Hubbry Logo
WeihnachtenWeihnachtenMain
Open search
Weihnachten
Community hub
Weihnachten
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Weihnachten
Weihnachten
Weihnachten
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
Weihnachten
The Reichstagsgebäude decorated for Christmas
Observed by Germany
 Austria
 Switzerland
 Liechtenstein
Partly:
 Luxembourg
 Belgium
TypeChristian
SignificanceCommemoration of the birth of Jesus
CelebrationsGift-giving, family and other social gatherings, symbolic decoration, feasting
Date24 December – 26 December
Related toChristmas, New Year's, Nikolaustag
A man dressed as Saint Nicholas in Baden-Baden for Weihnachten celebrations
A man dressed as Nikolaus for Weihnachten in Baden-Baden

Weihnachten (German: [ˈvaɪnaxtn̩] ⓘ) is the observance of what is commonly known in English as Christmas in the German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It is also widespread in countries with a German-speaking minority, such as Transylvania in Romania, South Tyrol in Italy, Eupen in Belgium, and various diasporas such as the German Brazilian and German American communities. Traditions of Weihnachten influenced Advent and Christmastide culture throughout the world.

Preparations

[edit]

In preparation for Weihnachten, many families celebrate Advent. This is a time of religious preparation for the arrival of the Christkind (the Christ Child). Traditional advent activities include the Adventskranz (Advent wreath), which is set up on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, the beginning of the Advent season. Four candles adorn the wreath, and a new one is lit each Sunday. Families often sing Christmas carols as they gather around the wreath to celebrate the preparation and Christmas season.

Children also enjoy the advent calendar, which contains 24 doors, one for each day of December leading up to Christmas. Children open one door each day, and find a chocolate treat awaiting them. Many calendars also include pictures inside the doors, often Christmas-related.

A significant part of the Christmas build-up occurs on 6 December, when it is Nikolaustag, the day commemorating St. Nikolaus (Saint Nicholas). On the evening of 5 December, children in Germany place a Nikolausstiefel (a boot or a shoe) in front of the street door. Overnight, the Nikolaus, a figure similar in appearance to Santa Claus or Father Christmas, visits the house and fills the boots with sweets and sometimes even smaller presents if the children were good; otherwise they are left with only a rute (a cane composed of birch twigs).

In Switzerland, on the evening of 6 December an empty small bag is placed in front of the door and some minutes or hours later, the Samichlaus (Swiss German for Nikolaus) with his companion Schmutzli fills the bag and enters the house.

The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg

During the Christmas period, the Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas market, also known as Weihnachtsmarkt) becomes a feature of almost every city, town, or village in the German-speaking countries, where visitors enjoy stalls, entertainment, and savour food and Glühwein (mulled wine). Traditional Christmastime treats include Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Stollen (fruit cake), Spekulatius and Marzipan (almond confectionery often made into sweets). Perhaps the most famed of these markets is the one held in Nuremberg, which attracts millions of visitors every year.

A German christmas tree

The Weihnachtsbaum (Christmas Tree) is usually put up in the afternoon of 24 December. The trees can be bought at special traders' sites, but some families may still go into the forest and cut one themselves.

Traditionally, on Heiligabend (Christmas Eve) in Germany, a simple meal will be prepared and served before or after the Bescherung ("time for exchanging gifts"), in contrast to the big meal on Christmas Day. Various polls repeatedly declare (Eintopf) or sausages (Würstchen) with potato salad to be Germany's favourite meal on Heiligabend. Further typical meals may include carp, fondue or raclette. On Christmas Day, the most common dishes are roast goose or duck.

Order of events

[edit]

Many families begin the celebration on Heiligabend (literally, Holy Evening, or Christmas Eve) in the afternoon or evening. Although there are two legal holidays in Germany, [Austria], most cantons of Switzerland and Liechtenstein for Christmas, Christmas Eve is not one of them, and in Switzerland, many companies and stores are open for a half-day in the morning until 4 p.m, after which celebrations begin.

Many go to church before the celebration begins. Christmas masses/services often last around one hour. Families with children go to a children's mass which is usually shorter and dramatised with a Krippenspiel (nativity play).

The customs held upon returning from church leading to the gift-giving vary across the German-speaking countries. Commonly, the returning children wait to enter into their locked living room until a little bell rings. This bell marks the departure of the one who is delivering gifts. In the more Catholic regions—primarily South Germany, Austria and Switzerland—the gift bearer role belongs to the Christkind, while those in North Germany commonly consider it to be the Weihnachtsmann (Santa Claus) who is exiting.

The children then enter to see the decorated Weihnachtsbaum (Christmas tree), with all the presents beneath wrapped in colourful paper that has been prepared by an adult while they were away at church. Adults may also share gifts while the children are opening theirs. For the Bescherung in Germany, the only light comes from the Christmas tree lights (traditionally real candles, though today generally replaced by electric lights). In Switzerland, this is done after the big meal in the evening.

An alternative tradition in many homes does not include a ringing bell or presents already lying beneath the tree when children return from church. Instead (although not in the southern region) the Weihnachtsmann, usually played by a relative, appears in person, knocking at the door while the family sits together. Once he is let in, he puts his sack and rute (shepherd's crook) aside and greets the family. He then asks the child or children to perform by singing a Christmas song or reciting a poem and then asks them if they were naughty or nice. Most children admit that they have not always been nice, so the Weihnachtsmann wants the promise that they do better next year before giving all their presents. He then retreats and the family spends the rest of the evening together, enjoying their gifts and company.

After Heiligabend

[edit]

On the first or second Day of Christmas (25th and 26th), many of the typical Christmas meals will be served. The most common include goose, duck, fondue (with many types of meat), raclette and game dishes. In Switzerland often small meals are offered.

The Christmas tree is disposed after the second week of January, with (genuine) trees being left outside for collection by refuse collectors. Some households, however, opt to use artificial trees instead that may be simply packed away until next year's Weihnachten.

See also

[edit]

References in German

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Weihnachten

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Weihnachten is the German observance of , a Christian commemorating the birth of Christ, celebrated primarily from December 24 () to December 26 in German-speaking countries including , , and . The term derives from wīhenahten, meaning "holy nights," reflecting its religious origins in the period adapted by early . Central to Weihnachten are family-oriented traditions that blend religious and secular elements, with Christmas Eve serving as the main day for gift exchanges, festive meals, and gatherings. In , approximately 81% of the population participated in Christmas celebrations in 2022, including many non-religious individuals, though has declined to about 15.4% post-pandemic. Iconic customs include decorating a — a that emerged in 16th-century among Protestant communities, initially with candles to symbolize Christ as the —and lighting an with four candles, one added each starting four weeks before . Weihnachten features vibrant Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte), which originated in the late and now number over 2,500 annually in , offering (Glühwein), (Lebkuchen), and spiced biscuits (Spekulatius). Traditional foods on often include with sausages, , or with and dumplings, while sweets like Stollen fruit bread and thousands of varieties of Christmas cookies (Plätzchen)—with over 13,000 documented types—emphasize the season's culinary heritage. Singing carols such as Stille Nacht (""), composed in 1818 in , remains a cherished practice, valued by 90% of Germans. Historically, Weihnachten evolved from medieval Christian feasts, with the Christmas tree popularized in the through Romantic ideals of nature and family, and markets formalized under figures like Frederick II of Saxony in the 16th century. Today, the holiday underscores themes of peace, reflection, and community, with gifts commonly consisting of vouchers (44%), food (37%), or toys (34%), reflecting both commercial and heartfelt exchanges.

History and Origins

Etymology and Early Roots

The term "Weihnachten" originates from wīhenahten, meaning "," from a dative plural ze den wīhen nahten ("in the holy nights"), referring to the consecrated evenings of the Christmas season. This expression traces back to wīhen, derived from Proto-Germanic wīhijaną ("to hallow" or "consecrate"), combined with naht ("night"), reflecting the holiday's emphasis on sacred nocturnal observances. The name thus encapsulates the Christian sanctification of what were originally pagan winter celebrations, evolving linguistically to denote the festival by the medieval period. The linguistic and cultural roots of Weihnachten are intertwined with pre-Christian Germanic festivals, particularly (Jōl in and related ), a observance marking the return of light after the longest night. involved communal feasting, fire rituals, and the use of evergreens as symbols of enduring life amid winter's barrenness, elements that persisted into early Christian practices in Germanic regions. Similarly, the Roman festival of , celebrated from December 17 to 23 with gift-giving, role reversals, and lavish banquets honoring the agricultural god Saturn, influenced broader European holiday customs through the spread of Roman culture, including feasting traditions that paralleled 's communal aspects. These pagan rites, centered on solstice renewal, provided a foundational framework for Weihnachten's seasonal themes of light triumphing over darkness. The earliest documented Christian adaptations of these solstice celebrations occurred in the 4th century, when the Western Church selected December 25 as the date for commemorating Jesus's birth, deliberately overlaying pagan festivals to facilitate conversion among Roman and Germanic populations. The first recorded observance of Christmas on this date took place in Rome in 336 CE, as noted in the Chronograph of 354, aligning the nativity with the winter solstice to symbolize Christ as the "true light" supplanting solar deities like Sol Invictus. In Germanic areas, including early Christian communities in what is now Germany, this date gradually supplanted Yule rituals, though full Christian dominance emerged only in the medieval era as missionary efforts intensified.

Development in German-Speaking Regions

In medieval German-speaking regions, Christmas celebrations blended Christian liturgy with local customs, but the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century significantly simplified rituals by rejecting many Catholic practices, including the veneration of saints. and other reformers emphasized the biblical Nativity over saint-based traditions, shifting gift-giving from St. Nicholas's feast on to and introducing the —a childlike figure representing the infant Jesus—as the gift-bringer to focus on Christ-centered observance. In contrast, Catholic areas like and retained St. Nicholas (Nikolaus) as a prominent figure, maintaining processions and fillings of children's shoes with treats on his day, which highlighted ongoing confessional divides across , , and . The Christmas tree emerged as a distinctive innovation in these regions during the , with the earliest recorded decorated indoor tree appearing in (then part of the ) in 1605, adorned with apples, wafers, and lights to symbolize the Paradise tree from medieval mystery plays. This practice, initially a Protestant custom in , spread through German-speaking Protestant territories like and , where reformers like Luther reportedly inspired the addition of candles to mimic starlight, evoking the biblical . By the 17th century, the tree had become a fixture in Lutheran households, differentiating German celebrations from the more austere English or French traditions. The 19th century brought a romantic idealization of Weihnachten, influenced by the Romantic movement's emphasis on folklore, family, and nature, which elevated the holiday as a sentimental, domestic affair amid rapid industrialization. This reinforced symbols like the evergreen tree and fostered public events like Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt, which originated in the early 17th century. Industrialization, particularly in urban centers like Berlin and Vienna, spurred commercialization as rising middle-class incomes and factory-produced ornaments—such as glass-blown baubles from Thuringia—transformed markets into festive spectacles, blending artisan crafts with mass-market goods and laying the groundwork for modern consumerism. In , the Habsburg court played a key role in popularizing the in the 18th century, with Empress adopting it for royal celebrations, influencing its spread across . The carol "Stille Nacht" was composed in 1818 in Oberndorf, , becoming a cornerstone of Advent and in German-speaking regions. In , Protestant cantons like Zurich adopted the tree tradition early in the alongside German reformers, while Catholic areas integrated it later; regional customs, such as the Räbelie in , blended with observances. In the , Weihnachten evolved amid political upheavals, with post-World War II secularization in gradually diminishing overt religious elements while preserving family traditions like tree decorating and markets, as economic recovery and consumer culture amplified commercial aspects. In under communist rule from 1949 to 1989, the state suppressed Christian observances to promote , rebranding the holiday as a secular "Year-End Celebration" with atomized family gatherings and state-sponsored events devoid of religious icons, though underground practices persisted among the population. Following reunification in 1990, traditions reemerged vibrantly across unified , , and , blending historical customs with contemporary secular influences.

Religious Significance

Christian Theological Foundations

Weihnachten, known in English as , centers on the Christ as the of , where the divine Word becomes human flesh to dwell among humanity. This foundational is rooted in the accounts of ' birth in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, which describe the event as a fulfillment of prophecies and the initiation of God's redemptive plan. In Luke 2:1-20, the angel announces to shepherds the birth in , emphasizing that the Savior, Christ the , is born in humility, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a . :18-25 and 2:1-12 complement this by recounting the virgin birth through Mary, the visit of the , and Joseph's role in protecting the child, underscoring the miraculous conception by the . Symbolic elements in these narratives highlight themes of and divine . The , a feeding trough for animals, represents Jesus' lowly birth and serves as a profound symbol of his as spiritual sustenance for humanity, evoking the idea of the Messiah as the "bread of life" who nourishes the soul. The shepherds, ordinary laborers on the margins of , are the first to receive the angelic , illustrating God's preference for revealing to the humble and overlooked rather than the elite, a motif drawn from prophetic traditions like 61:1. These symbols collectively portray the not as a distant event but as an accessible mystery inviting all to encounter the divine in everyday vulnerability. In German-speaking Christian traditions, theological emphases vary between Protestant and Catholic perspectives while sharing the core doctrine. Lutheran theology, influenced by Martin Luther's teachings, stresses the "Word made flesh" from John 1:14, portraying Weihnachten as the moment when God's eternal Logos enters human history to redeem it through Christ's full humanity and divinity, emphasizing justification by faith in this embodied grace. Catholics, in contrast, integrate Marian devotion, viewing Mary as the (God-bearer) whose enables the , as elaborated in papal encyclicals that position her as a model of faithful response within the salvific mystery. This devotion underscores Mary's intercessory role, linking the Nativity to the Church's ongoing life. Weihnachten plays a pivotal role in the broader Christian salvation narrative, marking the commencement of God's initiative to reconcile humanity through the , which makes possible Christ's subsequent life, death, and . By assuming , Jesus bridges the divine-human divide, enabling for and the restoration of creation, as the Nativity initiates the economy of that culminates in . This event positions Weihnachten within the liturgical calendar as the feast celebrating the Nativity on , anchoring the annual rhythm of redemption.

Liturgical Practices and Services

In Catholic traditions in , the central liturgical observance on Heiligabend () is the Christmette, a vigil Mass typically held at midnight to commemorate the , emphasizing themes of light entering the darkness through the birth of Christ. This service includes the Gloria, readings from the prophets and Gospels, and often concludes with the singing of carols, fostering a solemn yet joyful atmosphere in cathedrals and churches across the country. Protestant churches in , particularly within the Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (EKD), conduct Weihnachtsgottesdienste or Christvespern on Heiligabend, which may occur in the afternoon or evening and feature congregational singing of hymns such as "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht," originally composed in 1818 and now a staple in both Lutheran and Reformed settings. Candlelight vigils are common, symbolizing the light of Christ, with services often incorporating communal prayers, sermons on the , and the distribution of candles to parishioners. Key scriptural readings during these services draw from the prophet , such as :2-7 foretelling the birth of a child as a sign of hope, and the Gospels, primarily :1-20 recounting the nativity story, as prescribed in the Ökumenisches Lesungswerk used across German churches. Variations exist between Lutheran and Reformed traditions: Lutheran services, rooted in more structured liturgical forms influenced by Martin Luther's reforms, integrate these readings into a formal order with creeds and hymns, while Reformed churches, emphasizing simplicity and preaching, may prioritize extemporaneous elements and fewer ritualistic components, though both adhere to the shared for unity.

Preparations and Advent

Advent Calendar and Customs

The Advent calendar originated in 19th-century among Lutheran families as a way to help children count down the days to . Early versions involved simple markings, such as chalk lines on a door or to track each day of Advent, or opening small paper "doors" revealing verses or treats. This evolved into the printed cardboard calendars familiar today, with the first commercial one produced by Gerhard Lang in , featuring 24 numbered flaps hiding images or small gifts. Another key Advent custom in German-speaking regions is the , a circular arrangement of evergreen branches adorned with four candles, one lit each Sunday to symbolize the four weeks leading to . This practice was introduced in 1839 by Johann Hinrich Wichern, a Lutheran in , who created the first wreath using an old cartwheel ring fitted with 20 small candles for weekdays and four larger ones for Sundays, hung in his to mark the season for the children. Over time, the design simplified to the four-candle version, often placed on dining tables during family meals and prayers. Advent markets, known as Weihnachtsmärkte, are a cherished custom that typically begin in late November and run through , transforming town squares into festive hubs of wooden stalls selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and seasonal foods. Originating in the in German-speaking , these markets provide a communal space for holiday cheer, with visitors warming themselves with Glühwein—a spiced mulled wine—while browsing , nutcrackers, and incense smokers. Dresden's Striezelmarkt, dating to 1434, exemplifies this enduring tradition as one of the oldest. Preceding the height of Advent observances, St. Nicholas Day on December 6 serves as an early gift-giving precursor in German customs, honoring the 4th-century bishop Nikolaus of Myra. Children polish their boots or shoes and place them outside the door the night before; if they've been good, the figure of Nikolaus—dressed in a bishop's robe and —fills them with sweets, nuts, oranges, and small toys, often accompanied by his helper who carries a switch for the naughty. This ritual fosters anticipation and moral reflection ahead of .

Decorations, Trees, and Symbols

The , known as the Tannenbaum in German-speaking regions, has been a central element of Weihnachten celebrations since the early . Legend attributes the introduction of illuminating trees with candles to mimic the starry night sky above to Protestant reformer . Traditionally sourced from or trees native to German forests, these evergreens symbolized eternal life and were initially decorated with simple edibles like apples, nuts, and pastries in , evolving into a bourgeois by the early . Real trees remain predominant in households, with families often sourcing them from sustainable forestry programs to preserve local woodlands. In response to deforestation concerns during the late 19th century, artificial Tannenbäume emerged as an alternative, first crafted in Germany using dyed goose feathers attached to wooden branches to replicate natural foliage. These feather trees, produced in regions like Thuringia, allowed for reusable decorations without annual harvesting, though modern versions typically employ PVC or metal frames for durability. Ornaments adorning both real and artificial trees often include hand-blown glass baubles from Lauscha in Thuringia, where glassblowing artisans began creating hollow spheres in 1847 to imitate fruits and nuts, replacing perishable items and enabling year-round storage. By the late 19th century, Lauscha's delicate, silvered-glass ornaments—exported globally via merchants like F.W. Woolworth—had transformed Tannenbaum aesthetics, emphasizing craftsmanship over ephemerality. Candles hold profound symbolic weight in Weihnachten preparations, representing the light of Christ overcoming winter's darkness, a motif rooted in Lutheran theology and first systematically incorporated via the Advent wreath in 1839 by German pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern. Real wax candles, once clipped directly onto Tannenbäume branches, posed fire risks but evoked spiritual illumination; today, they are safer alternatives like beeswax tapers on wreaths or pyramids. Nativity scenes, or Krippen, depict the Holy Family's birth and are erected in Catholic homes and churches during Advent, originating from St. Francis of Assisi's 1223 reenactment but flourishing in 17th-18th century Bavaria and Tyrol with carved wooden figures of shepherds, animals, and Magi. These scenes, often built incrementally with the Christ child added on Christmas Eve, blend artistry and devotion, underscoring themes of humility and incarnation. Lutheran traditions emphasize Advent stars, or Herrnhuter Sterne, geometric paper lanterns symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem and Christ's role as the "Morning Star," first crafted in 1830s Moravian schools in Saxony as educational geometry projects infused with biblical meaning. Suspended from ceilings or windows from the first Advent Sunday through Epiphany, these 26-pointed stars—named for Herrnhut's production center—evoke hope and guidance, their white points signifying purity. Regional variations enrich these symbols, such as the Schwibbogen candle arches from the Erzgebirge mining region, developed in the 18th century by miners' families to honor safe returns from the pits with curved wooden frames holding candles that illuminate carved scenes of local life. In Austria and southern Germany, wooden nutcrackers carved as soldiers or kings serve as protective talismans, warding off evil spirits per folklore from the late 17th century onward, their hinged jaws originally functional but now primarily decorative icons of strength and holiday cheer. Contemporary shifts toward eco-friendly practices reflect environmental awareness in German-speaking areas, with artisans in and the increasingly using FSC-certified wood for nutcrackers and pyramids, alongside biodegradable paper stars and LED adaptations for traditional arches to reduce . As of 2025, trends include sustainable Advent calendars made with recyclable materials and minimal . Public decorations in cities have evolved from 19th-century Christmas markets—originating in in 1434 as modest stalls for crafts and evergreens—to elaborate 20th-century displays, incorporating electric lights post-1882 Edison innovations and now featuring energy-efficient LED illuminations on grand trees and facades, as seen in Frankfurt's Römerberg market with over 40,000 LEDs. This progression balances historical authenticity with sustainability, drawing millions annually while minimizing ecological impact.

Core Celebrations

Heiligabend Traditions

Heiligabend, or on December 24, marks the central celebration of Weihnachten in , blending religious observance with intimate rituals. Many families begin the evening by attending a , often featuring children's Nativity plays that reenact the birth of , fostering a sense of communal reverence. Upon returning home, the —decorated earlier in secret with real candles, glass baubles, and straw stars—is dramatically revealed to the children, typically signaled by the ringing of a bell to evoke the arrival of the . This sequence transitions from spiritual reflection to joyful domesticity, with the family gathering around the illuminated tree for the Bescherung, or gift exchange, where presents are placed underneath and unwrapped together. The evening meal, served before or after the gift-giving, emphasizes simple yet festive fare rooted in regional customs. Traditional dishes often include , fried and served with potatoes, or paired with sausages, reflecting historical abundance after periods of scarcity. In many households, particularly in , the meal consists of paired with sausages, providing a light, preparable option that allows focus on family bonding. Regional variations abound, such as in where sausages might feature alongside , honoring local culinary heritage while maintaining the eve's emphasis on restraint before the fuller Day feast. Gifts are traditionally attributed to the , depicted as an angelic child in a white robe who invisibly delivers them, or in some areas to the Weihnachtsmann, a bearded figure akin to who rewards good behavior. This distinction underscores the 's prominence in Protestant and southern regions, contrasting with influences elsewhere, and children often prepare wish lists or perform small tasks to ensure their arrival. Following the meal and gifts, families engage in carol singing, performing favorites like "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night) and "O Tannenbaum" in front of the tree, sometimes accompanied by reading the Christmas story from the Bible. These quiet, harmonious activities culminate in reflective family time, emphasizing peace and togetherness—a tradition that gained renewed significance in post-World War II Germany, where celebrations restored a sense of domestic stability and joy amid reconstruction efforts. Preparatory decorations, such as the Advent wreath, enhance the evening's candlelit ambiance without overshadowing the tree's reveal.

Christmas Day Observances

On December 25, known as Erster Weihnachtstag or First Christmas Day, many participate in morning church services, particularly among religious families, where the Weihnachtsmesse emphasizes themes of joy and the nativity of Christ. These services, often held early in the day in some regions, feature Christmas carols and readings from the Gospel of Luke, though attendance has declined to about 15.4% of the population as of 2022. Family gatherings form the core of the day's activities, with extended relatives often convening for a relaxed or featuring traditional dishes such as or accompanied by , potato dumplings, and Klöße. In many households, leftovers from the lighter Heiligabend meal—such as or fish—are incorporated into the , allowing for a leisurely start before the main festive meal. The afternoon typically involves informal pursuits like playing board games, visiting neighbors, or simply resting together, fostering a sense of familial bonding after the gifts opened the previous evening. As a , December 25 sees Christmas markets closed and most urban public events winding down, with shops, banks, and non-essential businesses shuttered nationwide to promote rest and reflection. In larger cities, charity drives persist through organizations providing to the homeless or refugees, often distributing warm meals or donations at shelters. For the secular majority, the day underscores reduced work hours—effectively zero for most employees, as it is a statutory prohibiting labor except in essential sectors like healthcare and transport—enabling widespread emphasis on personal rejuvenation and quiet contemplation.

Post-Christmas Period

Immediate Aftermath and Family Customs

In , , and , December 26, known as Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag or St. Stephen's Day, serves as a immediately following Day, providing an extension of the festive period dedicated to and relaxation. This day allows families to continue celebrations in a more leisurely manner, transitioning from the intensity of and Day observances. Businesses, including most shops and schools, remain closed, fostering a focus on personal and social connections rather than commercial activities. German traditions on December 26 emphasize family visits to extended relatives, often involving travel between households to share meals and exchange further greetings. Lavish feasts are common, featuring dishes like with potato dumplings and , or leftovers from Christmas Day, enjoyed in a communal setting that reinforces familial bonds. In contrast to the more structured observances of December 25, this day encourages active social engagements, such as outings to theaters for holiday performances, which are popular in cities like and where venues host special Christmas-themed shows. While shopping returns for gifts typically begin when stores reopen on December 27, the holiday itself underscores reflection on the season's joys before resuming everyday routines. In and , maintains a quieter tone, with families prioritizing intimate gatherings for or , often centered around in the morning followed by relaxed home-based activities. This regional variation highlights a preference for subdued family days, though all three countries share the holiday's role in prolonging . Customs like extended meals with relatives persist across borders, providing opportunities for storytelling and bonding. As celebrations wind down, families engage in cleanup and reflection, removing decorations and contemplating the year's end. Modern eco-practices have integrated into this phase, with Christmas trees collected by municipal services in early for into or , promoting in line with 's environmental policies.

Extension to Epiphany

The Christmas season in extends through the , known as the Raunächte or Rauhnächte, typically spanning 12 nights around the turn of the year (e.g., from to in some traditions), a period rooted in both and pre-Christian where forces are believed to be active. During these days, traditional emphasize rest and reflection, with warning against performing household chores such as , spinning, or , as such activities were thought to invite misfortune or disturb wandering spirits. Additional practices include Räuchern, the smoking of homes with herbs like sage, juniper, or myrrh for cleansing and warding off evil spirits; divination, where each night is associated with predictions for weather or events in one month of the coming year; and protective measures such as making noise, wearing masks, and leaving food out for spirits. The season culminates on the Zwölfte Nacht, the night of January 5–6, celebrated as Epiphany or Heilige Drei Könige (Three Holy Kings), commemorating the Magi's visit to the infant . In many German towns and cities, particularly in Catholic regions, Epiphany processions feature groups of children, known as Sternsinger (star singers), dressed as —Caspar, , and Balthasar—carrying a large star on a pole to symbolize the . These processions traverse streets door-to-door, where the children sing carols, recite prayers, and collect donations for charitable causes, a tradition dating back to the and revived in the mid-20th century. A central ritual of these visits is the blessing of homes, performed by inscribing markings above the entrance in the format of the last two digits of the year + + the last two digits of the year (e.g., 20 + + 25 in 2025), where the letters represent the traditional names of the (Caspar, , Balthasar) and serve as a protective , alternatively interpreted as the Latin Christus mansionem benedicat ("May Christ bless this house"). This custom symbolizes the 's journey and offers spiritual protection for the household through the coming year. Epiphany marks the liturgical close of the season, after which and decorations are typically dismantled, with families often lighting the tree one final time on before storage. In modern secular contexts, the period sees a gradual fade-out of festivities, coinciding with the start of winter sales in early , when retailers offer discounts on items and winter goods until the end of the month, signaling a return to everyday routines.

Cultural and Social Dimensions

In German Art, Literature, and Music

Weihnachten has profoundly influenced German literature, particularly through fairy tales that evoke themes of wonder, family, and seasonal magic. E.T.A. Hoffmann's 1816 novella Der Nussknacker und der Mausekönig (The Nutcracker and the Mouse King) unfolds on Christmas Eve, where young Marie receives a nutcracker doll that comes alive in a fantastical battle against the Mouse King, blending enchantment with the holiday's domestic warmth. The Brothers Grimm incorporated winter motifs into tales like "The Elves and the Shoemaker" (KHM 39), a story of impoverished cobblers aided by elves who craft shoes overnight, culminating in a Christmas gift of clothing for the helpers, symbolizing gratitude and holiday generosity. Heinrich Hoffmann's 1845 children's book Der Struwwelpeter, created as a Christmas present for his son, features cautionary verses illustrated with humor, associating the volume's moral lessons on behavior with festive family reading traditions. In visual art, Weihnachten appears in depictions of sacred narratives and later romantic portrayals of bourgeois life. Albrecht Dürer's 1504 engraving The Nativity captures the birth of Christ in a stable, with Mary, , and angels surrounding the infant amid a , emphasizing and central to . By the , romantic artists like evoked the season's contemplative mood in works such as Winter Landscape (c. 1811), depicting a lone figure praying before a crucifix amid snow-covered firs and a distant cathedral, symbolizing spiritual renewal and the evergreen's enduring holiday significance. German music reflects Weihnachten's liturgical and folk heritage, evolving into contemporary expressions. Johann Sebastian Bach's Weihnachtsoratorium (BWV 248), composed in 1734 for Leipzig's Christmas services, comprises six cantatas performed from Christmas Day through Epiphany, drawing on secular melodies to narrate the Nativity with choruses, arias, and recitatives that blend joy and reverence. Traditional folk songs like "," with lyrics adapted in 1824 by Ernst Anschütz from an earlier love ballad, praise the fir tree's fidelity as a metaphor for Christmas constancy, rooted in 16th-century Silesian melodies. In modern pop, artists such as have revived carols with Schlager arrangements, including covers of "Stille Nacht" and originals like festive takes on "," maintaining the genre's accessibility during holiday broadcasts. Twentieth- and twenty-first-century media have embedded Weihnachten in cinematic and televisual narratives, often exploring unity and nostalgia. The 1973 binational film Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel (Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella), a DEFA co-production, reimagines the Cinderella tale with magical hazelnuts granting wishes amid winter hunts and balls, becoming a perennial Christmas TV staple in unified Germany. Post-1989, its East German origins resonated during reunification, airing annually to bridge cultural divides and evoke shared holiday memories for East and West audiences.

Regional Variations and Modern Influences

In German-speaking regions, Christmas celebrations exhibit notable regional differences shaped by historical, religious, and cultural factors. In , a predominantly Catholic area in , traditions often include lively Krampus processions on or 6, where participants dressed as the horned, chain-wielding demon accompany St. Nicholas to playfully scare children into good behavior, drawing from Alpine that contrasts with more subdued northern practices. In contrast, northern Protestant areas like emphasize simplicity and religious observance, with families focusing on church services, Advent wreaths lit weekly, and modest home gatherings rather than elaborate processions or markets. In , dinners frequently feature fondue chinoise, a communal meal of thinly sliced and cooked in hot at the table, symbolizing unity in a colder climate. highlights its heritage through the carol "Stille Nacht" (), first performed on December 24, 1818, in Oberndorf near by and during midnight mass at St. Nicholas Church. Modern influences have increasingly commercialized Weihnachten, with the importation of Black Friday sales from the gaining traction since the mid-, leading to significant spikes—such as a 203% increase in sales during Black Friday week in 2023—often extending into pre- promotions. Environmental concerns have prompted shifts toward , particularly with trees; since the , German consumers have favored locally grown, organic real trees over artificial ones to reduce carbon emissions, as real trees sequester CO2 during growth and support when sourced from managed forests. Social critiques highlight persistent roles in holiday preparation, where disproportionately handle tasks like baking, decorating, and gift-wrapping, reflecting broader unequal domestic labor divisions despite policy efforts to promote . In multicultural , where approximately 26% of the population has a migration background (as of 2024), inclusivity efforts for non-Christians include secular adaptations like "Winterfest" events or interfaith gatherings, allowing participation without religious emphasis while respecting diverse identities. The from 2020 onward accelerated adaptations, with traditional Christmas markets largely canceled that year, leading to virtual platforms in cities like and Seiffen that offered , live streams, and digital tours to maintain festive spirit and economic activity. Looking toward the , projections indicate stronger trends, including biodegradable decorations and carbon-neutral events, driven by green policies and consumer demand for eco-friendly practices amid climate goals.

References

  1. https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/life/how-germany-celebrates-christmas
  2. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Weihnachten
  3. https://udayton.edu/magazine/2022/12/fir-ever-in-fashion-a-tale-of-christmas-tree.php
  4. https://germanfoods.org/german-food-facts/german-christmas-traditions/
  5. https://historycooperative.org/pagan-origins-of-christmas/
  6. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/jesus-historical-jesus/how-december-25-became-christmas/
  7. https://www.stnicholascenter.org/who-is-st-nicholas/origin-of-santa/reformation-st-nicholas/christmas-martin-luther
  8. https://blogs.transparent.com/german/the-difference-between-nikolaus-santa-claus-and-the-christkind/
  9. https://time.com/5736523/history-of-christmas-trees/
  10. https://billpetro.com/history-of-christmas-tree/
  11. https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas-trees
  12. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/german-christmas-markets-nazis-tradition
  13. https://www.dw.com/en/how-christmas-has-changed-in-germany-since-1945/g-51779432
  14. https://thewallmuseum.com/en/christmas-in-the-gdr/
  15. https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/popular-writings/jesus-of-nazareth/the-birth-of-god
  16. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-meaning-of-the-manger
  17. https://www.archspm.org/i-know-jesus-was-born-in-a-manger-but-why-is-that-important-and-what-does-it-mean/
  18. https://www.johnbmacdonald.com/blog/why-shepherds-at-bethlehem
  19. https://thenalc.org/en-us/2019/02/15/the-word-made-flesh/
  20. https://www.livinglutheran.org/2016/12/deeper-understandings-christmas-god-deep-flesh/
  21. http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25031987_redemptoris-mater.html
  22. https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/article/re-telling-the-christmas-story/
  23. https://crucis.ac.edu.au/reflection-christmas-and-salvation/
  24. https://ifl.web.baylor.edu/sites/g/files/ecbvkj771/files/2022-11/Christmas.pdf
  25. https://www.dbk.de/kirche-a-z/h
  26. https://www.dbk.de/presse/aktuelles/meldung/katholische-gottesdienste-an-weihnachten-in-hoerfunk-und-fernsehen
  27. https://www.ekd.de/weihnachtsgottesdienste-im-fernsehprogramm-87621.htm
  28. https://www.stillenacht.at/en/history-of-the-song
  29. https://www.ekd.de/datenbank-gottesdienste-weihnachten-61629.htm
  30. https://www.wgbh.org/news/national/2022-12-11/advent-calendars-explained-where-they-came-from-and-why-theyre-everywhere-now
  31. https://www.rent-a-christmas.com/blog/article/countdown-to-christmas-who-made-the-first-advent-calendar
  32. https://www.celebratingholidays.com/?page_id=1410
  33. https://angiesweb.com/advent-wreath-history/
  34. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-christmas-markets-180981308/
  35. https://germanholidaymarket.org/blogs/omas-famous-christmas-cookies/holiday-markets-in-germany-switzerland-and-austria
  36. https://www.stnicholascenter.org/around-the-world/customs/germany
  37. https://www.hamburg.com/visitors/holidays/st-nicholas-day-23008
  38. https://bavaria.travel/stories/german-christmas-museum/
  39. https://library.ndsu.edu/grhc/sites/default/files/image-directory/customs_traditions/Customs-Christmas-GermanChristmasTraditions.pdf
  40. https://saukcountyhistory.org/christmas-feather-tree
  41. https://extension.illinois.edu/christmas-trees/christmas-tree-facts
  42. https://www.blog.bronners.com/the-origins-and-history-of-glass-christmas-ornaments/
  43. https://fbchurch.org/resource/the-advent-wreath-a-symbol-of-hope-joy-faith-and-peace
  44. https://www.krippen.de/cribs.php
  45. https://journals.ku.edu/ygas/article/download/18183/16358/44140
  46. https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/german-toymakers-erzgebirge
  47. https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/nutcrackers
  48. https://conzoom-solutions.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/experts/sustainable-christmasworld-trends-23.html
  49. https://germanadventcalender.wordpress.com/2025/09/21/discover-the-magic-of-advent-calendars-from-germany-in-2025/
  50. https://www.visitfrankfurt.travel/en/experience/festival-and-events/frankfurt-christmas-market
  51. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/berlin-exhibition-chronicles-evolution-christmas-ornaments-19th-century-today-180970968/
  52. https://deutschland-begleiter.de/en/christmas-in-germany.html
  53. https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/germany
  54. https://www.goethe.de/resources/files/pdf40/10128226-STANDARD.pdf
  55. https://www.asausagehastwo.com/german-christmas/
  56. https://dirndlkitchen.com/german-potato-salad-with-wurstchen/
  57. https://www.dw.com/en/christmas-in-german-families-since-1945/a-18934391
  58. https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/germany/christmas-day
  59. https://www.fintiba.com/germany/living/celebrating-christmas
  60. https://www.simplegermany.com/christmas-in-germany/
  61. https://www.dw.com/en/berlins-christmas-service-for-homeless-at-central-station/a-67777024
  62. https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/germany/second-day-of-christmas
  63. https://www.army.mil/article/252934/understanding_popular_german_christmas_traditions
  64. https://babylonradio.com/de/germany-holidays-festivals-cultural-events/
  65. https://freewalkingtoursalzburg.com/christmas-in-austria/
  66. https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/switzerland/st-stephens-day
  67. https://www.iamexpat.de/expat-info/germany-news/how-dispose-your-christmas-tree-germany
  68. https://www.iamexpat.de/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/epiphany-three-kings-day-how-celebrate-german-holiday-january-6
  69. https://invest-in-bavaria.com/en/blog/post/a-ghoulishly-beautiful-tradition-rauhnachtin-bavaria
  70. https://germangirlinamerica.com/what-is-rauhnacht/
  71. https://www.battlemerchant.com/en/blog/the-rauhnaechte-mystical-time-between-winter-solstice-and-the-beginning-of-the-year
  72. https://www.petitchapeau.de/en/rauhnaechte-anleitung-braeuche-und-rituale/
  73. https://rootsandwings.ie/blog/rauhnachte-a-powerful-time-for-contemplation/
  74. https://www.thelocal.de/20200106/germany-public-holiday-why-is-three-kings-day-celebrated
  75. https://germanfoods.org/german-food-facts/celebrate-three-kings-day/
  76. https://www.evz.de/en/shopping-internet/retail-store/sales-periods-in-europe.html
  77. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/311909/the-nutcracker-by-e-t-a-hoffmann/
  78. https://americanliterature.com/author/the-brothers-grimm/fairy-tale/the-elves-and-the-shoemaker
  79. https://www.christmasmagazine.com/struwwelpeter/
  80. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/391120
  81. https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/caspar-david-friedrich-winter-landscape
  82. https://news.yale.edu/2016/09/19/book-johann-sebastian-bachs-christmas-oratorio
  83. https://www.omnesmag.com/en/resources-2/o-tannenbaum-the-history-of-the-famous-carol/
  84. https://www.classical-music.com/features/works/german-christmas-songs-carols
  85. https://www.thelocal.de/20231122/three-wishes-for-cinderella-how-a-50-year-old-german-film-became-a-christmas-classic
  86. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.13110/marvelstales.31.1.0080
  87. https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20241206-four-of-europes-most-fascinating-pre-christian-winter-festivals
  88. https://www.travelandleisure.com/holiday-travel/christmas-travel/krampus-parade-tradition-austria-alpine-villages
  89. https://www.iamexpat.de/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/8-christmas-traditions-you-didnt-realise-were-german
  90. https://www.helvetickitchen.com/recipes/2016/12/31/fondue-chinoise
  91. https://www.stillenacht.at/en/sites/oberndorf
  92. https://www.wrti.org/arts-desk/2020-12-19/the-story-behind-the-beloved-christmas-carol-silent-night
  93. https://remazing.eu/en/2023/12/12/analysis-black-friday-week-2023/
  94. https://gfu.de/en/black-friday-cyber-monday-and-christmas-sales-period/
  95. https://www.dw.com/en/sustainable-christmas-trees-give-german-forests-a-boost/a-17312808
  96. https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2017/02/dare-to-share-germany-s-experience-promoting-equal-partnership-in-families_g1g6a140/9789264259157-en.pdf
  97. https://www.dw.com/en/religious-holidays-in-germany-who-gets-the-day-off/a-74295215
  98. https://english.news.cn/europe/20250522/4cd8e29dd3ec404cad5236212766cd57/c.html
  99. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/10/world/europe/germany-christmas-markets-coronavirus.html
  100. https://osf.io/download/aq9d7
  101. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/christmas-decorations-industry-report-2025-142900495.html
  102. https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/german-retail-association-expects-sales-rise-this-christmas-season-2025-11-05/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.