This is a centuries-old German tradition of songs and brightly-colored lanterns to celebrate St. Martin’s Day! We have a lantern parade, followed by a gathering with refreshments. We meet at locations (typically a park) in both Novato and Santa Rosa to light our lanterns (with flameless candles) before beginning the parade. Folks are welcome to bring their own lanterns or borrow one of ours! Afterwards we will have hot chocolate and cookies available if desired. The parade is free! Donations are appreciated for refreshments. Everyone is welcome at this event.

We host a booth at the Christkindlmarkt at the Hermann Sons hall in Petaluma every year. This is a wonderful holiday market and craft fair, offering authentic German-made ornaments and German books. Our students also sing German Christmas songs for all to enjoy. Additionally, at this market you will find German baked goods, specialty foods, and baking ingredients along with special Christmas and Advent treasures. Everyone is welcome at this event.

We host Winterfest (Christmas celebration) on campus  on the last Saturday before out winter break. On that day, classes are briefly in session for before the festivities begin. The students them come out from their classes to enjoy German crafts, a presentation of projects the student have made, German Christmas carols, and Nikolaus. We also have refreshments throughout the morning, a baking contest, and more! Everyone is welcome at this event.

Fasching/Karneval is tradition throughout the German-speaking countries. We celebrate this event on a Saturday (typically in February) during school hours. The younger kids celebrate with fun activities in the classroom. During the last 15 minutes of class, they parade through the school singing traditional Karneval songs. Older students and adults will also learn about the Fasching/Karneval traditions in class.

On a Saturday during class in our Spring semester, we have a Regional Day. The theme of this day varies from year to year – featuring regional German dialects, food, customs, etc. The focus of Regional Day is to explore the cultural differences in the various regions of German-speaking countries. This event is geared towards our high school and adult students.

Our Abschlussfeier (end of the year celebration) takes place on the last Saturday of the school year on campus. The Abschlussfeier is the culmination of the year’s work and celebrates all our students have learned. Classes are in session briefly before the festivities begin, giving students time for dress rehearsals of their presentations, which come next! Everyone is welcome to join us for the presentations, followed by a lovely German lunch!