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Christmas

Everything you need to know about Christmas in Germany

Christmas

Christmas is a very important celebration in Germany. 
The festive season starts on St Nickolas day, the 6th of December and ends with “Heilige Drei Könige” on the 6th of January.

Nikolastag06 December. Children leave a pair of cleaned boots outside their door and the boots are filled with sweets and small gifts
AdventAdvent starts 4 Sundays before Christmas
Christmas Eve / Heiligabent24 December
Christmas Day / 1. Weihnachtsfeiertag25 December
Boxing Day / 2. Weihnachtsfeiertag26 December
Heilige Drei Könige06 January

everything you need to know

German Christmas Traditions

Read all about the beautiful Christmas traditions in Germany

German Christmas Traditions

St. Nicholas Day St Nicholas Day, known as Nikolaustag in Germany, is celebrated on the 6th of December. Children leave a pair of cleaned boots outside their door on the evening of the 5th. The boots

Vocabulary

Christmasdas Weihnachten
Christmas Eveder Heiligabend
Christmas tree

der Weinachtsbaum or Tannenbaum

Mulled wineder Glühwein
Goosedie Gans
Nativity Scene die Krippe
Nutcrackerder Nussknacker
Merry ChristmasFröhliche Weihnachten
Happy new yearein gutes neues Jahr
Advent Calendarder Adventskalender

Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets

Visiting Christmas markets in Germany is a delightful way of celebrating the festive season. The heavy scent of sweets, fried sausage and warm wine welcome you to a variety of Christmas delicacies. If

For the Foodies

Side dishes

Brussel sprouts with Chestnuts For 4 people 400 grams Chestnuts (you can buy them prepared) 600 gram Brussel sprouts 75 gram Goose lard (Gänseschmalz)  15

Christmas Beverages

Click here to submit your recipe Gemmerbier 4.5 liter water 28 g gingerroot crushed 500 ml sugar 15 ml active dry yeast or 1 cube

Main Meals

Click here to submit your recipe Gammon Gammon is ham that has been cured or smoked like bacon. It is the hind leg of pork

Christmas Desserts

Tipsy tart 250g dates, pitted1tsp bicarb1 cup boiling water 1/2 cup Butter 3/4 brown sugar (light)2 XL eggies1tsp Vanilla Essence1 1/2 cup Flour2 tsp Baking

German Christmas Recipes

Baking cookies for Christmas is what childhood memories are made of. We will list some websites here where you can find authentic Christmas recipes.  Typical

St. Nicholas Day

St Nicholas Day, known as Nikolaustag in Germany, is celebrated on the 6th of December. Children leave a pair of cleaned boots outside their door on the evening of the 5th. The boots are then filled with sweets and small gifts. According to legend, Nicholas of Myra gave a poor father money in order to prevent his daughters from being taken into slavery, as the father did not have the funds for his daughters’ dowries. He threw the money through the family’s window, which landed in their shoes, which were drying near their fireplace.

Hours

Advent

Advent is celebrated on the 4 Sundays before Christmas. It is a Christian tradition to prepare for the arrival or coming of Jesus Christ.
The first Advent is the first Sunday after 26 November. 

Advent wreaths have four large candles, which represent the four weeks of Advent and one candle is lit each Sunday. Families spend some quiet and reflective time together and sing Christmas carols. Drinking and eating typical Christmas food like Stollen, Glühwein (mulled wine), roasted almonds and chestnuts

The first candle represents Hope, the second Faith, the third Joy and the final candle Peace. 

Advent Calendar

The Advent calendar counts down the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. Every day a new door of the calendar is opened to reveal a small chocolate or a gift. Originally they concealed a picture or bible verse.

Christmas Tree (Tannenbaum)

The first known Christmas tree was set up in 1419 in Freiburg by the town bakers They decorated the tree with fruits, nuts, and baked goods, which the children were allowed to remove and eat on New Year’s Day.

In Germany, you set up and decorate the tree on Christmas Eve. It is traditional to use a real fir tree. The tree is taken down in January and there are specific days for disposal

Christmas markets

Most town squares transform into beautiful Christmas markets. Traditionally there will be a big Christmas tree and Nativity scene (Krippe). Additionally, there are where you can buy delicious food, warm drinks and handmade gifts. It is a wonderful place to meet up with friends for some Glühwein while listening to carol singers  

Christmas Markets

Visiting Christmas markets in Germany is a delightful way of celebrating the festive season. The heavy scent of sweets, fried sausage and warm wine welcome

Krippe

The nativity scene is called a Krippe. It is usually put up in homes, churches and Christmas markets. 
You can buy the individual pieces at Christmas markets. Look for wooden hand made pieces

Weinachtspyramide

A wooden carousel with angels and a nativity scene. It has several levels and spins with the help of heat from candles. The larger ones you find at Christmas markets work with electricity

Nutcracker dolls

Nutcracker dolls originate from late-17th century Germany, particularly the Ore Mountains (German: Erzgebirge) region.
The average handmade Nutcracker doll is made from 60 separate pieces and it takes a great deal of time and effort to bring them to life. Every detail of the doll is carefully crafted, from the hair to the clothes and everything in between.  
They are made to resemble a toy soldier.
Traditional Nutcrackers were functional and used to crack nuts, modern ones are more decorative.

Schwibbogen

Also called a Lichterbogen, is a beautiful decorative arch originating from the Ore Mountains in Germany. The Schwibbogen is traditionally made of wood and features intricate cut-out designs, often depicting scenes from daily life or folklore. They are illuminated with candles or electric lights, creating a cosy and festive atmosphere. 

They also hold cultural significance for the people of the Ore Mountains. The Schwibbogen is believed to symbolize a coal mine’s entrance, highlighting the region’s important mining history. Additionally, many Schwibbogen feature religious motifs, representing the Christian roots of the Ore Mountain communities.

Christmas Eve

Time to set up the tree, enjoy a simple meal with family and exchange gifts.
The traditional meal for the 24th consists of carp, boiled potatoes, cucumber salad and lemon slices. Another alternative is Sausages with potato salad 

Christmas Day

Many families attend church services and sing traditional Christmas carols
A large meal is traditionally eaten in the afternoon or early evening.
Typical dishes include Roast goose or duck stuffed with apples, chestnuts, onions or prunes. Dumplings and Red cabbage with onions and apples are served as side dishes.

Days until Christmas

German Christmas Recipes

Baking cookies for Christmas is what childhood memories are made of. We will list some websites here where you can find authentic Christmas recipes.  Typical Christmas food Zimtsterne Pfeffernüsse  Vanillekipferl

Christmas Markets

Visiting Christmas markets in Germany is a delightful way of celebrating the festive season. The heavy scent of sweets, fried sausage and warm wine welcome you to a variety of

Visiting Christmas markets in Germany is a delightful way of celebrating the festive season. The heavy scent of sweets, fried sausage and warm wine welcome you to a variety of Christmas delicacies. 
If you’re feeling a little chilly, grab a warm mug of Glühwein and catch up with friends. Not only are the markets a great place to socialize, but you can also pick up unique gifts, mouth-watering Christmas cookies, and Stollen. Not to mention, you’ll be able to kit yourself out for the winter with cosy woollen gloves and beanie hats. 
We complied this list from our own experiences as well as the recommendations from members of our Facebook group. You are welcome to contact us if you want to add to the list

Baden-Württemberg

Bayern

  • Kuchlbauers Turmweihnacht in Abensberg,  it is one of the best I’ve ever been to. An outdoor and indoor market. The indoor one is underground and probably has a lot of SA Market-style goodies. Not often seen at Markets here. Not sure how the indoor one will work this year, but the vibe was magically around the Turm. Only an hour and a bit North of Munich. Here is an additional link
  • The Augsburg Christmas market is very special! On the evening of the opening in November, the Mayor addresses the public from the Rathaus, and ‘angels’ blow trumpets from the Rathaus’ balconies. The music at the opening is spectacular! Also, the food and the vibe are exceptional. Dampfknödel Mohn and with warm Vanillesauce for example. Lots of gorgeous warm spiced drinks. A feast for the eyes too!
  • Eging am See – Pullman city has a German American Christmas market –deutsch-amerikanischer-weihnachtsmarkt
  • Eisenach – Historischer Weihnachtsmarkt auf der Wartburg
  • Kempten, Füssen and Bad Tölz also have a great Christmas market
  •  There’s a lovely medieval Christmas market at Landsberg am Lech.
  • Lindau – looking out on the Bodensee
  • Munich and in particular the Münchner Christkindlmarkt with the Kripperlmarkt in front of St Michael’s Church.
  • Nürnberg. The biggest and most famous Christmas market in Germany. A girl from Nuremberg is traditionally elected for two years to represent the Christkindlesmarkt. Watch a video here 
  • Neu-Ulm  – Mittelalterlicher Weihnachtsmarkt
  • Regensburg – Romantic Christmas Market at the Thurn und Taxis Castle
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Rothenburg´s Reiterlesmarkt is among the oldest Christmas markets with the tradition dating back over 500 years

Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, Brandenburg

Hessen

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Niedersachsen

Nordrhein-Westfalen

  • Aachen is also a treat and worth picking up an extra packet of the famous biscuits from the main bakery in the old town. The Christmas market in Aachen was absolutely fantastic. Mülheim an der Ruhr had an awesome medieval market at Schloß Broich and a small “Nikolaus Markt” in their Altstadt
  • Bochum has lovely decorations around and downtown there is a children’s area to listen to stories and then the highlight is when Santa flies across between the buildings on a cable – very cool.
  • Bonn is the best
  • Cologne
  • Dortmund has the tallest Christmas tree in Germany, a full 45 meters, and it is a fabulous experience to see when the lights are switched on.
  • Drachenfels castle has a really beautiful one in and around the castle grounds.
  • Düsseldorf – several markets around the city that are worth visiting. the huge Christmas tree in the Altstadt is apparently a gift from Norway each year. 
  • Gronau has a small market that is only for one weekend
  • Hohenlimburg in Hagen was a delightful real castle-like market. best to park at the bottom and travel up the hill on the shuttle bus available.
  • The Christmas market in Münster
  • Schloss Moyland – a beautiful moated castle – had a gorgeous handcrafted-hand made market with a children’s choir and was well lit for those moving around with wheelchairs or prams. worth the few euros to get in.
  •  There is a lovely medieval market in Siegburg

Rheinland-Pfalz

Sachsen

  • Dresden – the Striezelmarkt in particular, has the world’s tallest Christmas pyramid. Dresden is also famous for its Stollen. Watch a video here

Sachsen-Anhalt

  •  Quedlinburg is famous for its Weihnachten in den Höfe. Backyards are opened in the Old City which is also a World Heritage city… Great atmosphere

Saarland

  •  The one in Sankt Wendel in Saarland is fabulous with a mix of new and Mittelalter Markt. Fire breathing shows and activities for the kids, are definitely a must.

Schleswig-Holstein

  • Lübeck with a maritime Christmas Market

Thüringen

  • Eisenach – Historischer Weihnachtsmarkt auf der Wartburg – Thüringen

Other Countries

Food to indulge in

  • Gebrannte Mandeln (Candied Almonds). Also try the cashews and other nuts.
  • Dampfnudeln is a steamed dumpling served with vanilla sauce or stewed berries.
  • Schupfnudeln mit Sauerkraut. More popular in the south. It is a type of noodle that is fried and served with sauerkraut.
  • Feuerwurst is a thin and long spicy sausage served in a bun.
  • Rote im Semmel is a grilled sausage in a bun. Mostly found in the South.
  • Flammlachs
  • Pancakes with anything from Nutella to liqueur.
  • Stollen. It is really worth buying the more expensive brands. Look out for those from Dresden.
  • Lebkuchen is a soft gingerbread. The Nuremberg Lebkuchen is also known as Elisen and contains more nuts than other types of Lebkuchen. Some are glazed.  
  • Marzipan Bethmännchen (Frankfurt)
  • Flammlachs – grilled salmon
  • Zimtsterne, Vanilla Kipferl, Baumkuchen, Dominosteine, Magenbrot, a sweet glazed bread-like biscuit.

Drinks to try

  • Glühwein (Mulled wine) is a warm drink from red or white wine. Can contain orange, lemon, cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel seed (or star anise), cloves, cardamom, and ginger.
  • Glogg – Nordic style Glühwein
  • Grog – Rum with hot water
  • Heiße Oma, a drink made with eggnog, milk and vanilla sugar
  • Hot cider (Frankfurt)
  • Feuerzangenbowle is Glühwein.  A rum-soaked sugar cube is placed above the liquid and set alight. It then drips into Glühwein.

Shopping

You can find an incredible array of festive and high-quality goods at the Christmas markets. Here are some suggestions. 

  • Hand-crafted gifts can make a great impact on the receiver, especially when they are one-of-a-kind pieces. However, it’s important to ensure their authenticity before making a purchase. 
  • When it comes to Christmas decorations, there are many options to choose from. One brand to consider is Kathe Wolfahrt, which offers a variety of beautiful and festive decorations that can add joy to any home. Whether it’s a wreath, ornament or figurine, these charming pieces are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
  • Sending Christmas cards is a great way to show loved ones you care. From personalized photo cards to traditional designs, there are endless options to choose from. Don’t forget to add a warm message to make the card extra special.
  • Also, don’t forget to indulge in some traditional holiday treats like Stollen, Zimtsterne, Vanilla Kipferl and Lebkuchen. These delectable goodies are a great way to celebrate the holiday season and create cherished memories with loved ones.

Videos

Here are some videos I found on the web

More on the web

Related content

German Christmas Recipes

Baking cookies for Christmas is what childhood memories are made of. We will list some websites here where you can find authentic Christmas recipes.  Typical

German Christmas Traditions

St. Nicholas Day St Nicholas Day, known as Nikolaustag in Germany, is celebrated on the 6th of December. Children leave a pair of cleaned boots