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
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
Season | Autumn / 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. |
Time | Central European Time (CET), Wintertime– One hour behind South Africa until the last Sunday of March, when Summertime starts. |
Weather | December 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. |
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!
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
Holiday | Date | Information | States |
---|---|---|---|
Public Holidays | |||
1st Day of Christmas / 1. Weihnachtsfeiertag | 25 December | All | |
2nd Day of Christmas / 2. Weihnachtsfeiertag | 26 December | All | |
Observations | |||
1. Advent | 01.12.2024 | All | |
Meteorological Start of Winter | 01.12.2024 | All | |
Saint Nicholas Day / Nikolaus-tag | 06 December | St Nicholas Day | All |
2. Advent | 08.12.2024 | All | |
3. Advent | 15.12.2024 | All | |
Winter Solstice | 21.12.2024 | The 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. Advent | 22.12.2024 | All | |
Christmas Eve /Heiligabend | 24 December | All | |
New Year’s Eve / Silvester | 31 December | New Years in Germany | All |
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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 […]
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 […]
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.
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.
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.
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!
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! 🧀
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! |
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
A selection of traditional South African Christmas recipes. You are most welcome to share your recipes with us via the link below. Click here to
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
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