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Lantern parades and St. Martin's bonfires: This is how Berlin celebrates St. Martin's Day!
On November 11th, Berliners celebrate St. Martin's Day with lantern parades, which commemorates St. Martin of Tours. Events in various districts invite children and families.
Lantern parades and St. Martin's bonfires: This is how Berlin celebrates St. Martin's Day!
Today, November 11, 2025, numerous children and families in Germany are celebrating St. Martin's Day, a tradition that is deeply rooted in the culture. The little ones parade through the streets with colorful lanterns, sing cheerful songs and live out the legend of Saint Martin of Tours, who is famous for generously sharing his cloak with a hungry beggar. This beautiful gesture is particularly valued on St. Martin's Day and is a reminder of values such as charity and community. [Tagesspiegel] reports that there are many events in Berlin surrounding this special day.
The Archdiocese of Berlin has put together an exciting program for St. Martin's Day. Traditional lantern parades and St. Martin's Day games take place in several parts of the city, which bring joy to participants both young and old. In the Rheingauviertel, a St. Martin's game will be performed at 4:30 p.m. in the Church of St. Mary, followed by a lantern parade to the Protestant community of Zum Guten Hirten. A particularly festive atmosphere can be expected in Kreuzberg: a parade with horses will be organized at 4.30 p.m. at the parish of St. Bonifatius. Something similar happens in Mariendorf, where peace is celebrated in the community of Maria at 5 p.m. before the lantern parade and St. Martin's bonfire.
Tradition and celebration preparations
The St. Martin's Day celebrations not only commemorate the legendary deeds of St. Martin, but are also a sign of the changing seasons. Traditionally, November 11th marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter in many regions. In many countries, including Austria and Germany, this includes a hearty meal of roasted goose or St. Martin's meat and drinking the first wine of the season. [Wikipedia] describes that large bonfires are often lit to celebrate, which gave the day the nickname “Spark Day”.
No matter where you look – the anticipation of an ecumenical community has been palpable for weeks. In Prenzlauer Berg, a St. Martin's Day service will take place at 5 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Church, followed by a lantern procession and a festival in the courtyard, including a campfire. In Spandau there will also be a St. Martin's play followed by a lantern parade at 5 p.m. in the parish of St. Markus, while in Schöneberg a play about St. Martin will be performed in the St. Matthias Church from 5:30 p.m. The personal commitment of parents and the community plays an important role so that the children can experience the custom vividly.
A celebration for the whole family
The love for customs like St. Martin's Day is not only widespread in Germany. There are many similar traditions associated with the festival across borders. Whether you go door to door with lanterns in the Netherlands or enjoy the famous St. Martin's croissants in Poland, November 11th is celebrated everywhere and lets the dark season shine with light and warmth. The various customs show how deeply rooted the legends of St. Martin are in many cultures and how they bring people together across generations.
It's high time to uphold the traditionally handed down values and community gatherings - because St. Martin's Day is not just a celebration, but also an opportunity to celebrate social cohesion and brighten the darker days of the year with joy and light. Whether singing together or lighting a welcoming fire, everywhere you experience warm encounters and the sparkling eyes of children who move around with bright lanterns and remind us all of the good in us.