Christmas in Germany: 15 Enchanting Traditions for Your Festive Holiday

Christmas in Germany is a magical experience that captivates your senses and warms your heart. Picture yourself strolling through a bustling Christmas market, the scent of roasted chestnuts and spiced Glühwein filling the air. Twinkling lights sparkle overhead as you browse handcrafted ornaments and festive treats.

German Christmas traditions offer a unique blend of old-world charm and modern celebrations. Advent wreaths adorn homes, children eagerly open chocolate-filled calendars, and the Christkind (Christ Child) brings gifts instead of Santa Claus. And don’t forget the famous Christmas pyramids spinning gently in windows!

After countless holidays exploring Germany’s festive wonders, from the unique charm of Düsseldorf to the historic streets of Nuremberg, I can’t wait to share my insider tips with you.

Get ready to experience the best Christmas markets, learn about regional specialties like Stollen bread, and pick up some handy German phrases. Frohe Weihnachten (Merry Christmas) – your magical German holiday adventure starts here!

Why Christmas in Germany Is Special

You’ll feel the magic of Christmas like never before in Germany. The festive spirit takes over the entire country, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.

The Christmas holiday in Germany begins on December 24th and ends on the 26th. Most Germans work a half-day on the 24th (Christmas Eve), and shops are open until the early afternoon.

Gifts are usually open on the evening of the 24th. Christmas Day is a little different. Unlike the U.S., Germany celebrates two Christmas days, the 25th and the 26th.

German Christmas markets are a true delight for your senses. Picture yourself strolling through charming wooden stalls, sipping hot mulled wine, and nibbling on delicious gingerbread. These markets date back centuries and are still integral to the holiday season.

Advent is a big deal in Germany. You’ll see beautiful wreaths with four candles in homes and shops. Families light a new candle each Sunday leading up to Christmas, building excitement for the big day.

Another special tradition is St. Nicholas Day, which occurs on December 6th. Kids leave their shoes out overnight, hoping to find them filled with treats in the morning. It’s a fun way to kick off the holiday season.

Traditional Christmas decorations are simply stunning. You’ll be amazed by the intricate wooden ornaments, twinkling lights, and fragrant pine trees. Many families still use real candles on their trees, creating a cozy glow.

Christmas Eve is the main event in Germany. Most families gather for a festive meal and open presents that evening. It’s a time for togetherness and joy.

Weather in Germany During Christmastime

Christmas weather in Germany is usually around 28-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is not very common during this time. You may get lucky if you visit a town located at a higher elevation.

On average, Germany probably gets snow one out of five years in lower areas. Christmas in Germany may be one of the most unique Christmas experiences you have ever had.

Unique German Christmas Customs and Traditions

With the famous Christmas markets in almost every town, you will surely have the time of your life. Whether you visit Germany during the Holiday Season for business or pleasure, you will have much to discuss when you return home. The way Germans celebrate this holiday is not much different from Americans’.

Of course, the Christmas tree with the presents underneath is the main tradition. In the U.S., you will find lights everywhere. Stockings are also traditional, as they are hung and filled with goodies for the kids. Santa Claus (Weihnachtsmann) is no different. The big-bearded man, dressed in red, rides in a sleigh pulled by rain deer.

Children are always excited to see what Santa left them under the tree. Let’s discuss some things you will experience during the Christmas holiday in Germany.

Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmarkt)

Possibly the number one attraction during Christmas time in Germany, these exciting Christmas markets usually start toward the end of November and end on the 22nd or 23rd of December in bigger cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, and Munich.

In smaller cities, they are generally held on one weekend in December. Each town holds its own Christmas market, so it is not uncommon for them to be held on different weekends. The town’s mayor traditionally opens the Christmas market by lighting an enormous tree.

You can go to the markets with your family to enjoy Christmas and everything this season brings. Markets are usually held in a public, open area in the city center. You walk up to the area and enjoy. You may not want to drive to the markets, though.

Germany has few parking spots during typical months; getting a spot near a Christmas market is almost impossible. If you wish to drive, there is one option: parking in a garage and paying above-average prices, but I will warn you: the Gluehwein tends to sneak up on you ;-).

Christmas Market Traditions

During these fests, you can experience several things. Below are just a few of the more traditional ones.

• Gluehwein (Mulled Wine) – This is a very popular alcoholic drink during the Christmas holiday in Germany. Gluehwein is a warm red wine served in small shacks at these fests. Gluehwein is normally only served during Christmas, but you can purchase it year-round at a German liquor store.
• Gingerbread (Lebkuchen)—Traditional gingerbread is covered in chocolate. You will see several decorated shapes and sizes as you wander the fest. The city of Nuremberg provides the most famous gingerbread found all over Germany during the holiday season.
• Nutcracker Soldiers and Drummers—These famous figurines can be found throughout any fest. They range from miniature sizes to extremely large and have several different styles.
• Chestnuts (Maronen) – Just like the famous song, chestnuts are ‘roasted on an open fire’ and served to you very warmly. You will also notice many people munching on these goodies throughout the fests.

Visit our German Christmas Food page for the most popular and authentic German Christmas foods, dishes, and drinks.

Advent Calendar

You’ll love the anticipation that builds with German Advent calendars. These calendars usually have 24 little doors to open. Behind each door is a picture of small chocolate. The calendar is open every day from December 1st to December 24th.

Kids get especially excited about this tradition. It’s a fun way to count down to Christmas Eve. Some families make calendars, filling them with chocolates, small gifts, or handwritten notes.

Advent wreaths are another big part of German Christmas. Many homes have these pine wreaths with four candles. Each Sunday before Christmas, families light one more candle. It’s a cozy ritual that brings everyone together.

Read Also: Our Favorite Reasons to Visit Germany

Christmas Tree (Weihnachtsbaum)

In Germany, the Christmas trees are usually brought into the house on December 24th and set up by the parents. It is decorated with Christmas decorations such as colored fairy lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Presents are then placed under the tree and opened on Christmas morning.

One tradition slowly dying out is using a Kriss Kringle (Christkind). A Christ child, usually the oldest daughter, dresses up as Christkind and brings the presents to the family on Christmas Eve.

Her younger siblings often help her. Another tradition slowly dying out is hanging straw figures on the tree. These straw figures represent animals, birds, people, and things.

See Related: Most Beautiful Villages in Germany

Santa Claus (Weihnachtsmann)

Santa Claus is a very popular figure in Germany during the Christmas season. He is known as ‘Weihnachtsmann.’ Children write letters telling him what they want for Christmas and put them in their shoes on the windowsill.

On Christmas Eve, the parents usually hide the presents and put them under the tree. The children are not allowed to open them until they sleep. The parents then wake the children and take them to see the tree all lit up with the presents under it.

See Related: Germany Currency: Everything You Need to Know

Other German Christmas Customs and Traditions

• Wearing Christmas hats and sweaters – Germans love to get into the Christmas spirit by wearing hats and sweaters with Christmas designs.
• Decorating the house with lights, garland, and holly – Germans love to decorate their houses with garlands, wreaths, and Christmas lights.
• Singing Christmas carols – This is a beloved German tradition. Germans love to sing Christmas carols, especially at Christmas markets, where they often sing around the Christmas tree. It is not uncommon to see groups of young children singing or even marching through the streets on their way to or from school.
• Eating Weihnachtsplätzchen (Christmas cookies) and Stollen (fruitcake)—Weihnachtsplätzchen is a type of Christmas cookie popular in Germany. It is made with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Use this great recipe for German butter cookies this season. Another popular Christmas dessert is Stollen, a traditional German Christmas cake that is a fruitcake drenched in rum and served with powdered sugar on top.
• Gift loved ones with Christmas presents – Christmas is a time when Germans often give presents to their friends and loved ones. Often, the gifts are personalized with Christmas wrapping paper and bows.
• Spending time with family—One of the most important traditions during Christmas in Germany is spending time with your family. You can do this by cooking traditional German Christmas dishes together or simply gathering around the Christmas tree and enjoying each other’s company.

Common German Christmas Phrases and Their Pronunciations

Get ready to spread some holiday cheer in German! Here are some festive phrases to use during the Christmas season:

• “Frohe Weihnachten!” (FRO-uh VY-nahk-ten) – This is the classic “Merry Christmas” greeting you’ll hear everywhere.
• “Fröhliche Weihnachten!” (FRUR-lik-uh VY-nahk-ten) – A slightly more cheerful way to say “Merry Christmas!”
• Want to wish someone a happy holiday? Try “Schöne Feiertage!” (SHUR-nuh FY-er-tah-guh)
• Don’t forget New Year’s! “Guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!” (GOO-ten ROOTSH ins NOY-uh yahr) means “Have a good slide into the new year!”
• Here’s a fun one: “Ist der Weihnachtsmann schon da?” (Ist dair VY-nahkts-man shon dah?) – “Has Santa Claus arrived yet?”
• Of course, the beloved carol “Silent Night” is “Stille Nacht” (SHTIL-uh naked) in German.

Practice these phrases and you’ll be spreading Christmas joy like a local! Remember, it’s okay if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. Germans will appreciate your effort to embrace their holiday traditions.

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