The holiday season is filled with excitement and joy, but once the festivities are over and the New Year begins January can feel a bit quiet and dull. Don’t let the winter blues get to you—this is the perfect time to recharge and embrace the cosiness of the season. Stay warm by the glow of a crackling fireplace, enjoy hearty, comforting meals, and sip on hot beverages with loved ones. For those evenings spent alone, curl up with a good book or enjoy a soothing movie night under a soft blanket. While January might seem like a slow month, it’s also a great opportunity to stay active and social. You can explore local winter activities like ice skating, enjoy cosy get-togethers with friends, or simply embrace the peaceful beauty of the season. Check out our suggestions for making the most of January while enjoying all the charm that winter has to offer.
During Central European Time (CET) in winter, Germany is one hour behind South Africa. This time difference remains until the last Sunday in March when daylight saving time (Summertime) begins.
Winter.
January in Germany is the height of winter, with short days, cold temperatures, and often snow, creating a quiet, serene atmosphere perfect for winter sports and cosy indoor activities.
January in Germany marks the heart of winter, with cold temperatures and shorter days. Snowfall is common, especially in the southern and eastern regions, creating a picturesque winter landscape. The average temperature ranges between -1°C and 3°C, with some areas experiencing even colder conditions.
While January itself is relatively quiet on the festival front, the New Year celebrations kick off the month with flair.
New Year’s Eve Traditions
In Germany, New Year’s Eve (Silvester) is marked by long-standing traditions. Many enjoy a cosy evening at home or with friends, indulging in Raclette – a popular meal perfect for social gatherings. A unique cultural staple is watching Dinner for One, a British comedy sketch that has become an enduring part of German New Year’s festivities.
Celebrating Out and About
For those who prefer to go out, towns and cities often host concerts and fireworks displays to welcome the new year. Fireworks, sold for a short time leading up to New Year’s Eve, are a popular choice for personal celebrations. However, safety is paramount, as hospitals often see a spike in firework-related injuries during this time.
Restaurants frequently offer special New Year’s menus, but be sure to book your table well in advance to secure a spot.
Learn More About German Traditions
If you’re curious about the customs and history behind German New Year celebrations, take a look at this Deutsche Welle article.
| Holiday | Date | Info | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Holidays | |||
| New Year’s day Neujahr | 01 January | All | |
| Epiphany Heilige Drei Könige | 06 January | Epiphany | BW, BY, ST |
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Grünkohl is a leafy, green vegetable that is often enjoyed during the colder months of the year. This delicious vegetable is typically served alongside a variety of hearty meats, including Speck, Wurst, or Kasseler. These savoury flavours come together to create a satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
The chilly weather outside can be tough to deal with. One of the best ways to combat the cold is to indulge in some delicious and hearty food. You won’t regret giving Kohlroladen a try, if that doesn’t tantalize your taste buds, you can also opt for some warm and nourishing stews and soups.
Savoy cabbage is, without a doubt, one of the most delectable vegetables that exist. When combined with the delightful taste of rich cream or tangy cheese, it becomes a dish that will undoubtedly tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
Schlachtplatte is a traditional German dish that is beloved for its hearty, robust flavours and rustic charm. This flavorful meal is made using a combination of Leberwurst, Blutwurst, and Kesselfleisch, which are all sourced from high-quality ingredients and carefully prepared to ensure maximum flavour and tenderness. The dish is then served with a generous portion of Sauerkraut, which perfectly complements the rich flavours and textures of the meats.
If you’re looking to tantalize your taste buds with a rich and satisfying meal, then there’s no better pairing for your venison than some beautifully cooked red cabbage. This perfect combination of sweet and savoury is sure to delight your senses, leaving you feeling completely satisfied.
Known as the “winter asparagus,” black salsify (Schwarzwurzel) is a versatile root vegetable that thrives in the colder months. Its dark, rough skin hides a creamy white interior with a mild, nutty flavour similar to parsnips or artichokes. Rich in nutrients like fibre, potassium, and iron, it’s a healthy addition to soups, gratins, or as a stand-alone side dish. Once peeled and cooked, its tender texture and delicate taste make it a winter favourite in German kitchens.
| Winter | der Winter |
| Snow | der Schnee |
| Sleet | der Graupel |
| Freezing Fog | der Eisnebel |
| Sledging | das Rodeln |
| Cross country skiing | Der Langlauf |
| Skiing | Das Skifahren |
| Venison | das Wildfleisch e.g. Das Hirschfleisch, das Rehkeule, Das Wildschweinfleisch (Wild Boar) |
| Red Cabbage | der Rothkohl, das Rotkraut, das Blaukraut |
| Savoy cabbage | der Wirsing |
| Happy New Year! | Guten Rutsch! – on New Year’s Eve |
| Happy New Year | Frohes neues Jahr – on New Year’s Day |
| A peaceful and blessed new year | Ein friedvolles und gesegnetes neues Jahr |
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