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If you're thinking about taking a festive holiday this year, you seriously need to consider spending Christmas in Germany. Not only do they have incredible Christmas markets, delicious food and phenomenal ice skating rinks, but they also have many esteemed Christmas traditions that have been passed down over the years. In this blog, we'll tell you all about the Christmas traditions in Germany before uncovering the 5 best places for spending Christmas in Germany 2024.
Christmas Traditions in Germany
Christmas in Germany is a magical time filled with cherished traditions and festive celebrations. From the advent season to Christmas Eve, the country comes alive with customs that have been passed down through generations. Join us as we explore the heartwarming traditions that make Christmas in Germany truly special:
1. Advent
The Advent tradition begins on the 4th Sunday before Christmas Eve, officially ushering in the Christmas season. It is a time when families gather to celebrate traditions, light candles on the Advent wreath, and count down the days to Christmas through Advent calendars, creating a sense of anticipation and joy.
Where does the Advent wreath candle holder originate from?
An Advent wreath is a wreath usually woven from fir greenery, on which four candles are placed, one more of which is lit every Sunday before 24 December. Its origins go back to the 19th century and its history is heartwarming. At the time, the Protestant pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern opened a home for children in need in Hamburg. To shorten the endless time before Christmas for the waiting children, he invented what we know today as an Advent wreath. At that time, it was still made of wood and hung from the ceiling, but the custom was born. If you're spending Christmas in Germany, you can make your own or buy a ready-made one from a florist.
2. Baking Traditional German Christmas Cookies
Getting together with friends or family and baking traditional German Christmas biscuits (otherwise known as Lebkucken) is definitely one of the best German Christmas traditions. If you're spending Christmas in Germany, get the family in the kitchen and get creative with your biscuit decorations. The most popular biscuits and pastries at Christmas time are vanilla crescents, speculoos, nut cookies and coconut macaroons.
3. Visiting German Christmas Markets
Germany is home to many of the world's best Christmas markets and many people spend a large part of their pre-Christmas period here. Most markets start as early as November, so you have plenty of time to explore a wide range of different places.
4. Cleaning Boots for St. Nicholas Day
St. Nicholas comes on 6th December and you better have a cleaned boot on your doorstep. Children in particular take this German Christmas tradition very seriously, because they know that St. Nicholas will put a few Christmas gifts in their boot over night and if the boot has not been cleaned, sadly the poor kids will be empty-handed. So, if you're spending Christmas in Germany, don't forget to clean your boot on St. Nicholas Day.
5. Attending a Christmas Eve Service in Church
For many Germans, Christmas is still a sacred and religious festival, which is why chapels and churches all over the country hold services on Christmas Eve. Even if you are not religious, when spending Christmas in Germany it's definitely worth attending one of these Christmas services at least once, because they are beautiful to watch and give you a sense of a beautiful traditional Christmas in Germany.
6. Giving Christmas Presents
Finally, the time has come - Christmas presents! In many countries, Christmas gifts are only given on Christmas Day, i.e. on the 25th December. In Germany, however, the whole family gathers around the Christmas tree on the evening of the 24th December and unwraps the presents underneath together. If you want to spend an evening full of old German Christmas traditions, the children recite poems, play an instrument or sing a Christmas carol beforehand. The evening is then rounded off with a typical German Christmas meal. When celebrating Christmas in Germany, Christmas Day and Boxing Day are spent visiting the rest of the family and having a jolly time together.
Enjoying a traditional German Christmas dinner
Let's face it, apart from the Christmas presents, this is what we look forward to most at Christmas time, the meal on Christmas Eve. It's a tradition where everyone comes together and enjoys all kinds of delicacies.
German Christmas food traditions differ somewhat from region to region. However, the most typical dishes are:
- Potato salad with sausages
- Roast duck or goose with potato dumplings and red cabbage
- Raclette or fondue
Now that we've unpacked the most important German Christmas traditions, let's explore the 5 best places to spend Christmas in Germany to truly elevate your festive season.
Best Places to Spend Christmas in Germany
Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year, and spending it in Germany offers a truly magical experience. If you're looking for the perfect destination to celebrate Christmas, these German cities should be at the top of your list
1. Nuremberg
First on our list of the best places to spend Christmas in Germany is Nuremberg. Although Nuremberg is famous for its Christmas market, this city's winter charm goes far beyond this. With its medieval ambience, wooden stalls, and traditional gingerbread cookies (Lebkuchen), it's a winter wonderland that transports you back in time. Don't miss the lighting of the Christmas Angel, who opens the season with a heartwarming prologue from the balcony of the Church of Our Lady.
2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Experience the magic of a medieval Christmas in Germany by staying in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This charming German town is like a fairy tale come to life, featuring half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. The Reiterlesmarkt, one of Germany's oldest winter markets, showcases unique artisanal crafts and creates a festive atmosphere that warms the heart.
3. Cologne
Another top choice for German Christmas destinations is Cologne. Explore the stunning Cologne Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, as snowflakes gently fall. Stroll along the picturesque Rhine River promenade, where you can take in the serene winter views and sip on warm Glühwein (mulled wine) at cosy riverside cafes. Enjoy the city's rich cultural scene, from world-class museums to enchanting theatres. Cologne offers a magical winter experience that extends far beyond the holiday season.
4. Dresden
Dresden is a top German Christmas destination packed with things to do. When staying in Dresden, take in the city's historical architecture, which provides a picturesque backdrop for winter photography. Visit the stunning Frauenkirche and take in the serene winter views from its observation deck. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with Dresden's famous Stollen (fruitcake) and discover the city's rich cultural heritage through its museums and theatres.
5. Munich
Famous for Oktoberfest, Munich is a superb winter holiday destination for a multitude of reasons. This Bavarian gem seamlessly blends modernity with tradition, offering visitors a diverse and enchanting winter experience. The Marienplatz Christmas market in the heart of the city is a festive wonderland, where the impressive Glockenspiel chimes to the delight of onlookers. Beyond the market, Munich's rich cultural scene beckons with world-class museums and enchanting theatres, providing respite from the winter chill. And when it's time to warm up, cosy up with a cup of mulled wine or savour hearty Bavarian dishes like sauerkraut and sausages. Munich's unique charm, historical landmarks, and festive ambience make it a fantastic choice for a winter getaway in Germany.
Will you spend Christmas in Germany in 2024?
These German cities not only embrace the magic of winter but also offer a festive atmosphere, delicious seasonal treats, and a wide range of activities to make your winter holiday truly unforgettable. Whether you're seeking historic charm, a vibrant cityscape, or a taste of the past, Germany has it all for a magical winter getaway.
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