Christmas, or Weihnachten, is one of the most cherished holidays in German-speaking countries, celebrated with a blend of heartfelt traditions, delicious foods, and unique customs that make this season truly magical. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Christmas combines both religious and secular customs that bring warmth and joy to winter’s coldest days. From traditional Advent calendars to beautiful Christmas markets, each part of the festive season is filled with meaning, and families across these regions come together to celebrate in a way that reflects their rich culture and heritage. In this post, we’ll explore the key Christmas customs, celebrations, and special foods in German-speaking countries, helping you understand and appreciate how unique and wonderful Weihnachten can be.
1. The Advent Season: Starting the Countdown to Christmas
In German-speaking countries, the Christmas season begins with Advent, the four-week period leading up to Christmas. Advent (from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “arrival”) is marked with several traditions that help families prepare for the coming festivities.
Advent Calendars (Adventskalender)
The Advent calendar, or Adventskalender, is beloved by children and adults alike. Traditionally, it’s a calendar with 24 doors, each one representing a day from December 1st to Christmas Eve. Behind each door is a small treat or picture, and modern calendars often contain chocolates, small gifts, or even beauty products.
Advent Wreaths (Adventskranz)
An Adventskranz is a wreath made of evergreen branches with four candles, each one representing a Sunday in Advent. Families light one candle each Sunday, and this practice symbolizes hope, peace, joy, and love. By the fourth Sunday of Advent, all four candles are lit, creating a beautiful and meaningful display that brightens the home.
2. Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte)
One of the most famous and loved Christmas traditions in German-speaking countries is the Weihnachtsmarkt or Christmas market. These festive markets, found in cities and small towns alike, fill the streets with twinkling lights, delicious aromas, and joyful music.
Christmas markets are places where families and friends gather to enjoy seasonal foods like Bratwurst, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, and unique gifts are sold at small booths, making it easy for visitors to find beautiful presents while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Some of the most famous Christmas markets include:
Christkindlesmarkt in Nürnberg – One of Germany’s oldest and largest markets, known for its gingerbread and wooden crafts.
Christkindlmarkt in Vienna – Located in front of Vienna’s City Hall, this market is known for its beautiful decorations and live performances.
Basler Weihnachtsmarkt in Switzerland – Held in Basel, this market features Swiss holiday traditions and unique, handcrafted gifts.
3. St. Nicholas Day (Nikolaustag)
In German-speaking countries, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th. On the night of December 5th, children leave their shoes or boots outside their doors, hoping St. Nicholas (der Nikolaus) will visit and leave small treats or gifts inside them. Traditionally, St. Nicholas is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht or Krampus, a figure who deals with naughty children, although this custom is less common today. Good children typically find sweets, nuts, or small toys in their shoes, while those who have misbehaved may find a symbolic piece of coal or a small stick. This tradition is meant to teach children about kindness and generosity, encouraging them to be thoughtful and caring toward others.
4. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Celebrations
In German-speaking countries, the main Christmas celebration takes place on Heiligabend (Christmas Eve). Families come together for a festive meal, exchange gifts, and attend church services to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Christmas Eve (Heiligabend)
On Christmas Eve, families gather for a special meal, often featuring traditional foods such as Wiener Würstchen (sausages) and Kartoffelsalat (potato salad). Some families enjoy fish or roast goose, depending on regional and personal preferences. After dinner, families exchange gifts, a tradition known as Bescherung. In many households, the Christkind (Christ Child) is believed to bring gifts for the children, similar to the role of Santa Claus in English-speaking countries. The Christkind is typically depicted as an angelic figure and is especially popular in southern Germany and Austria. For the different ways of wishing a merry Christmas in German, read our related post.
Christmas Day (Erster Weihnachtstag)
Christmas Day, known as Erster Weihnachtstag, is often a quieter, more reflective day. Families attend church services, spend time together, and enjoy a leisurely Christmas lunch. In Germany, Weihnachten lasts until the second Christmas Day, Zweiter Weihnachtstag (Boxing Day), on December 26th, which is also a public holiday. This allows families more time to relax, visit relatives, and celebrate the holiday season.
5. Traditional Christmas Foods
Food plays a central role in German-speaking Christmas celebrations. Each region has its specialties, but here are a few classic dishes and treats enjoyed across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Weihnachtsgans (Christmas Goose) – Traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings, roast goose is a popular Christmas dish, especially in northern Germany.
Stollen – A rich fruit bread filled with nuts, spices, and dried fruits, Stollen is one of Germany’s most iconic Christmas treats. Dresdner Stollen from the city of Dresden is particularly famous.
Lebkuchen – These gingerbread cookies, often shaped like hearts or stars, are a favorite holiday treat and can be found in abundance at Christmas markets.
Zimtsterne – Star-shaped cinnamon cookies are a must-have during the Christmas season, known for their delicious flavor and festive appearance.
Spekulatius – These spiced cookies with a delicate almond flavour are often enjoyed with coffee or tea and are popular throughout the Advent season.
6. Celebrating New Year’s Eve and Epiphany
The festive season doesn’t end on Christmas Day in German-speaking countries. Silvester, or New Year’s Eve, is celebrated with fireworks, parties, and a midnight toast to the New Year. Families and friends gather for meals that include Raclette or Fondue, foods that are both delicious and bring everyone together. Another unique German tradition is watching the British sketch Dinner for One, which is shown every year on New Year’s Eve and has become a humorous part of the German Silvester celebration. Learn how to wish a happy New Year in German in another post.
On January 6th, Epiphany, or Dreikönigstag, marks the end of the Christmas season. In many areas, children dress as the three wise men (Sternsinger) and go door-to-door, singing carols and collecting donations for charity.
German Christmas Vocabulary
Here’s some Christmas-related vocabulary to enrich your German learning and help you talk about these traditions:
Weihnachten – Christmas
Adventskranz – Advent wreath
Christkind – Christ Child
Weihnachtsbaum – Christmas tree
Weihnachtsmarkt – Christmas market
Glühwein – Mulled wine
Nikolaustag – St. Nicholas Day
Bescherung – Gift exchange
Weihnachtsgans – Christmas goose
Silvester – New Year’s Eve
Dreikönigstag – Epiphany
Wishing You a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
Christmas in German-speaking countries is filled with beautiful customs that bring people together in the spirit of love, generosity, and joy. At Olesen Tuition, we wish you a Frohe Weihnachten and ein glückliches neues Jahr! May your holidays be filled with peace and happiness.
If you’d like to deepen your understanding of German language and culture, explore our German language blog for more insights or consider joining one of our German courses in London or online. We’re here to support you on your German language journey all year round!
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