Fascinating Christmas Facts from Germany
The first Christmas tree was decorated in Germany in the 16th century.
Germans use real candles on their Christmas trees, which adds a beautiful and traditional touch.
The famous Christmas carol Silent Night was composed in Germany in 18
4. Germans celebrate Advent, which marks the start of the Christmas season.
German towns and cities host beautiful Christmas markets, known as Weihnachtsmärkte.
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets.
Germans hang pickle-shaped glass ornaments on their Christmas trees for good luck.
St. Nicholas, known as Der Nikolaus, visits German children on December 6th.
A popular German holiday treat is Lebkuchen, which is a spiced gingerbread.
Germans exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, rather than on Christmas Day.
Many Germans believe in the Christkind, a Christmas gift-bringer.
One German tradition involves leaving out a shoe on December 5th for St. Nicholas to fill with candy.
Germans enjoy crafting intricate and beautiful Christmas ornaments.
Another Christmas treat in Germany is Stollen, a fruitcake filled with marzipan.
Creating homemade Advent wreaths is a popular tradition in Germany.
Germans have a tradition called Christkindlmarkt hopping, where they visit multiple Christmas markets in one night.
There is an annual Christmas market in Dresden known for its stunning Christmas pyramid.
Fascinating Christmas Facts from Germany part 2
Germans celebrate not only Christmas but also Advent Sundays leading up to the holiday.
Marzipan figures are a common decoration on German Christmas cakes.
Germans often watch the classic fairy tale movie Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella during the holiday season.
Many German towns have a Christmas tree recycling program after the holiday is over.
The most popular Christmas beverage in Germany is mulled wine, known as Glühwein.
Germans enjoy baking traditional Christmas cookies like Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars) and Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescents).
Some German families light an additional candle on their Advent wreath every week leading up to Christmas.
In Germany, children leave a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa Claus, known as Weihnachtsmann.
Feuerzangenbowle is a traditional German Christmas drink made of mulled wine with a rum-soaked sugarloaf set on fire.
Germans decorate their homes with evergreen branches, berries, and small wooden figurines during the holiday season.
The Nuremberg Christkind, an angelic figure, opens the Christkindlesmarkt each year with a festive prologue.
Many Christmas markets in Germany feature carousels and ferris wheels for children.
Germans believe that if you find a spider or spider web on your Christmas tree, it brings good luck.
Straw stars are a common Christmas decoration in Germany, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
The city of Rüdesheim am Rhein has a popular Christmas market located in a medieval-themed, decorated alley.
Germans traditionally sing Christmas carols together on Christmas Eve.
The pyramid-shaped Christmas decoration, a traditional German creation, represents the Nativity scene.
Germans often leave a glowing light in their windows on Christmas Eve to guide the Christ child.
There are over 2,500 Christmas markets in Germany, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is famous for its picturesque Christmas market held in its medieval center.
Germans enjoy baking a special bread, Stutenkerl, in the shape of a man for St. Nicholas Day.
Some German families keep their Christmas trees up until the end of January to celebrate Candlemas.
A popular tradition in Germany is to have a Christmas Eve candlelight service at church.
Germans decorate their front doors with festive wreaths made of dried fruits, pinecones, and ribbons.
Many German families have an Advent calendar with small presents or treats to count down the days until Christmas.
Germans traditionally eat a festive Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve.
A popular Christmas beverage in Germany is Kinderpunsch, a non-alcoholic hot punch for children.
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is held in the Hauptmarkt square, featuring more than 180 market stalls.