What’s in demand, and when

Germany requires winter-suitable tyres in wintry conditions (commonly “O bis O”, October to Easter), so tyre changes and storage peak in October–November.

The year’s biggest spending period in many countries: gifts, food, parties, decorations and travel, building to 24–25 December.

Markets open around the first Sunday of Advent: mulled wine, food stalls, crafts and gifts draw huge crowds and tourists.

The biggest discount weekend: shoppers buy holiday gifts and big-ticket items, online and in store. Customers compare prices hard.

Parties, dinners and countdown events push one night of very high demand for venues, food, drinks and entertainment.

People start the year with goals — fitness, money, learning — so sign-ups and first purchases cluster in January.

Carnival week before Lent, biggest in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Mainz: costumes, parties, drinks and sweets peak.

A month of fasting: daytime trade slows, evenings get busy (iftar meals, family gatherings), food shopping and charity rise, and spending builds toward Eid.

Gifts and evenings out for partners: flowers, jewellery, chocolate and restaurant tables peak in the days before 14 February.

The celebration ending Ramadan: new clothes, gifts, family meals and travel, with the busiest shopping in the last week of Ramadan.

A long weekend in many countries: chocolate, baking, family meals, church events and short trips.

People and small businesses file returns before the deadline: accountants, tax preparers and bookkeepers get busiest, often at the last minute.

Most weddings happen in a few months: venues, catering, photography, attire, flowers, cakes and rentals book up months ahead.

Gifts, flowers and meals out for mothers — one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants and florists.

The Feast of the Sacrifice: livestock and meat demand peaks, with family gatherings, travel and new clothes.

Holidays and good weather: travel, outdoor activities, ice cream, drinks and events rise; some office services slow down.

Families buy uniforms, shoes, bags, stationery and devices, and sign up for tutoring, transport and after-school care.

Munich’s Oktoberfest (mid-September to early October) and copycat festivals elsewhere: beer, food, traditional dress (Tracht) and hotels peak.

China’s National Day week: record domestic travel and spending, while many factories and offices close or slow down for the week.