What is the best way to spend Christmas in Germany?

Christmas Markets Today the country is speckled with thousands of markets throughout December. For many people, Christmas markets are more about the atmosphere than actual shopping. Locals go there to eat bratwurst, drink glühwein, and soak up the Christmas spirit beneath decorated trees.

Where is the best place to spend Christmas in Germany?

How do people in Germany spend Christmas?

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.

Where is the most Christmassy place in Germany?

Is Christmas a good time to visit Germany?

Seasons in Germany

With the Christmas markets opening across Germany between the 22nd to 29th of November, this is one of the best times to visit Germany.

5 German Christmas traditions you should know | History Stories

What is the most beautiful city in Germany during Christmas?

Is Germany too cold in December?

Be prepared for a cold and wintery climate during your holiday this month. Like it will be throughout all of northern Europe at this time, the cold Germany weather in December means you'll need to wrap up warm as you enjoy the delights of Christmas in cities like Munich, Dortmund, Cologne and Berlin.

Where is the best Christmas village in Germany?

It doesn't get much more picture-perfect than the medieval walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, but go around Christmastime and you'll be swept into a half-timbered holiday fairy tale. Taking place from December 1 to December 23, 2023, the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Reiterlesmarkt is an Advent experience.

Is it worth it to go to Germany in december?

December is one of Germany's coldest months with temperatures often just below freezing. If you come in early December, you'll miss the tourist rush while still being able to enjoy the dazzling Christmas markets with their sparkling holiday lights, delicious foods, hot cider and more.

Is Berlin or Munich better for Christmas markets?

You will have fun in either city, but if you're more interested in the traditional German Christmas market atmosphere, you'll find more of that in Munich.

What is a typical German Christmas dinner?

Treat guests to a traditional German Christmas dinner with classic dishes like roasted goose legs, braised red cabbage. and dumplings, and don't forget the mulled wine and platter of gorgeous, festive cookies.

Is anything open in Germany 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.

How do Germans say Merry Christmas?

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!").

Is Christmas a big thing in Germany?

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.

Does it snow in Germany at Christmas?

In Oberstdorf in the mountainous south, there have been 25 white Christmases in the last 60 years, and on the Brocken - the highest peak in northern Germany - it has been snowy on 28 occasions. Sadly, rain is more likely to fall in Germany at Christmastime than snow.

Is Christmas Eve or Christmas Day more important in Germany?

However, while Christmas Eve is the main event of the German Christmas calendar, the 25th and 26th are still designated “Feiertage” (celebration days/holidays) with their own festive traditions.

What time does it get dark in Germany in December?

Sunrise and Sunset Times in Berlin for December

Here are some approximate sunrise and sunset times for December in Berlin: 1st December: Sunrise – 7:45 am / Sunset – 3:53 pm. 15th December: Sunrise – 8:11 am / Sunset – 3:55 pm. 31st December: Sunrise – 8:33 am / Sunset – 3:59 pm.

Will it snow in Germany December 2023?

Around half a meter or 20 inches of snow fell in lower regions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland on Friday, December 1, 2023, resulting in chaotic situations across the three countries.

Why do people go to Germany for Christmas?

Many British and North American Christmas traditions originated in Germany, so coming here in December, when city centres are aglow with white, twinkling lights and the air is a heady mixture of spices, is something really special – and that's just the Christmas markets.

Where is the prettiest Christmas town?

What is the most magical Christmas city in Europe?

Rovaniemi, Finland: Located in Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi offers spectacular displays of the Northern Lights, as well as wonderful Santa Claus village, pictured, which is at its most magical during winter.

What German town is famous for Christmas ornaments?

Fascination "Christmas Village" ...throughout the year!

Käthe Wohlfahrt's Christmas Village is located in the center of the romantic medieval town of Rothenburg, just off the Market Square. In Käthe Wohlfahrt's “Christmas Village” you will find the largest selection of German Christmas decorations WORLDWIDE!

What shoes to wear in Germany in December?

While you might want to reach for your comfy sneakers, it is much more common to see Germans wearing leather boots in winter. However, you might want to pack something a little more heavy-duty. You want shoes that are going to keep your feet warm and dry in the rain and snow.

Is Germany rainy in December?

During December in Berlin, you can expect about 4-5 sunny, 3-5 partly sunny, and 22-23 mostly cloudy days. Some precipitation falls on about 20 days with snow falling on 6-10 of these. Total snowfall during December, however, is light, at 2.5-5 cm (1-2 inches) but sometimes can total 8-13 cm (3-5 inches).

What is the coldest city in Germany in winter?

There are a few cold places in Germany, one is at the Futensee in Bavaria with a record of -45.9°C. The coldest inhabited place on average seems to be the town of Kühnhaide with an average temperature of 5.4°C. And the coldest place overall is probably the Zugspitze with an average temperature of -4.8°C.