Here in Germany, November isn’t typically one of the more happening months. Most towns have already held their annual fests, and it’s only toward the very end of the month that the Christmas markets begin to stir us out of the lethargy induced by colder temperatures.

There is, however, one last big festival-like event on the horizon, and that is the Hochheimer Markt. This event kicks off on Friday, Nov. 6, and runs through the following Tuesday. This year, for those who may be counting, the event will mark its 525th year. Part market, part volksfest, it will offer the usual assortment of rides, food, drink and merrymaking. A significant difference, however, is in the event’s scale —  up to a half-million visitors are anticipated.

Hochheim is along the Main River, an easy drive from Mainz, Mannheim or Wiesbaden. Getting in and out is reputed to be a bit of a nightmare, so you might want to try public transportation or use the park and ride at the Opel-Parkplatz in Rüsselsheim, the Delkenheim Parkplatz on Max-Planck-Ring, or the Nordenstadt Parkplatz on Daimlerring.  For more on the market, see Stripes’ You never sausage a place!

Not into crowds or a long drive? If you’re located near Heidelberg, you might prefer Neckargemünd’s Bohrermarkt, Nov. 6-9. If Rothenburg ob der Tauber is in your vicinity, the town’s Herbstmesse mit Volksfest runs through Sunday, Nov. 8.