German Christmas Traditions and Cultural Customs

FromJapan to Germany, nations across the globe possess their own unique customs and traditions for the Christmas holiday season. While it might seem challenging to spend Christmas away from home, you can be certain that wherever you are, you’ll find a delightful way to celebrate. If you’re in Germany, you’re in for a special treat. Explore the Christmas traditions of Germany to learn how to join in the festivities.

Christmas Markets

The Christmas season in Germany is marked by the arrival of impressive Christmas markets. Discover all sorts of delightful gifts, artisanal crafts, and sweet delicacies like stollen, roasted almonds, or lebkuchen — a type of gingerbread — all in one location. The Christkindlmarkt, in German, are established nationwide starting in early December (sometimes even earlier), offering something enjoyable for both kids and adults. In addition to a myriad of fresh, authentic German treats and beautiful presents, you’ll encounter Christmas choirs, brass bands, and an abundance of Christmas cheer. If you need assistance selecting a market, explore the 10 best European Christmas markets.

St. Nicholas Day

Christmas in Germany is a month-long celebration, with various traditions leading up to December 25th. The official festivities begin on December 6th with Nikolaustag, or Saint Nicholas Day. This unique and enjoyable tradition is loved by children. On the night before Nikolaustag, kids leave a boot or Nikolausstiefel by the front door for St. Nick. During the night, while children sleep, Nikolaus visits homes to place candies inside the boot or shoe. Nikolaus, with a long white beard, red and white robes, and a golden staff, resembles Santa Claus in the US, but with notable religious symbolism.

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The Advent Season

In the lead-up to Weihnachten, the German term for Christmas, many families observe the advent season. During this period, an Advent wreath, or Adventskranz, is placed on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day. This year’s advent season begins on December 2nd, 2018, when families set out the wreath decorated with four candles, one to be lit each Sunday until Christmas. Children often use an Advent calendar, much like in the United States, where they open a door each day for a chocolate treat.

The Christmas Tree

Yes, Germans also adorn the iconic tree symbolizing Christmas. In fact, the tradition of Christmas trees in Germany dates back to the 17th century, originating in Strasbourg, in the Alsace region. Initially, these trees were decorated with roses, apples, colored paper, and confections. For a deeper dive into Christmas history, learn more about the origins of the first trees in the history and origins of Christmas trees. In German, the tree is referred to as Tannenbaum and is typically set up on the afternoon of December 24th, just in time for Christmas Day. One of the most traditional ways to get a Christmas tree, also called Weihnachtsbaum, is by heading into the forest to chop down your perfect tree.

Christmas Eve

Once the tree is decorated, families throughout Germany prepare for Christmas Eve, known as Heiligabend. Unlike in the US, where families hold a grand dinner and exchange presents on the 25th, in Germany, these activities take place on the 24th. Families gather for a sumptuous dinner, often featuring traditional German sausages, fish, fondue, and occasionally raclette. Christmas dinners vary around the world, and German cuisine is not to be missed. Religious families attend mass earlier in the day, where children participate in a krippenspiel, or nativity play.

After church and dinner, families exchange gifts. This act is so significant, it even has a special name: Bescherung. However, children must wait until they hear a little bell signaling that Christkind, baby Jesus, or Weihnachtsmann, St. Nicholas, has left.

Christmas Day

Although not as grand as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day in Germany remains full of celebration. Families gather for a Christmas meal, typically consisting of lamb, goose, chicken, fondue, and other delightful dishes.

About the Guest Author
Zack is a former technical recruiter who swapped his formal attire in Silicon Valley for salsa rhythms and a passion for writing in Medellin, Colombia. When he isn’t writing for AllTheRooms, the world’s first vacation rental search engine, you’ll find Zack immersed in a book, exploring nature, or enthusiastically watching Jeopardy.