A big part of the Christmas celebrations in Germany is Advent. Christmas Day is a public holiday. In 2021, it falls on a Saturday, and some businesses may choose to follow Saturday opening hours. It is also widespread in countries with a German-speaking minority, such as Transylvania in Romania, South Tyrol in Italy, Eupen in Belgium, and various diasporas such as the German Brazilian and German American communities. Not only for Germans but also for expats and tourists alike. During the Christmas season in Germany, the streets are filled with beautiful decorations, songs of cheer, and the smell of delicious gingerbread cookies. The day after Christmas Day — der zweite Weihnachtstag, known as Boxing Day in Britain — is also a holiday in Germany. Germany is well known for its Christmas Markets where all sorts of Christmas foods and decorations are sold. There are some restrictions on selling alcohol, public performances and dancing. Christmas in Germany Christmas preparations often begin on the eve of December 6th. This is like the Advent candles that are sometimes used in Churches. They were first used in Germany during the late Middle Ages. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Christmas festivities begin in Germany an Eve prior to Christmas day when Christmas presents are exchanged. This legend appears to be a myth as far as its relation to Germany, but is still fun!. One of the most popular Christmas Eve meals in Germany is potato salad […] Christmas in Germany - Get the report with graphs and tables on statista.com! While many parts of the world celebrate Christmas, traditions vary depending on where you are. It all Depends in what region in Germany you live in, as far as what is served as a Christmas Dinner. Germany Christmas market itinerary To experience as much holiday charm as possible, I put together a Germany Christmas market itinerary that spans four regions. Christmas in Germany begins on the fourth Sunday ahead of the Christmas Day. Christmas celebrations start in Germany on 24th December (Christmas Eve) when Christmas gifts are exchanged. A German Way Photo Gallery Christmas in Berlin – A Photographic Tour – Part 1 The Christmas season in Germany, Austria and Switzerland starts with Advent around the first day in December. People generally spend Christmas Day with family members or close friends. He comes in the night between the 5th and the 6th and puts the presents into the shoes of children, who usually place them by their doors. For many people, 24 December, Christmas Eve, is divided into a hectic morning and a festive evening. Some scenes represent aspects of the Christmas story, while others display local traditions or events. Find christmas in germany stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. In German Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Frohe Weihnachten'. Early decorations included apples, gingerbread shapes and flowers. On 25th December (Christmas Day) and 26 December, usually the family gets together for celebrations and also the religious Christians will visit Christmas mass during these days. From Christmas trees to advent calendars, the Christmas Markets that are commonly found throughout European towns and cities, and the mulled wine we like to drink while we visit them. X Research source It is believed to create feelings of >gemütlichkeit<, which is German for a state of coziness and cheers. Special sweet snacks are popular during the Christmas season. In the seventeenth century, German families started to bring pine trees into their houses at Christmas time. If you find a mistake, please let us know. More, Skip the alphabet ‘L’ in everything you do on December 25 or A'phabet Day or No "L" Day. Roast goose or duck stuffed with apples, chestnuts, onions or prunes. Gingerbread houses decorated with sweets. Christmas garlands, ribbons and wreaths on decorated house for Advent and Christmas time, Old Town Dusseldorf, Germany. Without gifts of course – but with extremely good food. Oct 24, 2018 - Explore Rosslynn Bowman's board "Christmas in Germany", followed by 306 people on Pinterest. Most people in Germany have never heard of the Christmas Pickle! Read on to discover all about the traditions, Christmas foods, and festive rituals that are common in German households during the festive period. Sometimes wooden frames, covered with colored plastic sheets and with electric candles inside, are put in windows to make the house look pretty from the outside. Weihnachten is the observance of what is commonly known in English as Christmas Eve in the German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Full of fruit, nuts and spices, and sprinkled with icing sugar, it is enjoyed in the majority of German houses at Christmas time. There are some restrictions on selling alcohol, public performances and dancing. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages . It has usually faded by the 6th of January (Epiphany). In Germany, it is common to gather around evergreen trees (also known as a Tannenbaum) to sing the eponymous hymn—a German folk song sung as a Christmas carol. Christmas pyramids (three-dimensional scenes that are turned by a fan driven by candle heat). Watch Cobweb Christmas: The Tradition of Tinsel, a German folktale. On the night of December 5th-6th, Nikolaustag, St. Nicholas Day, children leave their shoes or boots outside the front door. Have your children write a comic retelling the story or part of the story. He is big horned monster clothed in rags and carries chains. Over Christmas and the New Year in Germany and Austria, the famous Ski Jumping 'Four Hills Tournament' ('Vierschanzentournee') is held. Carp or Goose are often served for the main Christmas meal. The PowerPoint focuses on: traditions and customs German Christmas Markets Christmas food and drink Saint Nicholas Day Christmas preparations and decorations Christmas Eve Christmas Day Germany celebrates Christmas with two public holidays, 25 and 26 December. The legend of the glass 'Christmas Pickle' is famous in the USA, but it's that, a legend. As well as the traditional one made of card that are used in many countries, there are ones made out of a wreath of Fir tree branches with 24 decorated boxes or bags hanging from it. Discover the best Christmas markets breaks in the most beautiful destinations in Germany. In parts of Germany, people believe that the Christ Child sends a messenger in Christmas Eve. Commemorate the life and times of scientist Isaac Newton and celebrate science and reason. Christmas starts early in Germany. The arc is filled with figures to create a scene. It is the last day of Advent and the start of the Christmas season. The Christmas liturgy is traditionally held at midnight on Christmas Eve in Germany. In some parts of Germany, mainly the south east of the country, children write to the 'das Christkind/Christkindl' asking for presents. Several different types of Advent calendars are used in German homes. The letters to the Christkind are decorated with sugar glued to the envelope to make them sparkly and attractive to look at. Dresden has the oldest Christmas market in Germany, dating back to 1434. Public transport services may run as usual, at a reduced service or no service depending on where one lives or intends to travel. One German Christmas custom the US has yet to adopt is the two-day celebration. Traditional treats include: Plätzchen (flat biscuits covered in sugar frosting); Lebkuchen (gingerbread); Pfeffernüsse (gingerbread covered in sugar frosting and small candies); Stollen (a rich bread filled with dried fruit and a marzipan roll); and Spekulatius (small cookies flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices). The presents are then passed around among the people until each person has the correct present! Black Peter also accompanies St. Nicholas or Sinterklaas in The Netherlands. Christmas time is coming to town! Traditions of Weihnachten influenced Christmas and Advent culture throughout the world. On Christmas Day (25 th December) and 26 December, generally the family gets collected for festivities and also the holy Christians will visit Christmas mass through these days. He is meant to punish the children who have been bad! © Time and Date AS 1995–2020. I think it adds so much more magic as you hear her voice in this re-telling of her It always falls on December 24 in Germany. People often set aside special evenings for baking spiced cakes and cookies, and making gifts and decorations. Christmas in Germany and the Christkindlesmarkt One of the most important Christmas traditions in Germany is the Christmas market. Christmas on the 25 th and 26 th In most countries, the 25 th of December, the birthday of Jesus, is the highlight of Christmas. In the German language, “Merry Christmas is pronounced as “Frohe Weihnachten”. Large meals with traditional foods are served and Christmas decorations are displayed. Families celebrate by participating in holiday activities, like visiting the markets, baking treats, or singing carols. German Christmas cake is known as stollen. I live in Nuremberg, and if you know anything about the city, you probably know that it was the site of the Nazi rally grounds and the Nuremberg Trials. This resource contains an editable and informative 35-slide PowerPoint presentation on Christmas celebrations, customs and traditions in Germany. So you think Christmas is the same in Germany because, well, it’s a Christian holiday! Wrong! There are some differences which we found rather surprising: Christmas starts before ChristmasHere in USA we start Christmas season next day after Thanksgiving. Each candle holder is made of a single piece of wood or metal and holds more candles on top of an arc. Channel your kids' enthusiasm for the holidays into learning fun with these 5 ways to learn about Christmas in Germany. We diligently research and continuously update our holiday dates and information. The Christkind is often described as a young girl with 'Christ like' qualities. The traditional Christmas meal features duck, goose, rabbit or a roast. Traditional Christmas decorations include: Schwibbogen (decorative arc-shaped candle holders) are displayed in the Ore Mountains in Saxony. Christmas Trees are very important in Germany. In other parts of Germany, St. Nicholas is followed by a small person called "Schwarzer Peter" (Black Peter) who carries a small whip. In Germany, preparations for Christmas begin before December falls. Christmas in Germany is a fascinating contribution to modern German and contemporary cultural history. It is thought to be bad luck to find out who sent each present. Christmastime in Germany is always a spectacular splendor. Thousands of new, high … This main dish is accompanied by German delicacies such as apple and sausage stuffing, red cabbage and potato dumplings. The glass ornaments were originally hand blown glass and were imported in the USA in 1880s by the Woolworth stores. The evening before, children are asked to polish their boots and leave them outside of their front door. One of the biggest Christmas traditions in Germany is St. Nicholas Day, which falls on December 6th every year. There are many different stages of the Christmas season in Germany, including St. Nicholas Day (Nikolaustag in German) as well as St. Nicolas Eve, Advent, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.Many of the elements that make up the holiday traditions in the country are common throughout Europe, and some may be familiar to those in the US who celebrate an American-style Christmas. German Christmas decorations include nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids, and cribs. And before Christmas she has over 150 'official duties' including visiting hospitals, old people's homes and children's nurseries! The Sternsingers visit houses between December 27th and January 6th. Public transport services may run as usual, at a reduced service or no service depending on where one lives or intends to travel. It always falls on December 26. Although we visited all five cities in five days, you could Watch Santa’s Story Time: Christmas In Germany. Though the current pandemic may change the climate of this special time of year—Christmas markets that are mostly canceled, not being to have family visit and not being able to travel to a different country—all make this year’s holiday season hard to get in the holly, jolly mood. One candle is lit at the beginning of each week in Advent. Christmas Eve (Heiliger Abend) is celebrated in Germany on December 24. Day 4: Christmas in Germany Part 3. Christmas in Germany. Christmas in Germany officially begins at the start of Advent in early December, when seasonal treats like gingerbread and mulled wine pop up on … The Nürnberg Christkind officially opens the Christmas market on the Friday before Advent starts. The celebration of Christmas in Nazi Germany was allowed, though it included attempts by the regime to bring the Christian religious holiday into line with Nazi ideology.The Jewish origins of Jesus and the commemoration of his birth as the Jewish Messiah was troubling for some members of the Nazi group and their racial beliefs. Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day and the start of the Christmas celebration. Homeschool Homeschool 101: Learn More, How to Start, & Helpful (And it can seem a bit confusing calling the 'Christ Child', Jesus, a girl!). Many people spend the afternoon and evening decorating Christmas trees, attending church Many of these customs originated in Germany and Austria. If there are young children in the house, the trees are usually secretly decorated by the mother of the family. Start studying Christmas in Germany. A large meal is traditionally eaten in the afternoon or early evening. German Christmas traditions Customs of one of the most important German holidays. Thousands of new, high … Saving the best for last, one of the most anticipated German Christmas traditions is the Christmas dinner! We use your LinkedIn profile and activity data to personalize ads and to show you more relevant ads. How is Christmas celebrated in Germany? The Christmas tree was traditionally brought into the house on Christmas Eve. Post offices, banks, stores and businesses are closed. Christmas Eve is the main day when Germans exchange presents with their families. Perhaps the most famous German decorations are glass ornaments. It directly translates to the original phrase. As well as hoping for presents from Christkind or der Weihnachtsmann, some children also hope that 'der Nikolaus' will bring you some small gifts, such as sweets and chocolate on the 6th December (St Nicholas's Day). My boys and I made our own pickle ornament to use this year. But in Germany people start celebrating Christmas on the First Advent Sunday (which is 4 Sundays before Christmas… However, stores in some tourist areas may be open and stores at railway stations, airports and along highways are usually open. If you arrive before Christmas Day, check out the Stollen Festival on December 5. So you think Christmas is the same in Germany because, well, it’s a Christian holiday! Wrong! There are some differences which we found rather surprising: Christmas starts before ChristmasHere in USA we start Christmas season next day after Thanksgiving. Are you spending Christmas in Germany?This really is the most wonderful time of year in Germany where the country seems to be bursting in celebration.Visit the many German Christmas markets, ice skating between the snowflakes, and learn all the beloved Christmas traditions (many of which might be quite familiar). Each box or bag has a little present in it. There are many other Christmas customs and traditions — national, regional, and local — unique to German-speaking Europe. Many families prepare an Advent wreath with four candles and seasonal greenery. It starts in Germany with Oberstdorf (Germany) on the 29th or 30th December and Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany) on New Year's Day and continues in Austria with Innsbruck (Austria) on 3rd or 4th of January and Bischofshofen (Austria) on the 6th January. The German festive season starts at the end of November or early December with the Advent celebrations. On the night of 5th December (St. Nicholas Eve) children put their shoe or boot outside the door, a tradition practiced in many other European countries. Privacy & Terms. How Germans Celebrate Christmas “ Germany celebrates Christmas with two public holidays, 25 and 26 December. Christmas festivities begin in Germany an Eve prior to Christmas day when Christmas presents are exchanged. Dresden's Christmas market is famous for having the world's biggest nutcracker and a huge Christmas pyramid, a 45-foot high wooden carousel with life-sized angels and scenes from the Nativity. Typical dishes include: People also eat turkey, beef, venison or wild boar in some parts of Germany. Many people spend the day with their family. Officially Christmas in Germany is celebrated on 24th and 25th December, however, most Germans anticipate and prepare for Christmas throughout December. The German Christmas tree pastry, Christbaumgeback, is a white dough that can be molded into shapes and baked for tree decorations. In some parts of Germany, during the evening, the family would read the Bible and sing Christmas songs such as O Tannenbaum, Ihr Kinderlein Kommet and Stille Nacht (Slient Night). Is midnight 12 am or 12 pm? At small work places and school parties, secret presents are often exchanged. Christmas Day is called “Erster Feiertag” ('first celebration') and the 26th December is known as "Zweiter Feiertag” ('second celebration') and also “Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag” which translates as Boxing Day (although it doesn’t literally mean that)! St. Nicholas Day. The Germans tend to follow their own rules when it comes to language, and the language has its own rules while we try to pronounce a word in the German language. More. Different families have different traditions when it comes to Adventskranz. Some people say that Santa/Father Christmas (Weihnachtsmann) brings the presents and some say it is Christkind! Christmas is a truly magical time of the year in Germany. When Christmas Eve falls on a working day, the When they're finished singing, they write a signature with chalk over the door of the house. Day 3: Christmas in Germany Part 2. A door is opened just wide enough for small presents to be thrown into the room. Christmas time in Germany is one of the most precious times of the year. The singers are normally four children, three who dress up like the Wise men and one carries a star on a stick as a symbol for the Star of Bethlehem. That’s when Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) spring up in every city of … 'das Christkind' translates as 'The Christ Child' in English but Germans don't think of the Christkind as the baby Jesus! This is a much more personal explanation of Selina’s Christmas traditions in Germany. For many people, 24 December, Christmas Eve, is divided into a hectic morning and a festive evening. He might also knock on the door and the children will have to sing a song, play a song on an instrument or tell a story to St Nicholas before he gives them their presents. Children leave the letters on the windowsill at the beginning of or during Advent. Unlike Christmas in North America, the highlight of the holiday season in Germany is the Holy Eve on December 24. Christmas presents are from my experience under the tree what Americans call Christmas Eve, the 24th. © Copyright 2000 - 2021 James Cooper | About the site | Cookies & Privacy | Site Map | Other Links | Support | Website logistics by LetterBlock | Proud Affiliate of the Merry Network, whychristmas?com answers your Christmas questions! Another type is called a 'Advent Kranz' and is a ring of fir branches that has four candles on it. See more ideas about christmas in germany, christmas, german christmas. However, stores in some tourist areas may be open and stores at railway stations, airports and along highways are usually open. But the real celebration starts from 6th December, St. Nicholas Day, known here as "Nikolaustag". Here it my last Christmas tradition for the season! Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages. In Germany, Christmas gifts are exchanged after dinner on Christmas Eve (24th December). This is similar to St Lucia is Sweden. Includes links to free printables! He is usually the one who scares the little children. Stollen is a popular fruited yeast bread that is eaten at Christmas. How is Christmas celebrated in Germany? - www.whychristmas.com, Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages. The sign is written in a special way, so 2021 would be: 20*C*M*B*21. Although 'der Nikolaus' visits in December, he's not officially part of Christmas! But in Germany people start celebrating Christmas on the First Advent Sunday (which is 4 Sundays before Christmas… And while in the US presents are bought by Santa, in Germany it is the Christkind (the Christ child) that is responsible for delivering all the gifts. She also has to give TV interviews and visit other cities. The tradition of Advent wreaths was started by German Lutherans in the 16th century, and today the wreath is still an icon of Christmas in Germany. The run up to Christmas in Germany starts four Sundays before December 25 and is known as Advent. We call it “Adventszeit”– the Advent Season in Germany.– the Advent Season in Germany. Christmas Day is a public holiday in Germany. Have your children write a comic retelling the story or part of the story using these downloadable templates. Santa Claus or Father Christmas (der Weihnachtsmann) brings the main Christmas presents on December 24th. Christmas in Germany, thus, is a festival that paves the way for family togetherness, joy, an engulfing feast and religious beliefs to add color to life. The German celebration season begin at of the November month or initial December with the Advent … Another tradition is the Sternsinger (or star singers) who go from house to house, sing a song and collect money for charity (this is a predominantly Catholic tradition). Valentine’s Day is a special time to celebrate love, romance and friendship. She wears a long white and gold dress, has long blond curly hair and wears a gold crown and sometimes wings like an angel. 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