In December, the main focus is on Christmas, and the Germans have many Christmas traditions to celebrate.
Christmas markets are a very big part of these traditions. Meet up with friends at these beautifully decorated markets where you can buy delicious food, glühwein, handmade items and Christmas cards. Some markets are themed, such as the medieval market in Esslingen or the baroque one in Ludwigsburg. There are also Christmas market tours that you can do.
To avoid crowds, it is best to go during the day, although you will miss out on the cosy nighttime atmosphere enhanced by the countless Christmas lights and decorations.
Christmas Day is usually a quiet day spent with family. Shops are closed as well as most restaurants.
After the quiet celebrations of Christmas Day, comes New Year’s Eve. Here it is celebrated with a bang – literally! Fireworks can be seen everywhere. Just take note that fireworks are legally sold between 28-30 December and you are only able to light them from 31 Dec through 1 January.
It is also a bit of a tradition to watch Dinner for One on New Year’s Eve, eat Raclette and wash it down with a good Riesling or Sekt
Central European Time (CET) – Wintertime.
This means clocks are set one hour earlier compared to the summer months (CEST). For South Africans, that puts Germany one hour behind South Africa, so when it’s 12:00 in Johannesburg, it’s 11:00 in Berlin.
Winter.
The astronomical start of winter falls between December 20 and 23, determined by Earth’s position relative to the sun and marked by solar events such as solstices and equinoxes.
Meteorological winter, however, is based on climatic conditions and the annual temperature cycle. In most of the Northern Hemisphere, it is defined as the three coldest months—December, January, and February—with the season officially beginning on December 1.
December in Germany marks the onset of winter and brings some of the coldest weather of the year. Temperatures can vary significantly, ranging from well below freezing to occasional mild days above 10°C. The weather is notoriously unpredictable, with frequent rain, freezing rain, frost, and fog. Snowfall is more common in mountainous regions, while lower-lying areas may see only light snow or none at all. While many imagine a white Christmas, it’s rare to find widespread snow across Germany during December.
| Month | Event | Town | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25/12/2025 | Christmas Day (1. Weihnachtsfeiertag) | Various | View Event |
| 26/12/2025 | Boxing Day (2. Weihnachtsfeiertag) | Various | View Event |
| Month | Event | Town | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06/12/2025 | Saint Nicholas Day (Nikolaus) | Various | View Event |
| 07/12/2025 | Second Sunday of Advent (2. Advent) | Various | View Event |
| 14/12/2025 | Third Sunday of Advent (3. Advent) | Various | View Event |
| 21/12/2025 | Fourth Sunday of Advent (4. Advent) | Various | View Event |
| 21/12/2025 | Start of Winter (Winteranfang– astronomical) | View Event | |
| 24/12/2025 | Christmas Eve (Heiligabend) | Various | View Event |
A German Christmas: Where Old Traditions Light the Winter Step into a season woven from candle-glow, evergreen scent, and stories whispered through centuries. From the gentle footsteps of St. Nicholas to the quiet hope of Advent Sundays… from markets that sparkle like fairy-tale towns to Christmas trees dressed in timeless
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 welcomes 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.
Christmas Christmas in Germany isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s a whole season steeped in rhythm, ritual, and the comforting glow of tradition.From the first Advent candle to the quiet reverence of Heilige Drei Könige on the 6th of January, the country moves through December with a
Berlin, prepare for a deep dive into rhythm and soul — Black Coffee, South Africa’s global house music pioneer, is landing at UFO im Velodrom for one night only! Known for his Afro-house mastery, stripped-down grooves, and atmospheric sets, Black Coffee transforms every space he touches. From Coachella to Ibiza,
You are warmly invitee to the choir concert FREUDE! featuring a South African Choir in Berlin. Tuesday, December 9 in St. Matthäuskirche (Matthäikirchplatz at Kulturforum) at 8 PM. Three choirs join in the concert, two Berlin based choirs and University of Pretoria Youth Choir from South Africa. They present a vast
Nothing says Christmas in Germany quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming cup of Glühwein at one of the festive Christmas markets. This traditional drink blends red wine with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and citrus — perfect for keeping the chill at bay.
For a non-alcoholic alternative, try Kinderpunsch — a spiced fruit punch that’s just as comforting, aromatic, and full of holiday cheer.
For a true taste of German Christmas tradition, treat yourself to a slice of Dresden Stollen — the most famous and beloved version of this festive fruit bread. Rich with butter, nuts, raisins, candied citrus peel, and a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s a holiday indulgence that’s worth every bite.
Though it can be a little pricier, the quality and authentic flavour make it well worth the splurge.
Few meals capture the comfort of a German winter quite like Rinderrouladen served with Rotkohl and Klöße. Tender beef rolls, filled with mustard, onions, and pickles, are slowly braised until melt-in-your-mouth soft, creating a rich, savoury gravy. Paired with sweet-and-sour red cabbage and soft potato dumplings that soak up every drop of sauce, it’s the kind of hearty, home-cooked meal that warms both body and soul — especially on a chilly December evening.
Experience a true German holiday spectacle with Feuerzangenbowle, a dramatic twist on traditional mulled wine. A rum-soaked sugarloaf is set alight, and as the caramelized sugar melts and drips into the spiced wine below, it creates a rich, sweet aroma and a cozy festive glow.
This fiery drink isn’t just delicious — it’s a cherished winter ritual that turns any gathering into something truly special.
Get ready for the ultimate cheese fest! Melted to perfection, Raclette is a cosy winter favourite in Germany, perfect for sharing around the table on cold evenings. The gooey, golden cheese is traditionally served with potatoes, pickles, and vegetables — simple yet irresistibly comforting.
Find out all about it on our Raclette page for tips, recipes, and more cheesy goodness! 🧀
Indulge in the magic of German holiday baking with a plate full of traditional Christmas cookies. From spiced Lebkuchen and nutty Elisenlebkuchen to fragrant Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars) and sweet Pfeffernüsse (iced gingerbread bites), there’s a treat for every taste. Don’t miss the buttery Vanillekipferln (vanilla crescents) or beautifully embossed Springerle, flavoured with anise.
Each one captures a little piece of Germany’s festive spirit — perfect with a cup of Glühwein or hot chocolate!
| Deutsch | English |
|---|---|
| Ich wünsche euch allen einen wunderschönen geruhsamen 1. Advent | I wish you all a wonderful peaceful 1st Advent |
| Frohe Weihnachten! | Merry Christmas! |
| Gesegnete Weihnachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr! | Merry Christmas and a happy new year! |
| Herzliche Weihnachtsgrüße! | Merry Christmas! |
| Ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und alles Gute zum neuen Jahr! | Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! |
| Alles Gute zum neuen Jahr! | Happy New Year! |
| Einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr! | Happy New Year! |
| Zum neuen Jahr Gesundheit, Glück und viel Erfolg! | Happy New Year! Health, happiness and much success! |
How to Dress for the German Winter: Practical Tips for Visitors German winters are renowned for being cold, wet, and windy, characterised by slippery roads and frequent rainfall. If you’re visiting Germany this season, dressing appropriately will ensure comfort and warmth while going about daily activities like dining out or
Yearly Festivals and Events in Germany We compiled a list of annual traditional festivals and events in Germany that we believe will provide you with an exciting array of activities and events to attend throughout the year. If you have any ideas or recommendations regarding events or festivals that we
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The summer months are gone, and for most of us, it is too cold to have a braai with our friends. A great alternative is to have a Raclette party at home.For those who are not familiar with Raclette, it is a dish originating from Switzerland. The history behind the
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