As the days become shorter and colder, active time outdoors tends to decrease and indoor entertainment grows ever more important. These upcoming events could help stave off boredom in the months ahead.

Crafts workshops: Kreativmesse is the name of a show that supplies craftsy types with materials, from knitted goods to handmade cards. Exhibitors and suppliers are on hand to demonstrate how the latest innovative products can be used to optimal effect. Demos and workshops round out the offerings. Just a few upcoming Kreativmesse craft fair dates in Germany include KoblenzKreativ at the CGM Arena in Koblenz Oct. 5-6; NeussKreativ in the Stadthalle in Neuss Oct. 19-20 and WürzburgKreativ & Kunsthandwerkermarkt at the Congress Centrum in Würzburg Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Online: kreativmesse.online/kreativmessen

A massive book fair: Each year in autumn, the Frankfurt Book Fair in Frankfurt, Germany, brings together authors and publishers from around the world. It’s a mostly industry-focused event, but on the last few days of its run, the doors are thrown open to all comers. Visitors can discover titles from their favorite writers, non-fiction books on every topic imaginable, a plethora of magazines, atlases, musical scores, stationery and much more. Side events range from authors’ readings to lively debates. Each year, a guest country presents its literary traditions alongside exhibits that shed light on its culture, and in 2024, Italy is in the spotlight. The fair will open to the public at 2 p.m. on Oct. 18 and at 9 a.m. Oct. 19 and 20. All tickets are being sold exclusively online this year, and the fair organizers anticipate tickets to the Saturday event will sell out in advance. Tickets for the half-day on Friday go for 22 euros and cost 28 euros for either Saturday or Sunday. Children ages six and under enter for free. Online: buchmesse.de/en

A culinary show: Those enamored with the process of turning out a top-notch meal and impressing their guests should make way to Kulinart, a trade fair highlighting gourmet food and drink along with the accessories needed to plate up perfection. On Nov. 16-17, the Phoenixhalle im Römerkastell, Stuttgart, will present the opportunity to sample new flavors, discover the latest in culinary trends or find the ideal wine pairing. Visitors will have the chance to interact with some 60 exhibitors showing products ranging from roasted nuts to truffle oils to handmade pralines. Hours are noon-8 p.m. on the Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on the Sunday. Regular adult tickets go for 12 euros, and children and youth up to the age of 14 enter for free. Online: kulinart-stuttgart.de

Gearing up for ski season: For fans of snow sports, the UK’s capital is the place to be Oct. 19-20, as the London Snow Show takes over much of the ExCel’s exhibition space. Visitors can check out the latest gear or speak with representatives from snow-sure destinations across Europe and beyond. Other draws include free ski and snowboard lessons on a slope designed for newbies to the sport, a biathlon and Nordic laser shooting experience and an alpine bar. Single-day adult entry tickets go for 10 UK pounds, about $13.17. Online: londonsnowshow.com

Skiers and snowboarders can also test the latest gear at several Alpine resorts, usually on or closely following the facility’s opening weekend. One such upcoming event is SnowTime 2024 in Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria. From Nov. 8-10, leading winter sports brands make their latest equipment available for free testing on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. Online: snow-time.at/en

All about dogs: Dog lovers are bound to enjoy “Mein Hund,” an exhibition set to take place Nov. 2-3 at the Maimarkthalle in Mannheim, Germany. This modest-sized information and sales fair gives exhibitors the chance to present products and services from food to training opportunities, while fans of certain breeds can meet and exchange information and experiences. Adult entry costs 6 euros; children under 12 enter free. Online: meinhund-messe.de/termine/mannheim

Comic cons: Fans of film, fantasy, TV series, cosplay, illustration and more can pick up all the merch they can afford at the next edition of Comic Con Stuttgart, set to take place on the city’s fairgrounds Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Screen stars, illustrators and other notables are on hand for autograph sessions and meet-and-greets, usually at additional cost. Cosplay competitions, including a Star Wars-themed one, are also on the agenda. Single-day adult tickets to the fair go for 41.97 euros for either the Saturday or Sunday; tickets for youth ages seven-12 cost 26.48 euros; those ages six and under enter for free. Online: comiccon.de

Those based in Italy have a convention of their own to look forward to in the form of Romics, set to unfold at the city fairgrounds in Rome Oct. 3-6. Online tickets go for 11.50 euros adults on Thursday and Friday and 13.50 euros on the Saturday and Sunday dates. Online: romics.it/en