Local vendors sell beeswax candles, ornaments, handmade soaps, and household goods as well as winterproof clothing items (from sweaters to hats and mittens). That means that Christmas celebrations stretch throughout the whole month of December, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your German Christmas experience. Wooden toys as well as jewelry or Weihnachtsplätzchen (Christmas cookies) can also be found here. Several different types of Advent calendars are used in German homes. Advent calendars are especially popular with kids, but I know even some adults who love following them simply because they make counting down the days leading up to Christmas Eve so much sweeter. Gifts are usually given on Christmas Eve, which is also when the Christmas tree would have traditionally been put up and decorated. There's no better treat on a cold winter day than a glass of mulled wine, Germany's traditional Christmas drink. As well as the traditional one made of card that are used in many countries, there are ones made out of a wreath of Fir tree branches with 24 decorated boxes or bags hanging from it. German Christmas traditions Customs of one of the most important German holidays. The Advent Calendar counts down the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve and is one of childhood’s greatest memories. Most of the time, they are made out of real glass and come in all sizes and shapes — popular are not only traditional Christmas motives, but also things that technically don’t have anything to do with Christmas. Another favorite of the Holiday season is Lebkuchen, German gingerbread. Weihnachtsengel have a longstanding tradition and oftentimes families don’t have just one or two, but an entire “parade” that is put up every year during the holidays. Attitudes towards the winter changed during the 19th century. or On each Advent Sunday, one additional candle is lit till all candles are blazing to announce the looming birth of Christ. The Holidays are more or less right around the corner — close enough, in fact, to perk up a bit if all of your preparations happen at the last minute like mine usually do (hey, no judgment!). If you are spending December 6 in Germany, make sure to leave your shoes outside the door. Germany celebrates Christmas with two public holidays, 25 and 26 December. Christmas Eve then starts out as a working day, but with most businesses operating only a half day, or less, to free everyone up to enjoy the festivities. (That is, if you were a good kid that year. Plenty of Christmas celebration traditions from Germany – Christkindlesmarkt, Christmas tree, Advent – Christmas calendar, and some tasty recipes! By Christmas, all four candles on the wreath are lit. 7 German Christmas Traditions Explained. Especially the latter phrases are oftentimes used in cards or personal notes, such as the ones that businesses send out to their customers. The British topped the list of which country spends the most, where the average amount spent is €420. And just like the tree is real, the candles on the tree are oftentimes as well (to the horror of many of my American friends due to the possible fire hazard). Goose is always popular, although in areas with rivers or coastline, fish might also be served. Required fields are marked *. As the story goes, when Luther was walking home one night, he stopped to admire a tree shining in the moonlight. Some of them are more popular with children, and some of them are observed by families with or without children alike. According to survey data, German people spend an average amount of €200 each during Christmas. Der erste und zweite Weihnachtsfeiertag(literally, the 1st and 2nd days of Christmas), 6th January (Public Holiday in some regions of Germany). This is an especially easy way to test your child’s self-control (since when there’s a sweet treat involved, it gets significantly harder to stick with opening one flap a day). Kids are often asked to make and recite a rhyme for St Nicholas on that evening. These angels are little wooden figurines originating from the Erzgebirge — a mountain range in Saxony, bordering the Czech Republic. While Santa doesn’t play much of a role in the actual Christmas celebration on the 24th of December, he—or more precisely, somewhat more of his equivalent—plays an important role on December 6th, the so-called Nikolaustag (St. Nicholas Day). Christmas rejoices the birth of the Christ child, Baby Jesus. German Christmas traditions have hugely influenced the way that Christmas is celebrated the world over. If you love these Christmas customs and you’re headed to Germany for Christmas, you can get to see where it all began - and discover some more quirky, local traditions as well. You might also want to consider getting your hands on a TransferWise borderless multi-currency account, which lets you hold cash in several different currencies, including euros. From advent calendars to something called an Advent Kranz, it’s quite popular around the holidays. Also, starting in early 2018, you’ll be able to get a card to make local payments and withdraw cash at an ATM. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. From Christmas trees to advent calendars, the Christmas Markets that are commonly found throughout European towns and cities, and the mulled wine we like to drink while we visit them. The German celebration season begin at of the November month or initial December with the Advent festivities. Let it snow! These angels are often depicted in various positions: holding tiny candles or banners or (and this is probably the most popular variant) playing instruments. Starting on the first Sunday of December, one candle is lit to symbolize Christmas Eve approaching. or. There are numerous stands with mouth-blown and carefully painted glass trinkets in all dimensions and colours. Even before November is over, you’ll find Christmas Markets popping up in German towns and cities, selling local and regional products and gifts. Banks and transfer services often add a markup of around 4-6% to the exchange rate to make sure that they can make a profit. — A blessed Christmas celebration! For each day from December 1st to the 24th, you open a flap and there is a small picture or sometimes even a short poem underneath. — A happy celebration! It’s also normal in Germany to give anonymous gifts, like a Secret Santa, in offices and workplaces. — Joyous Christmas! German children usually don't get to see the illuminated Christmas tree until this night with parents secretly decorating the tree with ornaments and lights. 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