It may seem that Hanover has more fairs, festivals and annual events than there are days in the year.
Here are a few of the more famous, important Hanover events. But be sure to ask around when you arrive in town. There’s a good chance something will be going on right then, right there! :-)
Schützenfest Hannover
This Hanover event is the largest marksman’s fun fair on the planet! The Schützenfest is the time when over 12,000 guests descend on the city for carnival rides, beer tents and a 12-kilometer-long (7 miles) parade, making it the longest procession in Europe.
Be sure not to miss the main attraction of this festival — a 60 meter high (197 feet) ferris wheel!
International Firework Competition
For six days each summer, the world’s leaders in pyrotechnics compete in a colorful, explosive battle. The International Firework Competition (German: Internationaler Feuerwerkswettbewerb) showcases some of the most amazing firework displays you may ever see. Head to the Great Garden at Herrenhausen for an unforgettable view. Keep your eyes on the skies as you enjoy the entertainment program and musical performances.
Maschsee Festival
This Hanover event capitalizes on another of the city’s big attractions, the Lake Maschsee. You’ll get to see even more fireworks at the Maschsee Festival, listen to live music, watch a comedy or theater performance amid street parades. The lake’s boat services are ready to (literally!) ferry you from one event to the next.
Night of Hanover
Hanover is an athlete’s town. There is the Night of Hanover (German: Nacht von Hannover), where a race takes place around the Market Hall as spectators cheer on the racers. And let’s not forget…
Annual Marathon
Another Hanover event for the athletically-inclined is the annual Hannover Marathon. Typically, there are over 11,000 runners with an audience of more than 200,000. In addition to the Marathon, there are at least five other running events during the year!
Oktoberfest
Hanover is home to one of the larger Oktoberfest celebrations; in fact, the second largest in the world. This Hanover event attracts over one million people each year with its delicious German beer and over 150 amusement park rides. It takes place at the end of September until the beginning of October (annually).
Dragonboat Races
Lake Maschsee is host to other annual events, but the most unique is perhaps the Dragonboat Races (Drachenbootrennen) — taking place at Pentecost in May. These races are a great way to spend the day outdoors, watching the collective strength of the dragon boat rowers as you sit on the sidelines.
Christmas Market
With over 150 kiosks situated in the old town areas of the Market Church and the Ballhofplatz, the Christmas Market is an essential Hanover event. Shop for souvenirs and holiday gifts at this charming fair — with romantic glitter all over the place.