The Oktoberfest
Munich's annual highlight is the Oktoberfest (October festival). Millions of visitors gather here each year when the Oktoberfest starts with the famous words "O'zapft is!" ("Tapping has started!").

Here are the Oktoberfest dates for the next few years:
2008: September 20 to October 5
2009: September 19 to October 4
2010: September 18 to October 3 (200-year anniversary of the Oktoberfest)
2011: September 17 to October 3 (extended because of bank holiday)

Have a look at the "Wies'n", the local name for the Oktoberfest: www.oktoberfest.de


Christmas market
Every year the contemplative pre-Christmas period is sweetened by mulled wine and gingerbread at the various Christmas markets.