What to do in Germany on Christmas Day?

On Christmas Day in Germany (December 25), expect most shops to be closed and a quiet, family-focused atmosphere, as the main celebrations happen on Christmas Eve. Top activities include strolling through festive city centers, enjoying a traditional goose dinner (often requiring advanced reservations), visiting spas, or exploring scenic, snowy Alpine villages.

Is anything open on Christmas Day in Germany?

Is anything open on Christmas Day? Christmas Day is a public holiday, as is Boxing Day on the 27th (more often called the 2nd day of Christmas in Germany), so you should expect that supermarkets and most businesses will remain closed.

What do people do on Christmas Day in Germany?

Many people go to church in the afternoon and afterwards there are presents, the christmas tree is lit (sometimes with real candles, sometimes with fake candles) and it's a time for family. It's usually more of a somber, quiet, listening-to-classical-music kind of evening, rather then a loud celebration.

Where to spend Christmas Day in Germany?

The Best Places to Spend Christmas in Germany

• Nuremberg. First on our list of the best places to spend Christmas in Germany is Nuremberg. ...
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Experience the magic of a medieval Christmas in Germany by staying in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. ...
• Cologne. ...
• Dresden. ...
• Munich. ...
• Düsseldorf. ...
• Stuttgart. ...
• Breitnau.

Is Germany worth visiting at Christmas?

We enjoyed the food from many countries and brought back great, unique and authentic to the areas gifts. For Christmas markets in Germany go either to one of the big cities like Dresden, Munich, Nuremberg, Cologne, Aachen or very picturesque ones in smaller cities like Monschau in the Eifel ( near Cologne).

Planning your Christmas Market trip to COLOGNE? START HERE

What is the most Christmassy town in Germany?

While many German towns are festive, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is widely considered Germany's ultimate Christmas Town because it feels like a year-round fairytale, complete with medieval walls, cobblestone streets, numerous Christmas shops, and the famous year-round Christmas Museum (Käthe Wohlfahrt) and Reiterlesmarkt. Other top contenders include Dresden for its historic Striezelmarkt and multiple markets, and Quedlinburg for its enchanting medieval atmosphere and Advent calendar.
 

What is the prettiest city in Germany?

The 11 most beautiful old towns in Germany

• Heidelberg.
• Lübeck.
• Wismar.
• Goerlitz.
• Celle.
• Erfurt.
• Mulhouse.
• Bamberg.

Where to eat on Christmas Day in Germany?

338 Restaurants open for Christmas Day in Munich

• Hungriges Herz. 4.7. Exceptional(759) ...
• Spatenhaus an der Oper (gut bürgerlich) 4.5. Awesome(1068) ...
• UKIYO. 4.7. Exceptional(385) ...
• Brenner Grill Pasta Bar. 4.6. Exceptional(2652) ...
• Maison Tran. 4.5. Awesome(257) ...
• Azuki. 4.7. Exceptional(722) ...
• Pizzarei. 4.5. Awesome(349) ...
• Aimy Restaurant. 4.8.

What is Germany's most magical Christmas market?

Places 1–3: Germany's Biggest & Most Famous Christmas Markets

1. Nuremberg – Christkindlesmarkt. Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is one of the world's most famous Christmas markets and truly embodies traditional German festive culture. ...
2. Dresden – Striezelmarkt. ...
3. Cologne – Christmas Markets around the Cathedral.

Where is the best place to spend Christmas Day in Europe?

You'll see destinations like Vienna, Strasbourg, Hallstatt, Tallinn, and Gdańsk — each with its own way of celebrating the holidays. Whether you love Christmas markets, peaceful old towns, or just that winter atmosphere, these are the towns you'll want to add to your 2025 travel list.

What do Germans do on 25th December?

Christmas Day and Boxing Day in Germany

It's common for families to enjoy a big breakfast together. Additionally, religious family also attend a special Christmas church service on this day. On the Second Christmas Day (26th), shops remain closed and family time continues.

What do people actually do on Christmas Day?

Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. Christmas Day—which falls on Thursday, December 25, 2025—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

What do Germans eat on Christmas Day?

The traditional Christmas meal features duck, goose, rabbit or a roast. This main dish is accompanied by German delicacies such as apple and sausage stuffing, red cabbage and potato dumplings. Dessert typically includes Christmas Stollen, considered one of the best Christmas pastries in the world!

What do they do on Christmas Day in Germany?

On 25th December (Christmas Day) and 26 December, usually the family gets together for celebrations and also the religious Christians will visit Christmas mass during these days. The German festive season starts at the end of November or early December with the Advent celebrations.

Are shops closed on 26th December in Germany?

📅 25 and 26 December are public holidays in Germany, known as the First and Second Day of Christmas. Most stores will be closed on these days.

What is allowed to open on Christmas Day?

On Christmas Day, small shops (under 280 sq meters), petrol stations, pharmacies, and businesses in airports/rail stations/motorway services, plus hospitality venues (restaurants, pubs, takeaways), are generally allowed to open in the UK, while large supermarkets and high-street stores (over 280 sq meters) must remain closed in England and Wales due to the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004. However, many smaller businesses and hospitality venues choose to close to give staff the holiday, so checking local times is always best. 

What is the best German city to visit at Christmas?

Cologne is by far one of the most famous Christmas market destinations in Germany and one of my personal favourites. After all, it may just boast one of the most atmospheric and beautiful backdrops to a Christmas Market in the entire country: the stunning Cologne Cathedral, one of the tallest cathedrals in the world.

Does Christkindlmarket cost money?

Admission to both Christkindlmarkets is free and prices for food, beverages and gifts vary based on the vendor and location.

What is the famous German Christmas town?

Quedlinburg, with its cobblestone streets and half- timbered houses, is like stepping into a medieval Christmas card. The town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, brims with history, dating back over a thousand years.

What do Germans eat for breakfast on Christmas?

In Germany, a Christmas breakfast usually consists of hearty bread, cold meats and cheeses, and eggs, alongside a number of regional dishes; in the north, many families will have fish with their breakfast. After breakfast, there will be plenty of snacks to keep you from feeling peckish until dinner time.

What do Germans do on the 24th of December?

In Germany, Christmas is celebrated on the evening of the 24th of December (we just can't wait!). The meal is rather simple, like fish or sausages and potato salad. On the 25th, most families eat goose or duck, very rarely turkey.

What is a traditional German Christmas meal centerpiece?

What is a traditional German Christmas meal centerpiece? Answer: A roast goose or duck, often seasoned and stuffed with fruits like apples or prunes.

What is the least friendly city in Germany?

Munich: No Bavarian hospitality for newcomers

The Bavarian capital received the lowest marks for local friendliness, with nearly half of respondents rating locals as unfriendly.

What is the prettiest village in Germany?

Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Bavaria

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the most notable village located along Germany's Romantic Road. Not only is it one of the most preserved medieval towns in all of Europe, but it is also considered the most beautiful town in Germany. If you only have time for one stop, make it this one!

What are the best free attractions in Germany?

• Discover Germany without spending a dime. ...
• 1: Explore Berlin's East Side Gallery. ...
• 2: Stroll through Munich's English Garden. ...
• 3: Visit the Cologne Cathedral. ...
• 4: Wander around Hamburg's Port. ...
• 5: Discover Stuttgart's Palace Square. ...
• Embrace the adventure of student life in Germany.