Many families in Germany put an Advent wreath on the living room table the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Afterward, attention focuses on decorating the Christmas tree with fairy lights and colorful baubles, wrapping up presents and preparing food.”. Here are ten of our favorite German Christmas traditions, with some historical background, anecdotes and even delicious recipe suggestions. While there, perhaps he will leave a little gift in the boots, such as chocolate, nuts or fruits, or a bag of gummy bears. Each Sunday before Christmas a candle will be lit until all four candles are lighting the room. In conjunction with this celebration, most Catholics don’t eat meat before heading to church. St. Nikolaus only brings presents to those children who are generally well-behaved throughout the year. What About Kris Kringle? The Christmas market tradition dates back to the 15th century. Additionally they may munch on stollen, cookies, marzipan chocolate, roasted chestnuts and fruits. It’s said, “The first taste of Christmas arrives when Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Spekulatius (gingery biscuits) suddenly appear on the supermarket shelves at the beginning of September.”. The Christmas Meal The Christmas meal in Germany is a very important part of the Christmas celebration. Pecans are native to the North American continent and are less well known, and walnuts are used only when a … From left: chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons; cinnamon and kirsch star cookies; raspberry jam sandwich cookies; anise seed crescent cookies; chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies; chocolate-dipped hazelnut cookies.”, Kokosmakronen (Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons), Zimtsterne (Cinnamon and Kirsch Star Cookies), Spitzbuben (Raspberry Jam Sandwich Cookies), Vanillekipferl (Anise-Seed Crescent Cookies), Schokiladen-Butter-plätzchen (Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies), Nusstaler (Chocolate-Dipped Hazelnut Cookies), "This rendition of the deeply-spiced German Christmas cookie gets its soft, chewy texture from the addition of honey. ‘Die Feuerzangenbowle’ Movie Christmas Trees: Raclette originated in Switzerland, but is very popular in Germany. Potato dumplings (called Kartoffel Kloesse in Germany) are a delightful addition to any Ger… Markets commonly feature a nativity scene, and vendors offer a wide variety of gifts, including many that are still handcrafted. However, not all children are that lucky. Sankt Nikolaus’ Practices The imposing Saint (played by a family friend) asks the children whether they have been naughty or nice. If you want to Christmas like a German this year, you’re in the right place!Whether you’re planning a trip to Germany at Christmastime, are interested in how Christmas is celebrated in Germany or want to incorporate German Christmas traditions, decorations, and recipes into your own celebrations at home, keep reading! Afterwards, the Krampus and his fellow devils may be found at the local pub celebrating devilishly long into the night. Ten Beloved German Christmas Traditions Saving the best for last, one of the most anticipated German Christmas traditions is the Christmas dinner! German Christmas Dinners Germans also eat gingerbread, Santa chocolates, and home-made cookies during Christmas. Each opened door proceeds to reveal a sweet chocolate! Today you can get original German advent calendars with religious motifs and advent calendars containing cute figures or chocolates for boys and girls. RELATED: Travel to Europe with Christmas Market Foods to Make at Home. Ever since the tradition is that gifts are thought of as having been brought by the Christkind (Christ Child). Food is a major part of the Christmas holiday season, from Advent through to Christmas day. This quintessential Christmas beverage consists of hot mulled red wine, with an optional shot of brandy (Glühwein mit Schuss). On December 24th, Christmas Eve or Heiligabend, the last window generally revealed a Nativity scene. As is the case in many cultures, much of the Yuletide traditions have been secularized. So how did St. Nikolaus become popularly known as Kris Kringle? Nuts are used extensively in German baking, especially at Christmas time. With soft sauteed strands of cabbage, the smoky flavor of bacon and savory crunch of caraway seeds; all wrapped in a delicate, flaky crust. For dessert there is an unending variety of specialty sweets, confections and baked goods. St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th, the day St. Nicholas, the bishop of Myra in Minor Asia, died. It’s a treat friends and family will love.”, “German Stollen has been around for nearly 700 years and are prized throughout the world as one of the most famous and beloved of all Christmas pastries. It’s widely believed that Martin Luther was the first to add lighted candles to the Christmas tree. The Advent calendar tradition began with plain cards with paper backings and 24 “windows” that opened to reveal Christmas scenes. - Rachel, “A traditional German Christmas gingerbread cookie, or Lebkuchen. How is Christmas celebrated in Germany? There are many more traditional foods associated with the Christmas season in Germany, and many are readily available here in the USA, such as Lebkuchen (gingerbread), chocolate Santas and various other Christmas confectioneries. At merely 400 years old, the tradition of the decorated Christmas tree is a comparatively young German custom. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The movie has achieved cult status and has created a new tradition among fans. What would German Christmas be without the traditional sweet bread called Dresdner Stollen or the wonderful woodcrafts from the mountainous area known as the Erzgebirge, the Ore Mountains? If you would love to add German Christmas elements to your holidays, we’ve gathered no only some deliciously authentic German recipes to add to your Christmas celebrations, but given you a flavor of German Christmas traditions. A candle is then lit each Sunday evening until the holiday. Otherwise known as Tannubaum, the German Christmas tree finds its roots in the 16th century when “Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.”. Not to be confused with curry wurst. Find a Christmas market near you. Holiday lights and decorations captivate locals and tourists alike, and entice them to stroll among the vendors of local arts and crafts and also plenty of food! Advent wreath ( Adventskranz) St. Nicholas Day ( Sankt Nikolaus Tag) Krampus Night ( … A newer tradition in Germany is to enjoy a fondue or Raclette with family and guests on New Year's Eve. For many people, 24 December, Christmas Eve, is divided into a hectic morning and a festive evening. Turkey is rarely seen on holiday dinner tables. Most major cities in Germany serve Glühwein in ceramic mugs designed specifically for the local Christmas markets. Every part of your being is affected - from the sights to behold, the scents to savor, and the tastes to enjoy. Sausage that is usually composed of veal, pork or beef. The first taste of Christmas arrives when Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Spekulatius (gingery biscuits) suddenly appear on the supermarket shelves at the beginning of September.”, If you would love to add German Christmas elements to your holidays, w, e’ve gathered no only some deliciously authentic, Travel to Europe with Christmas Market Foods to Make at Home, Roast Goose with Pork, Prune and Chestnut Stuffing, Crispy Roasted Goose Is a German Christmas Favorite, Bavarian Bread Dumplings (Semmelknödel) Recipe, Krautstrudel: An Easy Savory Cabbage Roll, A Classic German Dresden Christmas Stollen, Lebkuchen (German Christmas Cookie) Recipe. For Raclette, a special appliance, an electric Raclette grill, is used to melt individual portions of cheese on small broiling trays. Treat guests to recipes like spiced wine, cheesy spaetzle, stuffed goose and braised red cabbage. As the name probably hints, it’s not a traditional German Christmas Market food (its roots are Hungarian), but its deliciousness has ensured that it now features heavily in any Xmas market, in Germany and abroad. Eventually, the Christmas tree made its way to America with German immigrants, who introduced it to their new neighbors, beginning in Ohio and Pennsylvania. This main dish is accompanied by German delicacies such as apple and sausage stuffing, red cabbage and potato dumplings. 10 German Christmas traditions and their origin ... they didn't drink mulled wine but bought food to last over the winter. They’re a perfect accompaniment to hot tea after a blustery afternoon of scouring the shops for just-right presents.”, “An assortment of German Christmas cookies at Rischart bakery in Munich. As the son of a prominent well-to-do family he had been privately tutored and missed out on that formative experience. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles.”, It’s said, “The first taste of Christmas arrives when Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Spekulatius (gingery biscuits) suddenly appear on the supermarket shelves at the beginning of September. Even the American fruitcake was adapted from … For those that don’t have time to bake during the Christmas season, German Christmas cookies can be found in many gourmet and specialty food stores as well as more and more supermarket shelves. To make Glühwein at home, follow our Glühwein recipe. German christmas food and more german christmas traditions. Hi Shelly! Traditionally speaking, many Germans are Catholic, meaning that attending Midnight Mass is probably part of the itinerary on Christmas Eve. The custom is that a gray-haired man with a flowing beard, dressed as a bishop carrying a staff, knocks on doors and delivers gifts to children. —Ton Check out our authentic German Christmas cookie recipes. He carries around a record of each and every child’s good and bad behavior in his golden book. Some families may sing Christmas carols or enjoy a child’s performance on the flute or piano. On the face were 24 windows that when opened, revealed images of Christmas. Any leftover dough scraps can be re-rolled and cut into additional cookies; remaining candied citrus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. Nikolaus was a popular bishop who lived in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) during the fourth century and became a legend due to his humble and generous nature. Christmas Angels (Weihnachtsengel)One of the most common Christmas decorations, though, are little wooden Christmas Angels! ", Links don’t work for various cookie recipes. The advent calendar can be traced to 19th century Germany. The traditional Christmas meal features duck, goose, rabbit or a roast. Those who were not may find a piece of coal in their boots, courtesy of Knecht Ruprecht, who carries a sack of coal on his shoulders. Read on to discover all about the traditions, Christmas foods, and festive rituals that are common in German households during the festive period. From the birthplace of the Christmas Tree, we bring you German Christmas Food ideas to brighten the holidays with tradition, festivity, and heritage. The Weihnachten market in Nuremberg, is seen as the most famous city market in all of Germany. In Germany presents are now usually opened on Christmas Eve, December 24th, after a traditional family meal and the singing of Christmas carols, similar to North America. “Germany celebrates Christmas with two public holidays, 25 and 26 December. Every region and family has their own traditions, but traditional Christmas food in Germany includes duck, goose, rabbit, and a roast. Get the latest recipes, news and special offers in our monthly newsletter. German traditional food and drink is almost certainly more exciting than most new residents and visitors expect it to be. The movie chronicles the mischievous deeds and tricks of Pfeiffer and his young classmates. © 2002 – 2021 German Foods North America, LLC. Christmas is a month-long celebration in Germany. This may include having hot chocolate, tea, coffee or glühwein for drinks. Traditional German Christmas Food to Celebrate the Holidays German Braised Red Cabbage (Rotkohl). “While author Luke Barr’s research shows that Julia Child prepared a roast goose stuffed with pork, prunes and chestnuts for Christmas dinner in 1970, no such exact recipe exists in any of her cookbooks. It involves hot mulled wine, high alcohol-percentage rum and open flames. He is accompanied by a “ragged looking, devil-like Krampusse, who mildly or nor so mildly scares the children.” Depending on the region, these escorts were called by different names: “Belsnickle,” “Niglo,” “Pelznickel,” and others. From the first Sunday in Advent onwards, Christmas markets, Christmas hits on the radio and Christmas lights spread the Christmas spirit throughout the land.”. Check out our list of Germany's 20 best foods. This is how Kris Kringle derived his name — it’s an incorrect anglicization of Christkind! German food is more than a mere mix of beer, sauerkraut and sausage. On the morning of December 6th, parents have no trouble getting their children out of bed! They keep very well too, especially when a piece of apple is tucked into their airtight container to soften them. The festive Christmas celebrations start already in the afternoon, when many families with children attend a festive children's mass at their local church. The wreaths have four large candles and, traditionally, pinecones and berries. Since good Catholic Germans were traditionally expected to go to midnight Mass on Christmas Eve (and many of course still do), the traditional evening meal that day was a light, meatless dinner, often with fish as the main dish. Advent Wreath (Adventskranz): The perfect place to purchase your ornamental pyramids, and Weihnachtsbaum decorations. Therefore, fish in the forms of salmon, hake herring, or carp are common. There he is dunked in the deep snow several times, much to the delight of his younger siblings. These delicious Christmas recipes represent all the classic from a typical German holiday meal. Dessert typically includes Christmas Stollen, considered one of the best Christmas pastries in the world! Fondue Guests dip bit-sized food (bread, vegetables, meats, etc) into a hot sauce or liquid. Today there are over 2,500 Christmas markets across Germany that invite visitors to enter the festive mood. As one, they spend a quiet, reflective hour together. The movie “Die Feuerzangenbowle” stars the iconic German actor Heinz Rühmann as the writer Johannes Pfeiffer. Or you can buy them online at our ecommerce website  TheTasteOfGermany.com! In Germany, Christmas is also a time for baking Plätzchen or Christmas cookies. Later on, craftsmen, toy … It begins in a bar in Germany where the middle-aged Pfeiffer and his friends gather around a big pot of Feuerzangenbowle. See the Best Christmas Markets in Germany. Learn how your comment data is processed. Occasionally, a recalcitrant teenage male may be dragged by hands and feet outside into the open. Fried potato slices, often with diced bacon and/or onions. Popular German Christmas Traditions. You can even buy naughty calendars for grown-ups if you want to spice the Christmas season up! In fact, the German Nikolaus is based on an actual person. German Christmas Cookies German Cookies Christmas Bread Noel Christmas Christmas Desserts German Christmas Traditions Holiday Bread Christmas Meals Winter Desserts Germany: Bremer Klaben Bremer Klaben is a traditional German Christmas bread with dried fruits and almonds which is protected by a European PGI. Make a big batch of this “rotkohl” and watch it disappear!”, “German Krautstrudel is a delightfully easy savory cabbage roll, perfect for the season. Vendors from then until now set up displays of local arts and crafts, food, and more. Done well, it is rich, hearty and delicious. Like other poultry, onions, thyme, and fruit are great seasoning choices with goose.”, “Bavarian home cook Brigitte Drexler’s soul-satisfying bread dumplings are great for sopping up the rich gravy from the braised roast.”, “Juniper berries, green apple, and tangy vinegar give this German braised red cabbage it’s distinctive sweet and sour flavor. It wasn’t until 1851 that the first advent calendar was made using a plain card with a paper backing. Christmas Markets in North America. The Christmas season has become incredibly commercial in recent years, with many retailers starting Christmas promotions and decorations as early as September. In Germany, Christmas gifts are exchanged after dinner on Christmas Eve (24th December). The traditional Christmas meal features duck, goose, rabbit or a roast. Exterior decorations for most homes and businesses include candles, evergreen boughs, and window dressings. Historically, families decorated their living rooms with evergreen branches at Christmas time. Some traditional german christmas foods are christollen, a dry cake filled with marzipan and raisins and covered in powdered sugar; The glass ornaments were originally hand blown glass and were imported in the usa in 1880s by the woolworth stores. With soft sauteed strands of cabbage, the smoky flavor of bacon and savory crunch... Almond-Filled Stollen. We’ve gathered some deliciously authentic German recipes to add to your Christmas celebrations. Muscular men in demonic costumes, devilish masks and furry coats march from house to house — this is the fearsome Krampus with his devilish mates. German stollen, a loaf-shaped fruitcake made of yeast, water, and flour, is traditionally eaten around Christmas time in Germany. The shape is said to represent Baby Jesus in swaddling clothes. Bratkartoffeln. If you’ve never tried Lángos before, it’s time for that to … Goose, for that matter, is rarely seen anymore, as well, which is a shame because it is so simple to prepare. As lights are dimmed, the whole family gathers around the wreath. His assistant Knecht Ruprecht is a menacing figure whose role is to frighten children into good behavior with threats of being spanked. Your search for the BEST authentic Stollen recipe has ended:  Flaky, moist, aromatic and divinely flavorful, these homemade German Christmas Stollen are INCREDIBLE!”, I’ve been making this during the holiday season for nearly 50 years. Here we identify some of the German Christmas traditions with an emphasis on the food. Although German and Anglo-Saxon holiday traditions are now inextricably linked, there are some noteworthy differences worth exploring. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/german-culture-and-traditions.html through three generations, beginning with one resourceful German grandmother. One of the most popular Christmas Eve meals in Germany is potato salad […] Throughout Germany. Advent Calendar: Marzipan and almonds, of course, are favorite ingredients, but fresh hazelnuts also are popular. The bread-like cake, which was first baked in Dresden in the 14th century, is filled with nuts, raisins, candied citrus, and spices. I’ve been making this during the holiday season for … Another recent Christmas Eve tradition is Raclette. Homemade cookies, decorative candy and chocolate are also often added to the ornaments. However, Sankt Nikolaus is a goodhearted character who simultaneously exudes gentleness and authority. Some of the ornaments may be heirloom pieces, handed down from generation to generation. If you would like to make your own Advent Calendar, see our post on Easy Homemade Advent Calendars to DIY or Amazon has many beautiful and creative advent calendars too. In the 17th century people started decorating their trees with ripe red apples, scrumptious gingerbread and silk flowers to create the illusion of a tree brilliantly blooming in winter. They’re addictive nonetheless, with their hard sugar glaze and nippy bite of crystallized ginger (substituted for the more typical citron). However, if you prefer, you can purchase the ready-made beverage in a gourmet food store near you. Bratwurst. The Advent Calendar counts down the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve and is one of childhood’s greatest memories. Many nations celebrate the full 12 days of Christmas, through to the feast day of Epiphany, on January 6th. authentic German Christmas cookie recipes, Recipes for Classic German Christmas Cookies. This is a favorite children’s holiday in Germany. The Modern Christmas Tree Below are German Christmas recipes and other holiday recipes to make celebrating "Christmas in Germany" a possibility, no matter where you are in the world.. Recipes for Classic German Christmas Cookies St. Nicholas Day (Sankt Nikolaus Tag): Packed full to the brim of German Christmas Traditions, including the eminent Nuremberg bratwurst sausage! Created by medieval monks, lebkuchen dates back to the 13th century in Germany and Switzerland.”, “These spicy gingerbread-like bars, which are traditional holiday fare in Germany, contain no fat other than that in the egg. Or in some communities and regions on the evening of December 5, the eve of his death. Children place a freshly polished pair of boots in front of their bedroom doors. The most famous Stollen, which can be found at many supermarkets, is called Dresdner Stollen. Lying is pointless, because Sankt Nikolaus knows everything! Every day during the Advent season a new door on the Advent calendar is opened. In Germany, December 5th is a very special night. Saxony is also home to Germany’s oldest Christmas market, the Striezelmarkt in Dresden, the earliest record of which dates back to 1434.