On the holidays, December 25 and 26, most shops and even bakeries remain closed, except for those located at train stations, airports, or owned by owners of another religion, such as Turkish cafes or shops.
Unlike Christmas Day celebrations in England, the Germans know 25th December as 'Erster Feiertag', which means first celebration day. While the presents will have all been opened on Christmas Eve, the 25th is a still a day where families gather, good food is eaten and people enjoy well-deserved time off work.
Christmas Day (Weihnachtstag) is undoubtedly the biggest and most important national holiday of the year. In Germany, Christmas Day is marked by both religious and non-secular households.
Are restaurants closed on Christmas Day in Germany?
Is Germany open on Christmas Day?
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Germany. Post offices, banks, stores and businesses are closed. However, stores in some tourist areas may be open and stores at railway stations, airports and along highways are usually open. There are some restrictions on selling alcohol, public performances and dancing.
The buses and trams will then run according to the Saturday timetable, as BVG announced on Tuesday. On December 25 and 26, the Sunday timetable will apply. On December 31, the Saturday timetable will generally be used, according to the company.
There are two days of Christmas in Germany, the 25th and the 26th of December. For many people, Christmas Eve, on the 24th of December, has a hectic morning part and a festive evening part.
In Germany, there are nine public holidays that are celebrated nationwide. These include New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. In addition, there are regional holidays, which are only celebrated in certain regions or states.
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 ...
Christmas holiday (Weihnachtsferien) - usually two weeks. Winter holiday (Winterferien) - between a few days and two weeks. Easter holiday (Osterferien) - two to three weeks.
Most museums have open hours during the Christmas weekend with limited hours on Christmas Eve. Most all places are closed Christmas Day, including shops, bakeries, and of course, the markets.
On the Second Christmas Day (26th), shops remain closed and family time continues. Typically, Germans will visit different parts of the family on both days, if they spent Heiligabend with just direct family members.
In the Federal Republic of Germany, the Ladenschlussgesetz or "Shop Closing Law" (abbreviated: LadSchlG) is the federal "blue law" compelling retail stores to close to the public on Sundays and Christian holidays.
We exchange gifts (and religious people go to church) on the evening of the 24th of December. Most people have a small dinner at that evening and celebrate with their families that evening. The next two days are usually to spend with family or friends as well, with huge dinners and so on.
The Christmas meal in Germany is a very important part of the Christmas celebration. This is usually an extravagant, multi-course meal enjoyed on December 25th. On Christmas Eve, December 24th, a simpler meal is served.
German children call Santa Claus 'Weihnachtsmann' which translates to Christmas man. The Weihnachtsmann is a recent Christmas tradition which has 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 Germany, people use an Adventskranz, or advent wreath, with four candles on it to celebrate the four advents or the four Sundays before Christmas. On each of the four Sundays preceding Christmas Eve, a candle is lit. After lightning the first candle, the Christmas season officially begins.
Christmas Eve is traditionally a partial non-working day. Many employers give their workers at least part of the day off. Expect reduced opening hours. Banks and government offices are usually closed for the whole day.
Is public transport free in Berlin on Christmas Day?
On certain special days in Berlin, such as Christmas Day, public transportation is available for free. These exceptions are announced in advance, and it's always a good idea to check for any updates before planning your trip.
