station), washrooms were set up right outside of the front entrance, super clean, and there are other small shops, stores, and restaurants in the area as well. Nice open space to enjoy some air if you're not feeling the crowds inside. It turned out to be one of the best nights we had on our whole trip, cruise included!

We visited 4 destinations and were hoping for Christmas Markets in all of them (Hamburg, Bruges,…read moreRotterdam and Paris). Hamburg was by far the best. Doesn't look much when the cruise shuttle pulls up just opposite but the stalls are full of festive goodies and nice quality souvenirs, lots of hot chocolate, German mulled wine and hot dogs. All very reasonably priced for a festive attraction. The town hall was open too and was beautifully decorated and a great escape from the bitter cold for a short while. A lovely few hours spent here. Very much enjoyed. A great start to the Christmas holidays. Thanks Hamburg.

The Christmas market, or Weihnachtsmarkt at the Rathaus in Hamburg is extremely impressive. Not…read morebecause of the copious quantities of gluhwein you can drink, or bratwurst to munch on... although they are great. No - this is the only christmas market I've seen so far to have an actual flying santa complete with reindeer and sleigh. Incredible...! Also - see my photos of the best ham sandwich you will ever eat in your life. I'm going back there for lunch every day.

From the owner: In der Nacht der Kirchen Hamburg öffnen jeweils am 3. Sonnabend im September 130 Gemeinden ihre…read moreKirchen und laden gemeinsam ein zu der größten ökumenischen Feier des Nordens, einem Kultur-Fest mit Literatur, Musik, Kunst und Tanz. Diese Nacht im September zeigt die Vielfalt der Kirchen in Hamburg mit verbindendem Geist. Schmuckstücke in den Vier- und Marschlanden, südlich der Elbe und in Stormarn, genauso wie Jugendkirchen, Hauptkirchen, Klangkirchen oder die Seemannskirchen: Sie alle laden ein zur Entdeckungstour dieser Orte mit vielfältigen Veranstaltungen, Begegnung und Gespräch im besonderen Licht und Klang. Vom Sonnenuntergang auf einem der Kirchtürme bis zum Schein der Kerzen in der Nacht. Ein besonders stimmungsvolles Bild bietet sich all jenen, die die Außenalster per Dampfer überqueren - ein kostenloses Angebot, wie alle Veranstaltungen von 19 bis 24 Uhr. Das Programm unter www.ndkh.de und in der App "Kirchennacht".