Christmas Holidays In Germany: Official Dates And Traditions

Christmas is a special time of the year in Germany, a country known for its rich traditions and festive atmosphere. Germans take their Christmas celebrations very seriously, and the holiday season is a time for family, friends, and festive fun. In this article, we will explore the official dates and traditions of Christmas holidays in Germany.

Germany's Christmas season, also known as "Weihnachtszeit," begins on the first day of Advent, which is the four Sundays before Christmas Day. During this time, Germans prepare for the holiday by baking traditional Christmas cookies, decorating their homes with lights and ornaments, and singing Christmas carols.

Official Dates of Christmas Holidays in Germany

Christmas holidays in Germany officially begin on December 25th, Christmas Day, and end on January 6th, Epiphany. However, the festive season starts earlier, on the first day of Advent, which can fall on any date between November 27th and December 3rd.

Here are the official dates of Christmas holidays in Germany:

December 25th: Christmas Day (Weihnachtstag)
December 26th: Boxing Day (Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag)
January 6th: Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige)

Christmas Traditions in Germany

Germany has many unique and fascinating Christmas traditions. Here are a few:

Christmas Markets: Germany is famous for its Christmas markets, which take place in almost every town and city. These markets offer a wide range of festive goods, including handmade crafts, traditional food, and mulled wine.
Christmas Trees: Germans take great pride in their Christmas trees, which are typically decorated with lights, ornaments, and tinsel. The trees are usually topped with a star or an angel.
Christmas Cookies: Germans love their Christmas cookies, which are baked during the Advent season. The most popular types of cookies are lebkuchen, spritzgebäck, and spekulatius.
Christmas Carols: Germans sing traditional Christmas carols, such as "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night) and "O Tannenbaum" (Oh Christmas Tree).
Christmas Eve: Christmas Eve is the most important day of the Christmas season in Germany. Families gather together for a festive meal, which typically includes roasted goose or carp.

Christmas Eve Traditions

Christmas Eve is a special day in Germany, with many unique traditions. Here are a few:

Midnight Mass: Many Germans attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve, which is a special church service that takes place at midnight.
Gift-Giving: Germans exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, which is a tradition that dates back to the 19th century.
Festive Meal: Germans enjoy a festive meal on Christmas Eve, which typically includes roasted goose or carp, accompanied by potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

German Christmas Food

German Christmas food is hearty and delicious, with many traditional dishes that are enjoyed during the holiday season. Here are a few:

Roasted Goose: Roasted goose is a traditional Christmas dish in Germany, which is typically served with potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.
Carp: Carp is another popular Christmas dish in Germany, which is often served with a side of potatoes and vegetables.
Christmas Cookies: Germans love their Christmas cookies, which are baked during the Advent season. The most popular types of cookies are lebkuchen, spritzgebäck, and spekulatius.

German Christmas Drinks

Germany has many delicious Christmas drinks that are enjoyed during the holiday season. Here are a few:

Glühwein: Glühwein is a traditional German Christmas drink that is made with red wine, spices, and sugar. It is typically served hot, with a cinnamon stick garnish.
Weihnachtsbier: Weihnachtsbier is a special Christmas beer that is brewed in Germany during the holiday season. It is typically stronger and more flavorful than regular beer.

We hope you enjoyed this article about Christmas holidays in Germany. Whether you are planning a trip to Germany during the holiday season or simply want to learn more about German Christmas traditions, we hope this article has provided you with useful information and inspiration.