The highlight of the year in Hechingen is the "fifth season", when winter is driven out with the celebration of the traditional Swabian-Alemannic carnival. The weeks leading up to Christmas are a very atmospheric time. Craftsmen and artists pack the streets around Hohenzollern Castle and festive sounds and smells fill the air.Swabian-Alemannic carnival
Several carnival groups and associations take part in the Hechingen carnival. The highlight is a large procession on Carnival Tuesday with people from around the region taking part, dressed up in fantastic costumes or traditional dress and masks. The end of the carnival is marked by the burning of the Pestmännle straw figure in front of the town hall.Hohenzollern Castle Christmas market
The festive season is a magical time at the castle in Zollerwald forest. Hurdy-gurdy music, the sound of choirs and bands around the old building and the smell of Christmas spices create a very special atmosphere. Local craftsmen and artists build their little wooden huts and stalls in the castle courtyard, garden and stables, and sell hand-made teddy bears, painted tree decorations, clay figures, Christmas cards and much, much more.