Every autumn, as leaves begin to fall and a crisp chill settles in the air, a quiet farm just outside Berlin transforms into a riot of color and creativity. The Klaistow farm, nestled near the town of Beelitz, has become a magnet for families, art lovers, and Halloween enthusiasts alike. But this isn’t just any pumpkin patch—it’s home to Germany’s largest and most imaginative pumpkin festival, a tradition that’s grown in both scale and spirit since its humble beginnings in 2004.
Back in the early 2000s, Halloween was still something of an American novelty in Germany. Trick-or-treating, carved pumpkins, and costume parties were just starting to catch on. According to reporting from the Associated Press, it was around this time that the Klaistow farm decided to embrace the autumnal excitement by launching its own pumpkin festival, giving Germans a taste of the festive fun that had long been enjoyed across the Atlantic. What started as a modest celebration has since blossomed into a spectacular annual event, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond.
Now, in 2025, the festival marks its 22nd year, and it’s bigger and bolder than ever. On October 23, the farm opened its gates to reveal a dazzling display: more than 100,000 pumpkins laid out in vibrant patterns and whimsical arrangements, representing an astonishing 500 different varieties. From tiny, jewel-toned gourds to massive orange behemoths, the sheer diversity of pumpkins is enough to make even the most seasoned gardener pause in wonder.
But it’s not just the quantity that impresses—it’s the creativity. Each year, the festival chooses a new theme, transforming the grounds with larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures. For 2025, the chosen theme is “powerful women,” a tribute to some of history’s most inspiring female figures. Visitors are greeted by towering pumpkin likenesses of Frida Kahlo, Cleopatra, and Joan of Arc, each meticulously crafted from gourds of every size and shade. The result is both a feast for the eyes and a celebration of female strength and creativity.
“We wanted this year’s festival to honor women who have changed the world,” said one of the event organizers, as quoted by AP. “It’s amazing to see how pumpkins can be used not just for decoration or food, but as a medium for storytelling and art.”
The festival’s roots run deep, entwined with Germany’s growing fascination with Halloween. As the tradition of celebrating All Hallows’ Eve spread from the United States, so too did the customs of pumpkin carving, spooky costumes, and neighborhood trick-or-treating. Klaistow’s pumpkin festival quickly became the heart of this autumnal renaissance, offering Germans a place to embrace the season in all its quirky glory.
For many families, a visit to the festival has become an annual ritual. Children dart between pumpkin piles, searching for the perfect specimen to take home. Adults marvel at the intricate sculptures, snapping photos and sipping hot cider. There are pumpkin-themed games, food stalls serving up everything from pumpkin soup to pumpkin cake, and even workshops where visitors can try their hand at carving or painting their own gourds.
“It’s a celebration of harvest, creativity, and community,” said a long-time attendee, echoing the sentiments of many. “Every year, there’s something new to see. The themes keep it fresh, and the atmosphere is always so welcoming.”
Of course, the festival is not just about fun and games. It also serves as an important showcase for local agriculture. The 500 varieties of pumpkins on display are a testament to the region’s rich farming tradition and the dedication of growers who have spent years cultivating rare and unusual types. From the classic orange jack-o’-lantern to blue, white, and even warty, knobby specimens, the festival highlights the incredible biodiversity found within the humble pumpkin family.
According to AP, the festival’s organizers work closely with local farmers to source the pumpkins, ensuring that the event supports the surrounding community. Many of the pumpkins are grown right on the Klaistow farm itself, while others are brought in from neighboring fields. The result is a true celebration of local agriculture, with farmers and visitors alike sharing in the bounty of the season.
As the sun sets and the sculptures glow under strings of twinkling lights, the festival takes on a magical quality. Children’s laughter echoes across the fields, and the scent of spiced pumpkin wafts through the air. It’s a scene that would have been hard to imagine in Germany just a few decades ago, when Halloween was still considered an exotic import. Now, it’s a beloved part of the country’s autumn landscape, thanks in no small part to the vision and dedication of the Klaistow farm.
But the festival’s appeal extends beyond its Halloween connections. For many, it’s a chance to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of the season: crisp air, good food, and the joy of gathering with friends and family. It’s also a reminder of the power of tradition to evolve and adapt, blending old and new in ways that enrich both.
The “powerful women” theme has struck a particular chord this year, inspiring visitors to reflect on the achievements and legacies of figures like Kahlo, Cleopatra, and Joan of Arc. The sculptures—some towering over ten feet tall—invite both admiration and contemplation, sparking conversations about history, art, and the ongoing struggle for gender equality. It’s a testament to the festival’s ability to weave deeper meaning into its festivities, using pumpkins as both canvas and conversation starter.
As the festival draws to a close, organizers are already looking ahead to next year, brainstorming new themes and ideas to keep the tradition alive and thriving. If the past two decades are any indication, the Klaistow pumpkin festival will continue to grow—both in size and in significance—serving as a beacon of creativity, community, and autumnal joy for years to come.
For now, though, visitors linger among the pumpkins, soaking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of one of Germany’s most unique seasonal celebrations. It’s a reminder that sometimes, a simple gourd can bring people together in the most unexpected—and delightful—ways.
