In Germany, Christmas is not just a single day, but a period of four weeks called Advent, leading up to the most important day of the season: Christmas Eve (Heiligabend). As the days get colder, shorter, and darker earlier each afternoon, daily life in Germany centres around two key concepts at this time of year: Besinnlichkeit and Gemütlichkeit.
Besinnlichkeit and Gemütlichkeit
Advent begins on the weekend four weeks before Christmas Eve. During Advent, Germans place great value on Besinnlichkeit – a sense of reflection, calm, and mindfulness. It is a period to slow down, step away from everyday stress, and focus on what truly matters, which is particularly interesting in today’s fast-paced society. In German culture, returning to this idea of conscious slowing down during Advent is considered highly valuable.
Closely connected to Besinnlichkeit is Gemütlichkeit – the feeling of warmth, comfort, and togetherness. Candlelight, quiet evenings, warm drinks, and shared moments with family and friends all contribute to this special atmosphere that defines the Advent season.
Advent Traditions
A central symbol of Advent is the Adventskranz (Advent wreath) with four candles. Each Sunday, one more candle is lit, and by the fourth Advent, just before Christmas Eve, all four candles should be burning.
Another beloved German tradition is the Adventskalender, where a small door, package, or bag is opened each day from 1 December until Christmas Eve. Advent calendars are now loved all over the world by children and adults alike. They can be bought or homemade, and many brands have adopted this tradition by creating calendars filled with their products.
On 6 December, children celebrate Nikolaustag. They place their boots or shoes outside overnight, and if they have been well-behaved, St. Nikolaus fills them with small gifts such as chocolate, mandarins, and nuts. In schools and kindergartens, Nikolaus often visits in person, reading from his golden book and encouraging children for the year ahead.
(You can read more about this tradition in my dedicated blog post here.)
Christmas Markets
Almost every town has a Weihnachtsmarkt. Some run throughout all four weeks of Advent, while others take place only on selected weekends. Visitors can buy small gifts, traditional decorations, and enjoy a wide range of festive food.
A must-have at any Christmas market is Glühwein, mulled wine. It is a hot drink, available in alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, and tastes like spiced sweet wine with notes of cloves, cinnamon, and orange.
The Christmas Tree – A Special Tradition
According to several legends, the tradition of the Christmas tree originates in Germany. In Germany, Christmas trees are often bought and decorated rather late in December, usually only on 24 December.
Most households traditionally use a real tree, usually a fir. In many regional and rural areas, some families even collect their tree directly from nearby woods or tree farms. Decorating the tree together is often a quiet, almost ceremonial moment that perfectly reflects the spirit of Besinnlichkeit.
Heiligabend, Bescherung and the Heart of Weihnachten
Heiligabend (24 December) is the emotional heart of Christmas in Germany. During the day, final preparations are made – the Christmas tree is decorated, candles are placed, and the house and food are prepared for the evening.
In the evening, families come together for Bescherung, the traditional exchange of presents. Gifts are placed under the tree and opened together in a calm, intimate atmosphere, often with traditional German Christmas songs playing softly in the background. For children, this is usually the most exciting moment of the entire Christmas season.
Many families then attend a church service (Christmette or Weihnachtsgottesdienst). The focus of the evening is on togetherness, reflection, and quiet joy — a true expression of both Besinnlichkeit and Gemütlichkeit.
25 and 26 December – Family Time and Rest
In Germany, 25 December (Erster Weihnachtstag) and 26 December (Zweiter Weihnachtstag) are public holidays and are traditionally reserved for family visits and shared meals.
After the intimate celebrations of Heiligabend, these days are calmer and more social. Families visit grandparents and extended relatives, often alternating between different sides of the family. Long lunches or dinners are common, especially on the 25th.
These days are often spent:
- Visiting family and friends
- Sharing festive meals and leftovers
- Attending church services
- Going for winter walks
- Playing board games or cards
- Resting after the busy Advent period
With shops closed and everyday life slowing down, the focus is on togetherness, rest, and tradition, gently bringing the Christmas season to a close.
Typical Christmas Food in Germany
Food plays an important role during the Christmas season, with certain dishes strongly linked to specific days. On Heiligabend (24 December), many families keep the meal simple. A very common dish is Würstchen mit Kartoffelsalat (sausages with potato salad). In some regions, fish dishes are also popular, as well as Gänsebraten (roast goose), Ente (duck), Schweinebraten, or Rinderbraten. These are typically served with Rotkohl (red cabbage), Klöße or Knödel (dumplings), and rich sauces.
Sweet treats are enjoyed throughout Advent are Lebkuchen, Spekulatius, Vanillekipferl, and Stollen, a traditional fruit bread eaten during the entire season.
Final thoughts
Weihnachten in Deutschland is about atmosphere, ritual, and meaningful time together. From the reflective weeks of Advent to the quiet family days after Christmas Eve, the season is shaped by traditions that encourage slowing down, connecting with others, and appreciating simple moments. It is this combination of Besinnlichkeit, Gemütlichkeit, and deeply rooted customs that gives German Christmas its unique and timeless character.
And if you want to know how we as a family celebrate Christmas in Australia, you can read about it here.
I’m excited to be part of your language journey – let’s make it a successful one!
Warm regards,
Nadia
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