Although it is a Christian festival to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Germans with no particular religious beliefs also celebrate Christmas. Last year, 81 percent of the people living in Germany celebrated Christmas. Celebrating this festival is an important family tradition.
Germany is the home of Christmas markets and this is where many spend much of their pre-Christmas time. Most markets start as early as November, so you have plenty of time to get to know a wide range of different places. Discover the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany and go exploring.
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.
Only 78% of the people in Germany celebrate Christmas, compared to 93% of Americans. Germany is a largely Christian country, while the Holiday spirit is alive and well, the season identifies less-and-less with it's church-going traditions.
The Christmas tree has found its place into German homes at the end of 18th century. In 2019 29,8 million of Christmas trees were sold in the country. Germans love the mulled wine – each year they drink 50 million liters of it. Several tons of ginger bread cookies and printen are made every year in Germany.
5 German Christmas traditions you should know | History Stories
What does Germany call Santa?
Santa Claus - Der Weihnachtsmann
The term Weihnachtsmann is a very generic German term for Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus. The German Weihnachtsmann is a fairly recent Christmas tradition having little if any religious or folkloric background.
Weihnachten (German: [ˈvaɪ̯naxtn̩]) is the observance of what is commonly known in English as Christmas in the German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
In German, the phrase "Frohe Weihnachten!" which translates to "Merry Christmas” is commonly used. If you prefer a more neutral expression, say "Frohes Fest!" ("Happy Celebration!") or "Schöne Feiertage!" ("Beautiful Holidays!").
On the preceding evening of 5 December, Krampus Night or Krampusnacht, the wicked hairy devil appears on the streets. Sometimes accompanying St. Nicholas and sometimes on his own, Krampus visits homes and businesses.
First, the presents are not delivered by Santa Claus, but by the Christkind (originally the Christ Child Jesus, nowadays an angel like figure). Since Germans celebrate his birthday that day, they receive presents and joy in return. That is why secondly, the opening of presents occurs on the evening of Dec.
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.
The nations that celebrate on December 24 are mostly Christian, and a Christian liturgical day always begins and finishes at sunset. As a result, Jesus is said to have been born at 5 p.m. on December 24, and his birthday finishes at the same time on December 25.
When Germany's town centres are adorned in Christmas decorations; when streets and market squares are transformed into a sea of lights; when the air is filled with the scent of gingerbread, baked apples and roasted almonds – you know Christmas is around the corner.
On the evening of December 24th, families come together for a festive dinner with traditional German Christmas dishes and lots of warmth and togetherness. Some families put up and decorate the Christmas tree together on “Heiligabend”, while other families tend to do this a few days before.
For those of us used to a UK or a US Christmas, Germany can be a bit of a shock. To start with, Christmas trees are normally put into houses on Christmas eve, not before. The time before that is advent rather than Christmas, in this time houses are decorated with stars, but not with Christmas decorations.
At the centre of a German Christmas evening spread you'll usually find a roasted goose, turkey or duck, traditionally served with lovely plump bread dumplings – the classic round ones, or one great big festive loaf-shaped one, known as a Serviettenknödel (pictured sliced, above), plus braised red cabbage or stewed kale ...
Traditionally, Santa Claus, or Weihnachtsmann in German, does not drop down chimneys and deliver gifts the eve of Dec. 25 in Germany. Instead, the Christkind or Christkindl, an angel-like creature with blond hair and wings, brings gifts to families on the eve of Christmas.
What does Santa Claus look like? Today's most common depiction of Santa Claus is of a portly white-bearded gentleman dressed in a red suit with a black belt and white fur trim, black boots, and a soft red cap with white fur trim.
Krampus, in central European popular legend, a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion of St. Nicholas. Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw.”
If you are like me, you may have wondered why you put a fairy on top of your Christmas tree! This tradition can be traced back to Germany where it's believed that fairies bring good luck to new babies and are a symbol of fertility. It also represents the Angel that announced the fore coming and birth of Jesus.
