Every autumn, just as the leaves begin to turn and a crispness settles into the air, a quiet corner of Germany bursts into vibrant color and bustling activity. Klaistow Farm, located 56 kilometers southwest of Berlin, transforms itself into a wonderland of gourds for its annual pumpkin festival—a celebration that has grown into one of Europe’s largest and most beloved fall traditions. This year, on October 23, 2025, the festival marks its 22nd edition, and the spectacle is as dazzling as ever.
What draws the crowds—up to 12,000 on weekends and more than 5,000 even on regular weekdays—isn’t just the sheer number of pumpkins (over 100,000, to be exact) or the astonishing 500 varieties sourced from around the globe. It’s the creativity and cultural flair that organizers pour into every corner of the farm. Each pumpkin is carefully labeled with its name and origin, transforming the winding farm paths into a living museum of gourd diversity. According to the Associated Press, the festival has become so popular that it’s now a must-visit for families, friends, and solo travelers from all over the world.
This year’s theme, “Women’s Power,” is both timely and visually stunning. Fifteen larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures pay tribute to iconic women from history, myth, and popular culture. The selection process, as co-organizer Antje Winkelmann explained to AP, involved poring over lists of famous women and choosing those who would be both visually compelling and meaningful. "We realized there really were and are a lot of amazing women," Winkelmann said. The result? A gallery of powerful figures, each rendered in vivid shades of orange, yellow, and green.
Visitors strolling the grounds are greeted by a towering Marge Simpson, her signature blue hair recreated with dozens of brown winter squash and her dress formed from smaller orange pumpkins. Nearby, Elsa from the movie "Frozen" glows in pale yellow pumpkins, while Bertha Benz, the pioneering German automotive engineer, sits atop a vintage Mercedes—its wheels and her skirt both crafted from orange winter squash. Cleopatra, the legendary queen of Egypt, and Frida Kahlo, the trailblazing Mexican artist, are also immortalized in gourd form. The beloved Swedish fictional character Pippi Longstocking stands proudly among them, and Joan of Arc, the heroic French figure, is honored as well. Each sculpture is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the festival’s team, and each tells a story of female empowerment.
According to festival organizers, the pumpkin festival’s roots stretch back to 2004, when Halloween traditions were just beginning to take hold in Germany. At the time, it was rare to see carved pumpkins or trick-or-treaters in German neighborhoods. But as the American custom gained popularity, Klaistow Farm seized the opportunity to celebrate the pumpkin’s journey from the Americas to Europe. The very first festival theme was the story of how Christopher Columbus brought pumpkins across the Atlantic, with organizers even recreating Columbus’s ship to illustrate the tale. Since then, the festival’s themes have spanned ancient Rome, the Alps, the cosmos, and now, the world of inspiring women.
For many, the festival is as much about taste as it is about art. The air is thick with the scent of pumpkin delicacies both sweet and savory. "Of course, pumpkin is also on the menu," Winkelmann told AP. The offerings are as diverse as the pumpkins themselves: stuffed pumpkin, chicken coated in pumpkin sauce, pumpkin tarte flambée, pumpkin crème brûlée, pumpkin seed bread, pumpkin cake, and pumpkin cream slices are just a few of the treats available to hungry festivalgoers. The farm’s bakery takes pride of place, with pumpkin starring in nearly every creation. For those looking to take a piece of the festival home, there are 30 different types of pumpkins for sale, both edible and decorative.
Visitors are often struck by the sheer scale and imagination on display. Gesine Struppert, who came to the festival with her young daughter from Wittenberg, summed up the experience with a smile: "It’s pretty crazy." The festival, she said, inspired her to try new pumpkin recipes at home and left her awestruck by the creativity of the sculptures. It’s a sentiment echoed by many who make the journey—whether from nearby Berlin or much farther afield.
But the Klaistow pumpkin festival is more than just a local attraction. It’s a celebration of global diversity, creativity, and the universal appeal of pumpkins. According to multiple reports, the festival’s international selection of gourds and its welcoming atmosphere have made it a global destination, drawing tourists eager to experience the unique blend of art, culture, and culinary delight. It’s not just a German tradition—it’s a showcase of how a humble vegetable can bring people together across cultures and continents.
Each year, the team behind the festival works to keep things fresh and engaging. By rotating themes and introducing new sculptures, they ensure that even returning visitors find something novel to enjoy. The "Women’s Power" theme has resonated deeply this year, offering families an opportunity to discuss history, art, and gender equality in a playful and approachable setting. For children, seeing familiar characters like Elsa and Pippi Longstocking rendered in pumpkins is a thrill; for adults, the tributes to historical figures such as Bertha Benz and Cleopatra offer a moment of reflection on the achievements of women past and present.
The festival’s success is also a testament to the enduring appeal of seasonal celebrations. As autumn arrives and the days grow shorter, people crave connection, warmth, and a sense of wonder. Klaistow Farm delivers all of that—and then some—by combining the best of local agriculture, art, and community spirit. The event is perfectly timed for those seeking a day trip from Berlin, and with detailed information available on the farm’s website, planning a visit is easier than ever.
Ultimately, what makes the Klaistow pumpkin festival so special is its ability to surprise and delight. Whether you come for the food, the art, the history, or simply the joy of wandering among thousands of pumpkins, you’ll find yourself swept up in a celebration that feels both timeless and refreshingly new. As the sun sets over the sea of gourds and the last visitors make their way home, the message of this year’s festival lingers: creativity, diversity, and the power of women—all brought to life, one pumpkin at a time.
