Heidelberg National Public Holidays - Heidelberg, Germany, DE

• 1st January (New Year's Day)
• Late March or early April - Good Friday / Easter Sunday / Easter Monday
• 1st May (Labour Day)
• Early May - Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter
• May / June - Whit / Pentecost Sunday and Monday
  
• 3rd October (Day of German Unity)
• 25th December (Christmas Day)
• 26th December (Boxing Day / St. Stephen's Day)

Heidelberg Calendar of Festivals and Events 2010

Heidelberg Events and Festivals in January - Heidelberg, Germany, DE

• New Year's Day - a public holiday, celebrating the start of the new year. German's like to party on the eve preceding this day

Heidelberg Events and Festivals in February - Heidelberg, Germany, DE

• Fasching - a Mardi Gras feel overtakes the city, which transforms into a party zone
• Vampire Ball at Heidelberg Castle - if you are in Heidelberg in February, try to attend this fancy affair within one of the city's premier attractions. However, be prepared to dress up

Heidelberg Events and Festivals in March - Heidelberg, Germany, DE

• Long Night of the Museums - March sees Heidelberg's museums open late into the night, so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy a fun and educational experience after hours
• Heidelberg Fruehling - held from mid-March to mid-April, this international music festival attracts both classical and contemporary musicians, with concerts held at venues across the city

Heidelberg Events and Festivals in April - Heidelberg, Germany, DE

• Easter - while more Germans participate in chocolate egg hunts than attend Mass these days, this day has not lost its religious significance altogether, with Heidelberg's churches holding special services in remembrance of the crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ at this time

Heidelberg Events and Festivals in May - Heidelberg, Germany, DE

• Deutsche Bank-SAP Open Golf Tournament - golf fans will not want to miss out on this major golfing tournament held in St Leon Rot

Heidelberg Events and Festivals in June - Heidelberg, Germany, DE

• Schlossbeleuchtung - an event that occurs three times a year, including on the first Saturday in June, the 'castle lighting' is a big summer attraction. The fireworks event sees residents in a festive spirit and a party atmosphere take over the city. The castle appears to be in flames before the fireworks burst into action
• Heidelberg Castle Festival - this annual event is held from 23rd June to 12th August and includes festivities such as musical performances. There is also a procession in celebration of the 'Student Prince' who returns to the castle

Heidelberg Events and Festivals in July - Heidelberg, Germany, DE

• Schlossbeleuchtung - the second Saturday in July is also the second 'castle lighting' event of the year, when Heidelberg Castle is lit up so as to appear it is on flames. The show culminates in a 15-minute firework display which is best seen from the 'other' side of the river

Heidelberg Events and Festivals in August - Heidelberg, Germany, DE

• No significant events and festivals in Heidelberg in the month of August

Heidelberg Events and Festivals in September - Heidelberg, Germany, DE

• Schlossbeleuchtung - your final opportunity to see the city's 'castle lighting' is on the first Saturday in September. Just after nightfall, the castle is lit up so that it appears as though it is on fire. An impressive fireworks display follows to the delight of Heidelberg residents, who take up spots all along the river and at Philosophenweg
• Heidelberg Fall Festival (Heidelberger Herbst)- 29th September, probably Heidelberg's most popular festival known throughout Germany, where the city takes to the streets to party on. Expect local beer to be flowing readily and hot sausages are on hand for merry revellers

Heidelberg Events and Festivals in October - Heidelberg, Germany, DE

• German Unity Day - 3rd October, this nation-wide celebration in commemoration of the Reunification of Germany. Marking the re-merging of East and West Germany, Heidelberg residents celebrate the birth of the Federal Republic of Germany

Heidelberg Events and Festivals in November - Heidelberg, Germany, DE

• Christmas Market - held from 24th November to 22nd December, the Christmas Market is one of the annual highlights of Heidelberg. Open daily from late morning until around 21:00, aside from the magic atmosphere, this is a great place to do your gift shopping. Even if you do not purchase any of the unique arts and crafts for sale, make sure you sample some of the speciality foods such as the tasty German sausages and mulled wine

Heidelberg Events and Festivals in December - Heidelberg, Germany, DE

• Christmas Day - celebrated on the 25th December, people in Heidelberg and throughout Germany participate in gift giving and family get-togethers on this day. The city is adorned in illuminated decorations in the month proceeding, with the Christmas Market helping residents to get into the festive spirit

For further information, please check: www.heidelberger-fruehling.de

The annual "Heidelberger Stückemarkt" is a forum for young playwrights, a theater festival hosted by the Municipal Theater and one of the most innovative and important in Germany. It presents dramatic readings, German and international guest performances, premieres and discussions with the audience as well as a competition for European Author`s Award.

Information: Heidelberg City Theatre www.theaterheidelberg.de

As always, the Heidelberg Philharmonic Orchestra will round off the Festival offering with Castle Concerts spanning the whole range of symphonic music.

More informationen and program:
www.schlossfestspiele-heidelberg.de

Ticket-Hotline: ++49-(0)6221-58 20000

Castle Illumination and fireworks - Artisan Market on the Neckar River

Categories: Features, shorts, documentaries
Requirements: 16mm, 35mm comopt, commag. Entries must have been produced within one year before festival and must not have been previously screened in Germany. Films shown in some other European festivals excluded.
Awards: Various cash prizes
Fees: None
Festival and administrative address: Mannheim-Heidelberg Film Festival, Collini-Center-Galerie, D-68161 Mannheim, Germany
Tel: (49 621) 102 943
Fax: (49 621) 291 564;
Email address: ifmh@mannheim-filmfestival.com
Director: Dr Michael Koetz
Website: http://www.mannheim-filmfestival.com

Daily between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., romantics, and families will be able to enjoy the flair of the Christmas market, with over 140 stalls situated on large and small squares. Everywhere in the Old Town, alongside the rich and varied handicraft selection, an array of attractions awaits guests both young and old.

Christmas on Ice