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December

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 middle-age 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 Jan.

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

Plan your month

everything you need to know

Weather

SeasonAutumn / Winter.
The astronomical start of winter is between 20 and 23 December. It is based on the changing position of Earth in relation to the sun and the resulting solar events of equinoxes and solstices.
Meteorological Winter is defined by climatic conditions and the annual temperature cycle. 
In most of the Northern Hemisphere, meteorological winter is generally defined as the three months of December, January and February, with the season starting on 1 December.
TimeCentral European Time (CET), Wintertime–  One hour behind  South Africa until the last Sunday of March, when Summertime starts.
WeatherDecember is one of the coldest months in Germany,. The temperature can drop well below freezing but can also warm up to above 10 °C.. The weather can be quite unpredictable, depending on your location, expect a lot or rain, ice rain, frost, fog and some snow. The mountainous regions will get more snow than the low-lying areas. Christmas is rarely a postcard image of white snow all over.

Festivals

Most Christmas markets in Germany open at the end of November and stay lively until just before Christmas. On our Christmas markets page, you’ll find details on the festive foods to try, plus insider tips from fellow South Africans.
And for an extra touch of magic, many cities also feature Christmas Gardens, —a spectacular festival of holiday lights perfect for the season!

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

Holidays

HolidayDateInformationStates
Public Holidays
1st Day of Christmas / 1. Weihnachtsfeiertag25 DecemberAll
2nd Day of Christmas / 2. Weihnachtsfeiertag26 DecemberAll
Observations
1. Advent01.12.2024All
Meteorological Start of Winter01.12.2024All
Saint Nicholas Day / Nikolaus-tag06 DecemberSt Nicholas DayAll
2. Advent08.12.2024All
3. Advent15.12.2024All
Winter Solstice21.12.2024The winter solstice, also known as midwinter, occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun. It is the longest night (darkness) in the year.All
4. Advent22.12.2024All
Christmas Eve /Heiligabend24 DecemberAll
New Year’s Eve / Silvester31 DecemberNew Years in GermanyAll

Events listed on our website

Freelancers’ Connect: Networking Night in Germany

07/11/2024 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Are you a freelancer or digital nomad in Germany or are you looking to freelance in Germany? Then join us for a casual get-together on Thursday at 7 pm, Germany time. This is a casual get-together and a chance to connect, share experiences, and network with others navigating the freelance world in Germany. The agenda, […]

VROEG KERSFEES MET NATANIËL – Amsterdam

16/11/2024 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – An outspoken and often controversial figure, he continuously crosses over from the alternative circuit to the main stage, generating extensive media coverage and a massive following. His popular Kaalkop column has been appearing in SARIE magazine for the past 18 years. Nataniël manages his own production company, Nataniël House Of Music and is the creator […]

Prime Circle – The World We Know Tour 2025

11/02/2025 – 20/02/2025 @ 12:00 am – Prime Circle – The world as we know Tour Tickets available on Eventim, and other Ticket platforms Disclaimer: The events listed on this website are for informational purposes only. We do not organize, host, or sell tickets for any of these events. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the event details at […]

Afrikanisches Filmfestival Hamburg 2024

07/11/2024 – 17/11/2024 @ 12:00 am – We are very happy that the South African films ‘WHO I AM NOT’ by Tünde Skovrán, ‘VALLEY OF A THOUSAND HILLS’ by Bonie Sithebe and ‘1001 DAYS’ by Chloe White and Kethiwe Ngcobo will be screened at the African Film Festival Hamburg, and that Tünde Skovrán and Sharon-Rose Khumalo, will take part in the discussion […]

Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys on tour November – Various locations

06/11/2024 – 17/11/2024 @ 12:00 am – Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys is an art pop and tender noise band, which is led by unique vocalist, musician and songwriter Lucy Kruger. Their latest album, “A Human Home”, which appeared at the end of May, is an intimate collection of atmospheric lo-fi songs. Their next amazing show is on 10 October in […]

Rugby on Big Screen – Wales vs South Africa 23 November

23/11/2024 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Public viewing event for all 3 Springbok games in November. Location. Saulheim near Mainz. Maec’s pub and lounge Catering. We will have SA foods like Pap and steak, Boerewors, Chakalaka and Biltong Contact Stefan Kiefer on +49 162 6031212 to make a reservation

Rugby on Big Screen – England vs South Africa 16 November

16/11/2024 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Public viewing event for all 3 Springbok games in November. Location. Saulheim near Mainz. Maec’s pub and lounge Catering. We will have SA foods like Pap and steak, Boerewors, Chakalaka and Biltong Contact Stefan Kiefer on +49 162 6031212 to make a reservation

Jeremy Loops Europe Tour 2025

11/02/2025 – 22/02/2025 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – With his dynamic and electrifying live performances and a modern blend of folk and pop,  South African artist Jeremy Loops has made a name for himself globally in recent years. Boasting over 300 million streams and having toured with major acts like Twenty-One Pilots and Milky Chance, his success speaks for itself. He’s also collaborated […]

SA Connections: Monthly Virtual Meetup for South Africans in Germany

14/11/2024 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm –  Join us for this month’s virtual meet-up 🌟 We’ll start with a 15-minute talk on “Christmas in Germany” Join us as we explore the enchanting traditions of Christmas in Germany! From festive markets filled with handmade crafts and holiday treats to time-honored customs like Advent wreaths and St. Nicholas Day, this talk will dive into […]

SA Connections: Monthly Virtual Meetup for South Africans in Germany

12/12/2024 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm – We invite you to join us for our monthly get-together in the virtual space. Our objective is simple yet meaningful – to foster camaraderie and companionship among the vibrant and diverse community of South Africans. Connect with fellow South Africans, share your experiences, seek advice and offer support. With a bustling network of individuals, we […]

Some foods and drinks to try

01.

Glühwein

Warm up with a cup of hot mulled wine at Germany’s festive Christmas markets! For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, try Kinderpunsch, a spiced, fruity drink that’s just as cosy and delicious.

02.

Feuerzangenbowle

Feuerzangenbowle is a classic German winter drink where a rum-soaked sugarloaf is ignited, allowing the caramelized sugar to melt and drip into mulled wine. This warm, festive drink is a beloved tradition during the holiday season, bringing both warmth and spectacle to gatherings.

03.

Stollen

For a true taste of tradition, try Dresden Stollen—the finest you can buy! While it’s a bit pricier, the quality and rich flavors make it well worth it.

04.

Cookies

Indulge in some classic German holiday treats! Try Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Elisenlebkuchen (nutty gingerbread), Zimtsterne (cinnamon star cookies), Pfeffernüsse (iced gingerbread bites), Vanillekipferln (crescent-shaped vanilla cookies), or Springerle (anise-flavored hard cookies). Each one brings a unique taste of Germany’s festive season!

05.

Raclette

Get ready for the ultimate cheese fest! Melted to perfection, Raclette is a cosy winter favourite in Germany. Find out all about it on our Raclette page for tips, recipes, and more cheesy goodness! 🧀

Fruit and Veggies in Season

Holiday Greetings

December Seasonal
Ich wünsche euch allen einen wunderschönen geruhsamen 1.AdventI 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!

Sources

Related content

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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

Raclette

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