How do they celebrate Christmas in Germany?
Posted on Dec 22, 2025 / History
In Germany, Christmas celebrations centre on family, tradition and festive markets that fill towns and cities throughout December. The famous Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) feature stalls selling handcrafted gifts, roasted chestnuts, bratwurst, gingerbread and mulled wine (Glühwein), creating a warm holiday atmosphere. Many families begin their festivities with Advent calendars and wreaths, counting down to Christmas Eve. On Heiligabend (Christmas Eve), families decorate their Christmas trees and exchange presents, often after a festive meal. In some regions, a lighter meal like sausage with potato salad is traditional on the evening of the 24th so the focus remains on family time. Christmas Day (25 December) is usually a quieter family day with more elaborate meals and visits to relatives. Churches hold services, and many attend a midnight Mass or Christmas Day service. The holiday blends religious observance with centuries‑old German seasonal culture and community celebration.
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