How many days of Christmas are celebrated in Germany?
Germany celebrates Christmas with two public holidays, 25 and 26 December. For many people, 24 December, Christmas Eve, is divided into a hectic morning and a festive evening. Which countries have 2 Christmas days? Many people in the Netherlands observe the second day of Christmas, which falls on December 26.
How do you say Merry Christmas in Germany?
How to wish Merry Christmas in German. Frohe Weihnachten! – Merry Christmas! Fröhliche Weihnachten! – Again, merry Christmas! But while froh means happy or merry, fröhlich means cheerful. Ein frohes Fest! – Happy holidays! For me personally, Fröhliche Weihnachten is my all-time favorite! How to say Happy New Year in German. Ein frohes neues Jahr!
What are the holiday traditions in Germany?
Ten Beloved German Christmas Traditions
- Advent Calendar ( Adventskalendar) The Advent Calendar counts down the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve and is one of childhood’s greatest memories.
- Advent wreath ( Adventskranz) Many families in Germany put an Advent wreath on the living room table the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
- St. ...
What are facts about Christmas in Germany?
- Christmas from A to Z – German Christmas traditions and terms
- Advent – The Latin word means “arrival.” This custom begins on the first Advent Sunday around December 1.
- Photo Gallery: Christmas in Germany – Berlin – A visual tour of Christmas markets and other December sights in Berlin
- Christmas in the USA and Germany – A comparison chart
Why does Germany have 3 days of Christmas?
Many nations celebrate the full 12 days of Christmas, through to the feast day of Epiphany, Three Kings Day, on January 6th. In Germany the twelfth day of Christmas is celebrated as Three King's Day (Dreikönigstag) and commemorates the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem to present their gifts to the infant Jesus.
Does Germany close for Christmas?
Christmas Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. In 2022, it falls on a Sunday, and some businesses may choose to follow Sunday opening hours.
How long do Christmas trees stay up in Germany?
Once the tree has been decorated on Christmas Eve, the tree remains in the house for the 12 days of Christmas, which ends on January 6. Also known as Epiphany, the day which the wise men were said to visit baby Jesus. However, some Catholic parts of Germany keep their tree up until February 2nd (Candlemas).
Do Germans celebrate Christmas on 24th?
As is the case across most of Western Europe, Germany's main day of celebration for Christmas is the 24th, the so-called “Heiligabend”. In the morning of the 24th, the Christmas tree is put up and decorated, and in the evening, children get to open their presents.
What are 5 traditions in Germany?
10 typical German traditionsGo crazy over Christmas markets.Hanging lost items on trees.The German Christmas tradition of Krampus.Oktoberfest.Birthday celebration traditions.FKK.Keeping thumbs crossed.Frische Luft.More items...•
How is Christmas different in Germany?
While 25th December is still a national holiday in Germany, it's celebrated differently to how we do in England. Traditionally, the family will gather around a heartwarming meal, attend church, children will play with their new toys and the white candle of the Advent wreath (the one in the middle) will be lit.
Is anything open on Christmas Eve in Germany?
On the 24th (Christmas Eve), most Germans work a half-day and shops are open until the early afternoon. Gifts are usually open on the evening of the 24th.
What do Germans call Christmas?
In German Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Frohe Weihnachten'. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages. Christmas Day is called “Erster Feiertag” ('first celebration') and the 26th December is known as 'Zweiter Feiertag' ('second celebration') and also 'Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag'.
What do Germans do on Christmas Eve?
Traditionally, on Heiligabend (Christmas Eve) in Germany, a simple meal will be prepared and served before or after the Bescherung ("time for exchanging gifts"), in contrast to the big meal on Christmas Day.
Is Christmas big in Germany?
As in many other Christian countries, Christmas is the most special time of the year in Germany. Though the most important ingredients of Christmas across the world are the same – festive cheer, family time and delicious food – each country has its own special way of celebrating this magical festival.
What do Germans eat on Christmas Eve?
According to the survey done by the German Food Association, this is what Germans ate on Christmas eve in 2020:Frankfurter sausages (affiliate link) and potato salad 19 %Fondue or Raclette 17%Beef or Pork Roast 9%Fish 8%Goose or Duck 8%Venison 4%Bratwurst (affiliate link) with sauerkraut 3%
Why do Germans open their presents on Christmas Eve?
Jesus brings the presents - sort of It's neither St. Nikolaus nor Santa who bring German children their presents on Christmas Eve. Rather, it's the Christkind, or Christ child.
Is anything open in Germany on Christmas?
The 25th and 26th are public holidays in Germany and all shops and stores are closed. So it might not be what you are looking for. Not only are the 25th and 26th public holidays but that holiday effectively starts at lunchtime on the 24th and you would find very little open after that.
Are things open on Christmas in Germany?
The Christmas holiday in Germany begins on December 24th and ends on the 26th. On the 24th (Christmas Eve), most Germans work a half-day and shops are open until the early afternoon. Gifts are usually open on the evening of the 24th.
Is everything closed on Christmas Day in Europe?
Although there are a few businesses closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, for the most part everything is open and running as usual.
Is the Christmas Market Open in Germany?
They usually start in the last week of November and continue up until a day or two before Christmas day. The first Sunday of Advent in 2022 is 27 November. Many of the bigger Christmas markets start the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent – that is, on Friday 25 November in 2022.
How is Christmas celebrated in Germany?
Christmas in Germany is called Weihnachten, and it is a three day holiday. The main celebration is on Christmas Eve ( Heiligabend ), December 24th. Shops and offices are usually open until noon (unless it is a Sunday), and then everything closes up for a mainly silent and quiet time spent with family.
What is the Christmas mass in Germany?
Some families ( 29% of Germans) go to church in the afternoon of the 24th for a special Christmas mass ( Christmette ). In Germany, Christmas gifts are placed underneath the Christmas tree and opened on the 24th in the evening. Traditionally, Christmas gifts are brought by the Christkind (child of Christ). Santa Claus also exists in Germany and is simply called the Christmas man ( Weihnachtsmann ).
What is the Advent Season in Germany?
Christmas time in Germany officially starts already at the beginning of December with the Adventszeit. The advent season marks the four Sundays in December. Traditionally, every home has a decorative advent wreath ( Adventskranz) with four candles. On the first advent, the first Sunday, one candle gets litten. On the second advent, the second Sunday, a second candle gets lit, and so on. On Christmas itself, all four candles are giving light.
What do Germans put up?
Germans put up wooden nutcrackers ( Nußknacker ), Christmas pyramids ( Weihnachtspyramiden) that spin when its candles are lit, and of course, the famous Christmas tree ( Weihnachtsbaum ).
What is the most popular Christmas food in Germany?
Among the favorite German Christmas foods during the advent season are homemade Christmas cookies ( Plätzchen ), Stollen, the oldest known German Christmas sweet/cake, and gingerbread ( Lebkuchen ). During the advent season, a lot of traditional activities and decorations take place.
What is the second Sunday of Advent?
On the second advent, the second Sunday, a second candle gets lit, and so on. On Christmas itself, all four candles are giving light. A modern German Adventskranz. For children (and some adults as well 😉 ), the advent season resembles a countdown to Christmas, sweetened with an advent calendar ( Adventskalender ).
How many people in Germany have a Christmas tree?
Germany has about 41 million households, and in 2019 almost 30 million homes had their own Christmas tree. That shows that a whopping 73% of German homes have their own Christmas tree, which is always a real tree (only 22% put up a fake tree) and decorated with classic color-matching decorations and white lights.
What is the Christmas holiday in Germany?
Christmas in Germany. Christmas in Germany is celebrated with many traditions that are unique to Germany. Christmas celebrates the birth of the Christ child, Baby Jesus. Christmas celebrations start in Germany on 24th December (Christmas Eve) when Christmas gifts are exchanged. On 25th December (Christmas Day) and 26 December, ...
What is the Christmas Eve tradition in Germany?
Christmas in Germany: On Christmas Eve, often only little food is eaten during the day as this is a fast day. The festive Christmas celebrations start already in the afternoon, when many families with children attend a festive children's mass at their local church. After mass, families celebrate at home, lighting the candles or lights on their Christmas tree for the first time.
What is the German nativity scene?
During the festive season and for Christmas in Germany, a nativity scene, a ‘Weihnachtskrippe’ is usually put up in many homes, as well as of course in churches and sometimes as part of the Christmas markets. Typical German nativity scene with carved wood figurines. Did you know that the nativity scene display with a crib filled with straw, ...
What is the day of St. Nicholas?
On the 6th of December , families celebrate Nikolaustag, Saint Nicholas Day. Often a 'real' Saint Nicholas, dressed in the red coat and hat and wearing a white beard -to disguise the father of family friend- and sometimes even his fearsome helper 'Knecht Ruprecht', who is dressed in black, come to the homes with young children. They come to ask the children if they have been good all year and also bring small gifts to the good children and to reprimand the naughty ones. Usually this is a merry and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family and Christmas carols are sung. Children are often asked to prepare and recite a poem for St Nicholas on that evening. Be prepared and find some popular - and easy to learn - English Christmas poems here.
What does "sternsinger" mean in German?
Usually this group of singers (' Sternsinger ' in German meaning 'singers or followers of the star ') is organised by the local Catholic church communities. Sternsinger. Image Sources for Christmas in Germany: Shutterstock.com and thanks to Hans Kadereit/wikicommons.
How many candles are in an Advent wreath?
Typically, families decorate an Advent wreath with four red candles. On every Advent Sunday, one more candle is lit until all candles are alight to announce the imminent birth of Christ. Typical Advent wreath with four candles.
Where did the Christmas pyramid originate?
The tradition of using Christmas pyramids originated in the area of the German ore mountains ('Erzgebirge') in eastern Germany and dates back to the middle ages and is thus a much older tradition than the use of decorated Christmas trees. Traditional German Christmas Pyramid. During the festive season and for Christmas in Germany, a nativity scene, ...
What do Germans eat for Christmas?
Christmas is typically viewed as a time of splendor and indulgence, and Germans do not exempt themselves from this trend. Traditional German foods are generally quite heavy, and Christmassy variations include apple stuffing, a bounty of the usual dumplings, a succulent roast, often a turkey, goose, or rabbit, along with desserts and drinks.
Where to go for Christmas market in Germany?
Probably some of the most popular are the ones occurring in Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Munich. Come here to enjoy a pleasant and cozy atmosphere where vendors sell their artisan wares and a myriad of tasty treats. The Weihnachtsmarkt experience is best enjoyed with friends, but because the mood is so good, it won’t be hard to make new ones there.
Is Germany a religious country?
Historically, Germany is a pretty religious country. As is the case in many cultures, much of the Yuletide traditions have been secularized. Therefore, all you really need to know nowadays is that the ‘Adventskalender’ (Advent calendar) tracks the four weeks leading up to Christmas, where each day of the countdown is marked with a little prize hidden within the depths of the colorful 3D calendar. Typically, these calendars are quite cheap and come filled with small Christmas-themed chocolates, but they can also be quite extravagant with chocolate manufacturers like Godiva producing their own versions.
How is Christmas celebrated in Germany?from simplegermany.com
Christmas in Germany is called Weihnachten, and it is a three day holiday. The main celebration is on Christmas Eve ( Heiligabend ), December 24th. Shops and offices are usually open until noon (unless it is a Sunday), and then everything closes up for a mainly silent and quiet time spent with family.
What happens in the course of a typical German Christmas?from deutschland.de
When Christmas Eve falls on a working day, the shops are open until noon and they are very busy as people buy their last presents or food for the festive meal. Afterwards attention focuses on decorating the Christmas tree with fairy lights and colourful baubles, wrapping up presents and preparing food.
Why do Germans eat potato salad on Christmas Eve?from deutschland.de
According to the old Christian tradition, the period from St Martin’s Day on 11 November until 24 December was a time of fasting. That is why a simple dish is served – for example, carp, because fish is the symbolic fasting meal. However, the most popular dish throughout the country is potato salad with sausages; according to a 2016 survey, that is what almost one in two Germans eat on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day and the day after, which are both public holidays, people enjoy a lavish feast on a festively decorated table. The traditional Christmas meal is roast goose with potato dumplings and red cabbage.
What do Germans eat on Christmas Eve?from deutschland.de
However, the most popular dish throughout the country is potato salad with sausages; according to a 2016 survey, that is what almost one in two Germans eat on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day and the day after, which are both public holidays, people enjoy a lavish feast on a festively decorated table.
What do Germans do during Advent?from simplegermany.com
During the advent season, a lot of traditional activities and decorations take place. Germans put up wooden nutcrackers ( Nußknacker ), Christmas pyramids ( Weihnachtspyramiden) that spin when its candles are lit, and of course, the famous Christmas tree ( Weihnachtsbaum ).
What is the advent calendar?from simplegermany.com
A typical advent calendar is made of cardboard with 24 small numbered ‘doors’ ( Türchen) marking each day in December until Christmas Eve (December 24th).
Where is the most visited Christmas market in the world?from simplegermany.com
Christkindl Markt in Munich. Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom in Cologne (the most visited Christmas market with over 4 million visitors) Weihnachtsmarkt Römerberg in Frankfurt (one of the oldest Christmas markets dating from the 14th century) Striezelmarkt in Dresden. Christkindlesmarkt in Nürnberg.
How is Christmas celebrated in Germany?from simplegermany.com
Christmas in Germany is called Weihnachten, and it is a three day holiday. The main celebration is on Christmas Eve ( Heiligabend ), December 24th. Shops and offices are usually open until noon (unless it is a Sunday), and then everything closes up for a mainly silent and quiet time spent with family.
Why do Germans eat potato salad on Christmas Eve?from deutschland.de
According to the old Christian tradition, the period from St Martin’s Day on 11 November until 24 December was a time of fasting. That is why a simple dish is served – for example, carp, because fish is the symbolic fasting meal. However, the most popular dish throughout the country is potato salad with sausages; according to a 2016 survey, that is what almost one in two Germans eat on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day and the day after, which are both public holidays, people enjoy a lavish feast on a festively decorated table. The traditional Christmas meal is roast goose with potato dumplings and red cabbage.
What happens in the course of a typical German Christmas?from deutschland.de
When Christmas Eve falls on a working day, the shops are open until noon and they are very busy as people buy their last presents or food for the festive meal. Afterwards attention focuses on decorating the Christmas tree with fairy lights and colourful baubles, wrapping up presents and preparing food.
What do Germans do during Advent?from simplegermany.com
During the advent season, a lot of traditional activities and decorations take place. Germans put up wooden nutcrackers ( Nußknacker ), Christmas pyramids ( Weihnachtspyramiden) that spin when its candles are lit, and of course, the famous Christmas tree ( Weihnachtsbaum ).
What do Germans sing for Christmas?from simplegermany.com
Usually, before or after unwrapping Christmas gifts, German families gather around the Christmas tree, wish each other Merry Christmas ( Frohe Weihnachten ), and sing traditional German Christmas songs, such as ‘ O Tannenbaum ’, ‘ Stille Nacht ’, and ‘ Kling Glöckchen ’. This tradition disappears more and more, as only 14% of German families still sing Christmas carols .
What is the second Sunday of Advent?from simplegermany.com
On the second advent, the second Sunday, a second candle gets lit, and so on. On Christmas itself, all four candles are giving light. A modern German Adventskranz. For children (and some adults as well 😉 ), the advent season resembles a countdown to Christmas, sweetened with an advent calendar ( Adventskalender ).
Where is the most visited Christmas market in the world?from simplegermany.com
Christkindl Markt in Munich. Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom in Cologne (the most visited Christmas market with over 4 million visitors) Weihnachtsmarkt Römerberg in Frankfurt (one of the oldest Christmas markets dating from the 14th century) Striezelmarkt in Dresden. Christkindlesmarkt in Nürnberg.
What are the Christmas traditions in Germany?
Christmas traditions in Germany include making music and singing. During Christmas, musical instruments, songs and bells can be heard in every home. The celebrations reach their height on Christmas Eve. The most famous German song for Christmas is called Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht! The song was first played in 1818 during the Christmas celebration at a little church in Austria called Nicholas in Oberndorf. The assistant priest responsible for writing the classic song is Joseph Mohr. The song has become so famous, it is available across the globe in 44 different languages.
What is the most important holiday in Germany?
Numerous Christian countries including Germany consider Christmas the most important time of the entire year. Some of the German traditions are no different than other countries such as spending time with family, celebrations and special food. German children are taught Christmas traditions by their elders to be passed on to their children. A lot of European Christmas traditions actually originated in Germany. The majority of Christmas celebrations did not begin until the 19th century.
What is the German drink called?
Germans enjoy a potent drink called the Feuerzangenbowle for Christmas. The beautiful creation is made using a combination of rum and mulled wine. Once mixed, the drink is set on fire. No German will celebrate Christmas without a hot mug of mulled wine. Christmas markets all over Germany sell mulled wine in ceramic mugs. The importance of mulled wine is spreading Christmas cheer and staying warm during the cold winter months.
What is the most popular Christmas treat in Germany?
One of the most popular Christmas treats in Germany is called Lebkuchen. The treat is similar to gingerbread and made with numerous spices, honey and nuts. Lebkuchen can be made with icing, be spicy, sweet, hard or soft. Christmas messages are often written on the delicacy. In addition to being sold at Christmas, Lebkuchen is also available at German souvenir shops, festivals and fairs.
How do people celebrate Krampus Night?
Some parts of Germany celebrate Krampus Night. Strong men wear furry coats, devil masks and demonic garb while going from house to house. When the parents let them into the house, they try to scare the children to ensure they behave well. A misbehaving male teenager may be gripped by the hands and feet and dragged outside. The teenager is then dunked in the snow a few times to the enjoyment of the siblings. Krampus and all of the devils then celebrate the night at the local pub.
What is the German Christmas cake called?
The traditional German Christmas cake is called stollen. The cake is made with spices, flour, nuts and dried, candied or chopped fruits. Powdered sugar is then sprinkled on the confection. Some people add zest. Some Germans have a celebration with the focus on Christmas stollen.
Where is the oldest market in Germany?
The Striezelmarkt has been located in the city of Dresden since 1434. This is one of the oldest markets anywhere in Germany. The market is called Striezelmarkt because another name for stollen is Striezel. This is one of Dresden’s most traditional Christmas cakes. At 14 meters in height, the Christmas pyramid is the tallest in the world. The pyramid comes from the Ore mountains. On December 9th, the Stollen Festival takes place.
Christmas Stocking
In Germany, a typical Christmas stocking is an empty sock or sock-shaped bag. Children leave them outside their door for Saint Nicholas to fill with everything he can find. They get small toys, oranges, chocolate coins, and many more. It is a lovely surprise for children to enjoy.
Christmas Celebration
Germans celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, which they call Heiliger Abend. It is a jam-packed day of celebrations. Households spend the day decorating the tree and preparing food for the family.
Decorating The Tree
Traditionally, the tree is only put up in Germany on 24th December. It may vary from one family to another. But the older generation still decks the halls on the morning of Christmas Eve. Germans decorate the rest of the home beforehand, but the tree is saved for last.
Advent Wreath
Advent wreaths, or as Americans call them Christmas Wreaths are placed on the table. It is a tradition that the German Lutherans started in the 16th century.
Christmas Markets
We said before you can find many Christmas markets across Germany. This is the magic of Christmas in the country. The tradition started in Germany.
The Christmas Angel
Step into any German house during Christmas and you will find many Christmas angels. The German word for it is Weihnachtsengel. It is one of the most popular Christmas decoration ornaments.
The White Candle Of The Advent Wreath
We talked about Advent wreaths, and now we have a German Christmas tradition linked to it. The candle in the middle, which is the white candle, will be lit on 25th Christmas.
When does Weihnachtsmann come to children?
This leads to the fact that also “Weihnachtsmann” in Germany comes to some children on the evening of December 24th and puts the gift under the tree.
What family celebrates Heiligabend?
Often, on “Heiligabend”, only the nuclear family celebrates together.
What is the name of the song after the Christmas poems?
After the songs, Christmas poems and stories, there is finally “Bescherung”.
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Advent in Germany
How Germany Celebrates Christmas Through Gift-Giving
- St. Nicholas Day
December 6 is St. Nicholas Day (Sankt Nikolaus Tag) in Germany. Given that, children clean and polish their boots or shoes and set them (one or both) outside the door the evening of December 5. If they have been good children, they awake December 6 to boots or shoes filled with candy, … - The Christkind as Gift-Giver
The Christkind (translated Christ Child) delivers gifts to children in Germany on Christmas Eve. This tradition is an important part of how Germany celebrates Christmas. It began in the 1600s when Martin Luther was leading the Protestant Reformation. Up until that time, children in Germ…
The Christmas Tree (Weihnachtsbaum) in Germany
- About 400 years ago, German families began bringing evergreen trees into their homes at Christmas time. Moreover, they decorated the trees with edible items like apples, gingerbread and nuts. By the mid-1800s, glassblowers were making glass ornaments in the Lauscha region of Germany. Consequently, today’s Christmas tree in Germany is decorated with candles or string…