Berlin: when demand rises
Berlin's demand calendar is shaped by its exhibition grounds as much as by tourism. January opens with a ten-day food and farming fair, February brings the film festival, March the world's leading travel trade show, and September both a large consumer electronics show and the marathon. Summer is the leisure peak, and German school holidays differ from state to state.
School holidays
School holidays of the state of Berlin for 2026/2027, from the official calendar file.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Autumn holidays (Herbstferien) | 19–31 October 2026 |
| Christmas holidays (Weihnachtsferien) | 23 December 2026 – 2 January 2027 |
| Winter holidays (Winterferien) | 1–6 February 2027 |
| Easter holidays (Osterferien) | 22 March – 2 April 2027 |
| Whitsun holidays (Pfingstferien) | 18–19 May 2027 |
| Summer holidays (Sommerferien) | 1 July – 14 August 2027 |
Source: berlin.de (Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Jugend und Familie)
Recurring demand drivers
Dates were read on the source shown on each line. "dates published by the organiser" means the next edition was not yet announced on the organiser's site: check the link.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 15–24 January 2027 | Grüne Woche Trade fair / conference Messe Berlin Ten days of food, farming and gardening, open to the public and to professionals. Source: gruenewoche.de |
| 16–18 March 2027 | ITB Berlin Trade fair / conference Messe Berlin The travel and tourism trade show; a professional audience on weekdays. Source: itb.com |
| 3–7 September 2027 | IFA Berlin Trade fair / conference Messe Berlin Five days of consumer electronics, with both trade and public visitors. Source: ifa-berlin.com |
| 26 September 2027 | Berlin Marathon Sport A Sunday race that brings runners and supporters from around the world for the weekend. Source: Berlin Marathon (official site) |
| dates published by the organiser | Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival) Festival / culture The 77th edition takes place in February 2027; the film market brings industry visitors for the first days. Source: berlinale.de |
How to price this city
Berlin's fairs mostly run on weekdays and draw professionals who book early and value easy transport to the exhibition grounds. Price fair weeks as their own blocks rather than as part of a month. The Berlin school summer break only covers Berlin families; visitors from other German states arrive on their own calendars, which spreads summer demand.