Christmas in Germany is unlike anywhere else in the world. If you visit during the four weeks leading up to December 25 th, you'll find yourself immersed in festivities awash in lights, great food and beverages, and good cheer. These traditions have deep roots in German history, but each city, town and region has added its own local flavor to how they're celebrated. No matter where you travel in Germany during Christmas, you're sure to find something to put you in the holiday spirit. Here are five of our favorites.
Visit a Christmas Market Virtually every city and town in German has a Christmas market. The markets are usually open during the Advent season, running from late November until December 23rd (a few are open after Christmas and as late as New Year's Eve). The Christmas markets are quaint and traditional, far from the mass-produced, commercial malls you'll find in the United States. You'll be treated to the smells of roasting chestnuts, gingerbread, and grilled sausages as you browse stalls filled with homemade artwork and crafts.
Sample the Christmas Stollen
Stollen is a fruit bread and one of Germany's favorite sweet treats at Christmas. The stollen tradition dates back to the 14
th century, when it was baked to honor princes and church dignitaries. Legend has it that the lumps in stollen represent the humps of the camels that carried the three wise men on the first Christmas. You'll find regional variations that include different types of fruits, nuts and seeds - everyone has their favorite.
Wash It Down with Gluhwein Gluhwein roughly translates as
glow wine for the hot irons once used for mulling. You'll also glow yourself if you have the version
mit Schuss, or with a shot of rum or other liquor. During the holidays you'll find gluhwein stalls set up in public places and Christmas markets. This wine is sweetened and flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices, then served hot. It's the perfect winter warmer for the cold December days in Germany.
Don't forget the Kaffee and Kuche Another popular tradition during the Christmas holidays and on Sunday afternoons in Germany is kaffee and kuche, or coffee and cake. Germans while away the hours at home or in cozy cafes enjoying this afternoon treat between lunch and dinner. It's a social event as much as it is a meal, so bring your gift for gab as well as your appetite.
Relax with Family One of the most cherished traditions in Germany around
Christmas is enjoying a little "down time." The hustle and bustle leading up to holidays ends like clockwork the day before Christmas and continues through the day after. Markets and shops will close as people prepare to spend time with their families. The majority of commerce stops during these official holiday days, so don't expect to do much sight-seeing, shipping, or other tourism activities. Stores and shops will open again on December 27, so plan your trip accordingly.
