Berlin: A seasonal guide

(CNN) -- While visiting some European cities can feel like a trip to a museum, Berlin is vibrant and alive with culture. It has a regular program of lively events -- here are some of the annual highlights.

Berlin Philharmonic at the Waldbühne
This end-of-season outdoor classical concert held in June is a magical event. The Waldbühne 'Forest Theatre' sits in a valley near the Olympic stadium and is the perfect venue for the exceptional Philharmoniker.

The stage is nestled among towering trees and as the sun sets behind it, the audience lights up thousands of candles that shimmer in the summer night.

Christopher Street Day Parade
Named after the New York Stonewall riots of 1969, this flamboyant gay street party entertained nearly half-a-million people last year. Every year on June 28 a colorful crowd follows the parade as it parties its way past the city's main landmarks.

There are glitzy costumes, loud music, plenty of food and drink, and enough entertainment to fill the carnival-shaped void left by the absence of the legendary Love Parade.

Berlin International Film Festival
For two weeks in February the Berlinale takes over the city. Not only is the Berlin International Film Festival one of the most important in Europe, it also enjoys by far the largest audience of any film festival in the world.

Ticket-holders can rub shoulders with the stars vying for the prestigious Golden Bear awards and watch world premieres at screenings held throughout the city. There are also lectures, presentations and the Kinderfilmfest, aimed at children.

Christmas Markets
With their twee wooden stalls and twinkling fairy lights the markets that spring up in Berlin in December conjure up the spirit of a traditional Christmas.

The icy winter air is filled with the smell of roasting almonds and ginger biscuits, and after a morning spent browsing the traditional, and sometimes tacky, crafts on offer, you will have earned yourself a glass of steaming "glühwein" (mulled wine). But beware -- the size of the crowds at some of the markets may make it hard to maintain your seasonal goodwill to all men.

Berlin Jazz Festival
Long before Berlin became famous for its techno, it swung to the sound of jazz. These days the JazzFest brings cutting-edge musicians back to the city. Held in October and November, it is known for an adventurous program that includes performances at concert halls and more intimate events in the clubs and bars around Berlin.