German Christmas Traditions: Origins and Celebrations
- Matti Geyer
- 2 days ago
- 14 min read
If you’re wondering why German Christmas feels so magical—or planning to travel to Germany during the festive season—you’re in for a treat. From Christmas Eve gift-giving to the charming St. Nicholas Day and the world-famous Christmas tree tradition, Germany has shaped many of the holiday customs we celebrate around the world. Let’s take a closer look. And don’t miss the chance to join me on a magical Berlin tour during the Christmas season!
Be sure to also check out my curated list of the best and most recommended Christmas markets in Berlin, discover what to do in the city during the festive season, and explore some of the top Christmas markets across Germany.
Christmas in Germany Doesn’t Start After Thanksgiving – It Starts After Totensonntag
If you’re used to the U.S. tradition of kicking off Christmas right after Thanksgiving, Germany does things a bit differently. The Christmas season officially begins after Totensonntag, or Sunday of the Dead, a solemn day in the Protestant church dedicated to remembering the deceased.
What Is Totensonntag?
Totensonntag falls on the last Sunday of the church year, just before the first Sunday of Advent. Depending on the calendar, this can occur anywhere between November 20th and 26th.
The day has roots in the medieval church year, which associated the final Sundays of the year with reflections on the “last things”:
The third-to-last Sunday: the theme of death
The penultimate Sunday: (Final) Judgment
Totensonntag (last Sunday): eternal life
Why This Matters for Christmas
Because Totensonntag is a quiet, reflective day, Germans traditionally avoid starting Christmas celebrations before it ends. That means Christmas markets, decorations, and festive music usually appear after Totensonntag, once the somber period has passed.
For travelers, this timing is perfect: by the end of November, towns are glowing with lights, Christmas markets open, and the holiday spirit officially kicks in—while still respecting a moment of reflection for the deceased.
Advent and the Advent Wreath: Counting Down to Christmas
In Germany, the Christmas season officially begins with Advent. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “arrival,” referring to the coming of Jesus Christ.
When Does Advent Start?
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, known as the first Advent Sunday, marking the start of the new church year. Traditionally, it was a time of fasting and reflection, similar to Lent. By the 7th century, Advent was established as a four-week period, symbolizing the thousands of years humanity waited for the Savior.
The Adventskranz: A Symbolic Countdown
One of the most beloved German Christmas traditions is the Adventskranz, or Advent wreath. Typically made from evergreen branches, it holds four candles, one for each Sunday of Advent. Each Sunday, a new candle is lit, symbolizing the growing light as Christmas approaches.
The Advent wreath was invented in 1839 by Johann Hinrich Wichern, a Lutheran pastor in Hamburg. He created a large wreath with 24 small red candles and four big white candles to help poor children count down the days until Christmas. Over time, the simpler four-candle version became the standard, both in homes and churches, made from fresh fir or pine branches.
Today, the Adventskranz is a central decorative piece in German homes, often placed on a table, sometimes hanging from the ceiling, and beautifully decorated with ribbons, ornaments, or pinecones. Lighting the candles each week is both a family ritual and a countdown, building excitement for Christmas Eve.
Advent Calendars: A Daily Dose of Christmas Magic
In Germany, the Advent calendar (Adventskalender) is more than just a countdown—it’s a daily tradition that builds excitement all December long. The calendar marks the days from the start of December up to Christmas Eve, giving children—and increasingly adults—a small daily surprise.
Origins and History
The first documented Advent calendar dates back to 1839, created by Johann Hinrich Wichern, the same Lutheran pastor who invented the Advent wreath. Wichern wanted to help children at his Hamburg children’s home count down the days until Christmas. He built a large wooden calendar with 24 small candles and four large candles, one for each Advent Sunday.
By the mid-19th century, families began making their own calendars, using pictures, chalk marks, or straw in a Nativity scene to track the days. In 1903, printed Advent calendars began appearing, making the tradition widely accessible, and by the 1950s, the modern format—24 doors, one for each day of December leading up to Christmas Eve—became a staple in German homes.
St. Nicholas Day: December 6th
Before the Christmas season officially begins, Germans celebrate St. Nicholas Day (Nikolaustag) on December 6th.
On the night of December 5th, children leave out boots or shoes, and a man dressed as Saint Nicholas—complete with bishop’s robe and staff—leaves small treats.
The real St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra in the 4th century, was known for his generosity and care for children. This tradition predates Santa Claus and has remained a charming, distinctly German part of the holiday season.
Christmas Eve in Germany: The Heart of the Holiday
In Germany, Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve, December 24th. While it’s not a public holiday, it’s the day when families gather to exchange gifts in a tradition called Bescherung.
The evening is full of warmth and ritual. Families often sing Christmas carols, light candles, and admire the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Afterward comes the gift exchange—a moment that reflects the story of the three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus.
Unlike in the U.S., where gifts are opened on December 25th, Germans traditionally give presents on the evening of the 24th.
Bescherung: Why Gifts Come on Christmas Eve in Germany
If you’re wondering why Germans exchange gifts on December 24th instead of the 25th like in the U.S., the answer lies in history, religion, and cultural shifts.
From St. Nicholas to Heiligabend
The tradition of Bescherung—the giving of Christmas presents—evolved from the St. Nicholas Day gifts on December 6th. After the Reformation, many Protestant regions moved the gift-giving to Christmas Eve. Why? Because the evangelical church no longer celebrated saints’ days, so children no longer received gifts on the feast of St. Nicholas.
Originally, only children received gifts, but over time the custom expanded to include adults as well.
Midnight to Afternoon
Historically, gifts were given at midnight after attending Christmette, the traditional Christmas Mass. Since younger children often could not stay awake until midnight, the practice gradually shifted to afternoon or early evening, allowing the whole family to participate in the excitement without keeping the little ones up past their bedtime.
Who Brings the Gifts?
Germany is unique in that the figure delivering gifts varies by region and tradition:
Northern, Eastern, and Central Germany: Typically, it’s the Weihnachtsmann (the German Santa, literally "Christmas Man"), continuing the gift-giving tradition from Nikolaustag.
Southern Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and some Western regions: The Christkind (literally “Christ Child”) delivers the presents.
This regional difference sometimes reflects confessional lines: Protestant areas favor the Weihnachtsmann, while Catholic regions prefer the Christkind.
December 25th & 26th: Holidays for Family and Feast
December 25th and 26th are public holidays in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. These days are all about family, big meals, and relaxation.
Classic Christmas meals vary, but you’ll often find roast goose with dumplings and red cabbage, while Christmas Eve might feature something simpler like potato salad with sausages, fondue, or raclette.
Do Germans Go to Church on Christmas?
In Germany, Christmas is a primarily family-centered holiday, and church attendance is generally lower than in some other countries. While Germany has a strong Christian tradition, most Germans do not regularly attend church services, often going only once or twice a year, with Christmas being the most common occasion.
On Christmas Eve (Heiligabend, December 24th), many churches hold special Christmas masses (Christmette) in the afternoon or evening. These services are well-attended, attracting both regular churchgoers and people who rarely visit church during the rest of the year. Estimates suggest that about 29% of Germans attend these services, reflecting a mix of tradition, cultural habit, and religious observance.
The Christmas mass is usually a quiet, reflective service, featuring readings, hymns like Stille Nacht (Silent Night), and sometimes performances by choirs or children. While attendance is far from universal, the symbolic and cultural importance of church at Christmas remains strong.
The German Christmas Tree: Where It All Began
The Christmas tree, or Weihnachtsbaum, is another iconic German tradition. While today it’s beloved around the world, it actually originated in Germany.
A Bit of History
Evergreens have long symbolized life and hope during the dark winter months. In Germany, the Christmas tree evolved from the Paradiesbaum, which represented the tree in the Garden of Eden. By the 16th century, decorated trees began appearing in homes and public spaces, particularly in Strasbourg and other German-speaking areas.
By the 19th century, the Christmas tree became a widespread tradition among all social classes. German immigrants later introduced it to the United States, where it became the standard we know today.
Decorating the Tree
Traditional German trees are decorated with candles, ornaments, tinsel, and figurines. The first glass ornaments were created around 1830, and over time, the custom spread across Europe and beyond.
Today, Germans typically use Nordmann firs, which keep their needles longer and are ideal for indoor display. A beautifully decorated tree is the centerpiece of Heiligabend, with gifts placed underneath, ready to be unwrapped.
Weihnachtspyramide – The Spinning Heart of German Christmas
How They Work
Weihnachtspyramiden are usually made of wood, built on a four- to eight-sided base, and taper to a point at the top. Inside, a vertical rod holds one or more rotating platforms adorned with carved or turned figurines—ranging from the Nativity scene to miners, forest animals, or winter motifs.
The rotation is powered by the heat from candles surrounding the base. As the warm air rises, it turns a small fan or propeller at the top, which spins the platforms below. Some pyramids are simple tabletop decorations, while others can be multi-tiered masterpieces requiring multiple candles to turn their layers.
History and Tradition
The Weihnachtspyramide evolved from medieval European traditions of decorating with evergreens and light to ward off darkness. In the 18th century, the Erzgebirge miners adapted these decorations, filling hollow wooden frames with carved figures and creating the first true Christmas pyramids. The term Pyramide appears in records as early as 1716, describing candle-lit, pyramidal arrangements in churches.
The invention of affordable paraffin candles around 1830 allowed for larger and more elaborate pyramids. Artisans began producing motifs in Gothic, Oriental, and forest themes, featuring Nativity scenes, miner processions, and woodland creatures.
Nutcrackers – Decorative Christmas Figures
Nutcrackers are traditional wooden figures, originally designed to crack nuts using a lever mechanism in their “mouth.” Today, they are widely used as Christmas decorations and are among the most popular holiday collectibles in Germany and around the world.
History of Nutcrackers
The earliest nutcrackers date back to ancient Greece, where simple lever-style devices were used to crack nuts, with some designs mentioned by Aristotle in the 4th century BCE. By the 16th century, figurative nutcrackers were being made, often elaborately carved, such as the bronze examples found in Tarent.
The modern decorative nutcracker as we know it originated in the 17th and 18th centuries:
Around 1650 in Berchtesgaden, Germany, the first commercial wooden figures appeared.
From 1735, Sonneberg in Thuringia became a center for nutcracker production.
By the 19th century, the Erzgebirge region, especially around Seiffen, Neuhausen, and Olbernhau, became the hub for decorative wooden toys, including nutcrackers.
These figures often feature soldiers, kings, gendarmes, or whimsical caricatures. The exaggerated mouths and stern expressions were meant to instill respect, while brightly painted designs made them attractive to children and collectors alike.
Räuchermann – Traditional German Incense Smokers
Räuchermänner, or incense smokers, are decorative wooden figures designed to burn small incense cones. Originating in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) region of Germany, these charming figures are a hallmark of German Christmas traditions and folk art.
History
The first recorded mention of the Räuchermann dates to around 1830. Before their invention, incense cones were burned openly. The traditional Räuchermann consists of two wooden parts: a hollow upper body and a solid lower body. The incense cone is placed in the lower section, the upper part is attached, and as the incense burns, smoke emerges from the figure’s mouth, creating a whimsical effect.
German Christmas Markets: The Heart of the Holiday Season
If you’re planning to travel to Germany for the holidays, visiting a Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) is an absolute must. These markets are not just for shopping—they’re a centuries-old tradition that captures the magic, smells, and tastes of a German Christmas.
Origins of the Christmas Market
Christmas markets trace back to late medieval fairs, New Year’s markets, and winter supply markets, where townspeople stocked up on essentials during the cold months. By the 14th century, artisans like toy makers, bakers, and wicker craftsmen were allowed to set up stalls to sell small gifts for children. Even back then, people could enjoy roasted chestnuts, nuts, and sweets.
Some of the earliest documented markets include:
1296, Vienna: Duke Albert I granted merchants the right to hold a December market.
1310, Munich: The first recorded Nikolausmarkt.
1384, Bautzen: King Wenceslas allowed a free meat market from Michaelmas to Christmas.
Over time, these markets spread throughout German-speaking regions, becoming a core part of Advent and Christmas traditions by the 20th century.
When Are Christmas Markets Open?
Modern German Christmas markets often start in late November, sometimes even before Advent begins. While most close by Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, some extend into the days “between the years” until the New Year. Smaller towns may host weekend-only markets or short seasonal fairs.
What You’ll Find at a German Christmas Market
A typical Weihnachtsmarkt is a festive cluster of wooden stalls set up in town squares or historic streets, often framed by beautiful architecture. Here’s what to expect:
Food and Drink: Glühwein (hot spiced wine), Feuerzangenbowle (a rum-soaked sugarloaf set on fire), mulled cider, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread (Lebkuchen), stollen, candied nuts, and local sausages.
Handcrafted Gifts: Ornaments, advent stars, nativity scenes, Erzgebirge wooden figurines, and other artisanal crafts.
Family Fun: Many markets have cultural programs, including live music, choirs, and nativity plays. Children might meet Nikolaus or the Christkind, receive small gifts, or ride a horse-drawn carriage. Larger markets often feature a giant Christmas tree and festive lights that illuminate the early evening darkness. Some markets even feature modern rides, including carousels and small roller coasters.
Plätzchen – Traditional German Christmas Cookies
Plätzchen are small, sweet baked goods, typically considered fine pastries. They are a staple of German Christmas baking and are among the most commonly homemade holiday treats. In other countries, they are generally called cookies (USA) or biscuits (UK).
Ingredients and Dough
The classic base for Plätzchen is shortcrust dough (Mürbeteig), made from flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. Minor variations in ingredients and spices, along with shaping techniques, create a wide variety of flavors and textures. Some recipes include nuts, marzipan, or cocoa for additional richness.
History
Plätzchen baking became popular in Germany in the 18th century, alongside the rise of coffee, tea, and cocoa drinking, especially among upper-class women during social gatherings. Initially, these cookies were considered luxury items because sugar, almonds, and cocoa were expensive. The widespread availability of sugar from domestic sugar beets in the 19th century made Plätzchen accessible to ordinary households, turning them into a beloved homemade tradition, especially at Christmas.
Lebkuchen – Spiced German Christmas Cookies
No German Christmas market or festive table is complete without Lebkuchen, the iconic spiced honey cakes that come in countless forms and flavors. Known for their rich aroma, long shelf life, and festive shapes, Lebkuchen are as much a part of German holiday tradition as Glühwein or Christmas pyramids.
What is Lebkuchen?
Lebkuchen is a sweet, spiced baked good, traditionally made with honey, nuts, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, anise, ginger, cardamom, and coriander. Unlike typical cakes, Lebkuchen uses little to no water, milk, or fat, which, combined with the sugar content, gives it a dry but long-lasting texture. Some variants are soft and chewy, while others, like Printen, can be firm and crisp. Try the Nürnberger Lebkuchen. They are perhaps the most famous, often baked on a thin wafer (Oblate) and sometimes coated in chocolate. East Germans also swear on Pulsnitzer Pfefferkuchen, the traditional East German spiced cookies, often soft and aromatic.
A Long and Spiced History
Lebkuchen dates back centuries. Early versions of honey cakes were known to the Egyptians and Romans, and by the Middle Ages, they were common in European monasteries. Germany’s Nuremberg, Aachen, and Pulsnitz became central hubs for Lebkuchen, due to access to trade routes and exotic spices.
The term Lebkuchen appears in documents from the 13th century, and the related words Pfefferkuchen (spice cake) and Honigkuchen (honey cake) highlight the key ingredients. Originally, these treats were baked by specialized bakers called Lebküchler or Pfefferküchler, sometimes as a monastic specialty, sometimes as street-sold delicacies.
Stollen – The Classic Christmas Yeast Cake
Stollen, also called Christstollen or Christmas Stollen, is a loaf-shaped cake made from a rich, buttery yeast dough. Typical ingredients include butter, milk, flour, eggs, sugar, raisins, sultanas, candied lemon and orange peel, almonds, and spices. Variations may also include marzipan or poppy seed fillings.
Stollen is traditionally associated with Advent and Christmas, although it is produced year-round. When dusted thickly with powdered sugar, it is said to symbolize the swaddled Christ child. Unlike lighter yeast breads, Stollen uses a heavy dough that is rich in fat and sugar, giving it a long shelf life. Properly stored, some Stollen can remain fresh for several months.
History
The earliest written record of Stollen comes from a 1329 guild privilege in Naumburg, referring to “two long white loaves called Stollen” given annually at Christmas. By the 14th century, Stollen was a festive luxury bread. In the early 17th century, competition between bakers in Siebenlehn and Dresden led to the so-called “Stollen War” of 1615, after which Dresden bakers were granted exclusive rights to supply their city with Stollen during Christmas.
Mulled Wine: Glühwein & Feuerzangenbowle
No visit to a German Christmas market is complete without Glühwein, the warm, spiced wine that practically defines the season. Traditionally made with red wine and a blend of mulling spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus, Glühwein warms you from the inside out during chilly December nights. You’ll also find white wine versions and alcohol-free alternatives called Kinderpunsch, perfect for kids or designated drivers.
At most Christmas markets, you’ll pay a small deposit for the festive mug, which is refundable when you return it. But let’s be honest—many travelers keep it as a souvenir of their Christmas market adventure. Sip carefully, though: it’s sugary and warming, and a couple of cups is usually enough to feel the holiday cheer. If you want a taste back home, bottled Glühwein is sold in most German grocery stores, ready to heat and enjoy.
Feeling Adventurous? Try Feuerzangenbowle
For a truly dramatic experience, try a Feuerzangenbowle, literally “fire-tongs punch.” Here, a sugarloaf soaked in rum is set on a small metal grate above a bowl of Glühwein and then lit on fire. As the sugar caramelizes, it drips into the wine below, creating a rich, fiery, and extra-sweet drink. It’s a festive spectacle as much as a beverage—perfect for photos and for feeling fully immersed in German Christmas traditions.
Bonus: New Year’s Eve in Berlin – Absolute Madness
If you think German Christmas traditions are charming and cozy, wait until New Year’s Eve in Berlin—it’s an entirely different beast.
For days leading up to New Year’s Eve, fireworks and firecrackers are everywhere. Stores sell them by the ton, and by the evening of the 31st, the streets are thick with smoke and the sharp smell of gunpowder. People light rockets from balconies, toss firecrackers into bins and even tram tracks, and ignite battery packs on the streets. The scene can feel like controlled chaos—but mostly, it’s just chaos.
Berlin alone sees thousands of emergency calls, dozens of fires, and millions in property damage every year. Dogs and unsuspecting bystanders are left bewildered by the relentless popping, whizzing, and explosions.
Environmental concerns, safety, and common sense all take a backseat for one night. Streets and parks are covered in debris by the next morning, making January 1st one of the most polluted days of the year. The city’s normally disciplined residents seem to release a year’s worth of pent-up energy in one night of pyrotechnic insanity.
For travelers, the takeaway is simple: enjoy Berlin’s Christmas markets, but skip the streets on New Year’s Eve unless you’re ready to witness—and possibly survive—the most intense urban fireworks show of your life.