Weihnachten
Weihnachten book. Read reviews from world’s largest community for readers. Dezember – “Weihnachten” The Origin of the German Word for Christmas. The English word “Christmas” comes from the combination of Christ + mass, from Old English Cristes maesse (Christ’s Mass). The word Yule or Yuletide, often used for Christmas, comes from the Germanic Old English geol, the name of a winter solstice pagan festival.
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Germany on December 25. Many people spend the day with their family. Large meals with traditional foods are served and Christmas decorations are displayed. German Christmas decorations include nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids, and cribs.
Is Christmas Day a Public Holiday?
Christmas Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
In 2021, it falls on a Saturday, and some businesses may choose to follow Saturday opening hours.
What Do People Do?
People generally spend Christmas Day with family members or close friends. Some attend church services and many sing traditional Christmas carols. A large meal is traditionally eaten in the afternoon or early evening. Typical dishes include:
- Roast goose or duck stuffed with apples, chestnuts, onions or prunes.
- Red cabbage with onions and apple.
- Boiled potatoes.
- Dumplings.
People also eat turkey, beef, venison or wild boar in some parts of Germany.
Public Life
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Germany. Post offices, banks, stores and businesses are closed. However, stores in some tourist areas may be open and stores at railway stations, airports and along highways are usually open.
There are some restrictions on selling alcohol, public performances and dancing. Public transport services may run as usual, at a reduced service or no service depending on where one lives or intends to travel.
Symbols
Weihnachten In Deutschland
Traditional Christmas decorations include:
- Christmas trees.
- Small candles or electric lights.
- Wooden nutcrackers.
- Incense burners in various shapes.
- Cribs with figures representing Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the shepherds and the three wise men.
- Gingerbread houses decorated with sweets.
- Christmas pyramids (three-dimensional scenes that are turned by a fan driven by candle heat).
Weihnachten 2020
German Christmas Traditions
Schwibbogen (decorative arc-shaped candle holders) are displayed in the Ore Mountains in Saxony. Each candle holder is made of a single piece of wood or metal and holds more candles on top of an arc. The arc is filled with figures to create a scene. Some scenes represent aspects of the Christmas story, while others display local traditions or events.
Sweet snacks are popular at Christmas. Traditional treats include: Plätzchen (flat biscuits covered in sugar frosting); Lebkuchen (gingerbread); Pfeffernüsse (gingerbread covered in sugar frosting and small candies); Stollen (a rich bread filled with dried fruit and a marzipan roll); and Spekulatius (small cookies flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices).
About Christmas Day in Other Countries
Read more about Christmas Day.| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Sun | 25 Dec | Christmas Day | National holiday, Christian |
| 2017 | Mon | 25 Dec | Christmas Day | National holiday, Christian |
| 2018 | Tue | 25 Dec | Christmas Day | National holiday, Christian |
| 2019 | Wed | 25 Dec | Christmas Day | National holiday, Christian |
| 2020 | Fri | 25 Dec | Christmas Day | National holiday, Christian |
| 2021 | Sat | 25 Dec | Christmas Day | National holiday, Christian |
| 2022 | Sun | 25 Dec | Christmas Day | National holiday, Christian |
| 2023 | Mon | 25 Dec | Christmas Day | National holiday, Christian |
| 2024 | Wed | 25 Dec | Christmas Day | National holiday, Christian |
| 2025 | Thu | 25 Dec | Christmas Day | National holiday, Christian |
| 2026 | Fri | 25 Dec | Christmas Day | National holiday, Christian |
We diligently research and continuously update our holiday dates and information. If you find a mistake, please let us know.
Origin and History of Christmas in Germany
It is believed that Christmas originated some 4000 years ago even before the birth of Christ to welcome the changes in nature. December 25th was chosen by the Romans to initially celebrate the rebirth of sun and nature. In present day world, December 25th marks the birthday of Jesus and is celebrated to remember his greatness and sacrifice. Like other countries Germany also celebrates Christmas to remember and honor Jesus. According to German history Christmas trees used during the celebration mark the honor of German God Yule.
Local name: Weihnachten
Weihnachten In Deutschland
Ways to celeberate Weihnachten in Germany
Weihnachten In English
In Germany the Christmas celebration begins a week before December. During Advent, wreaths are placed on the table and four candles are kept in the center. A month before Christmas, on every Sunday one candle is lit and the last one is lit on the Christmas Eve. Even though there are lots of preparations from a month before Christmas, but the actual celebration starts on December 6th which is known as St. Nicholas Day. According to German traditions on the night before December 6th, kids hang their shoes outside their door. It is believed that St. Nicholas’ a Holy Spirit travels from one house to another filling the shoes of good children with delicious treats and placing twigs in the shoes of naughty children. The Christmas trees are an integral part of German Christmas celebration, thus the trees are decorated beautifully a day before Christmas i.e. on Christmas Eve. On Christmas day like any other countries the celebration begins with special prayers in church. This is followed by the traditional Christmas meal which includes plump roast goose, turkey, suckling pig, white sausage, macaroni salad, marzipan etc.