German Traditions & Christmas Markets

From Advent to Epiphany, visitors to Germany can experience an inimitable, nostalgic time. When the first snowflakes swirl through the air at the end of November, when garlands of light illuminate the towns and villages, when the aroma of Lebkuchen (gingerbread), sausages, roasted chestnuts, baked apples and mulled wine wafts through the air, Christmas Markets cast a magic spell. Their charm and romantic aura captivate the hearts of visitors and locals alike. Giant Christmas trees adorn the market squares and the sound of Christmas choirs fills the air. A tour at this time of the year is a journey through the cultural history of Christmas traditions and customs particular to Germany.

Over centuries, these Christmas fairs evolved into veritable toy fairs, where handmade objects from the great traditional centers of arts and crafts, such as Berchtesgaden, Oberammergau and the Thuringian Forest were offered. In Germany the season has always been the time of gift giving – to the great delight of the children. Handcrafted items have remained the focus of many Christmas Markets. This is why, to this day, visitors like to buy nostalgic Christmas tree ornaments, solid wooden and hand-carved toys, tasteful ceramics and pottery items, beautifully carved nativity scenes, as well as sweets and delicacies only available during Christmas time.

St. Nicholas is celebrated in Germany on December 6. Although no really reliable information on the historical person of St. Nicholas exists, it is said that a bishop by the name of Nicholas of Myra (a town in modern-day Turkey) is the historical person behind the myth of Santa Claus.

The practice of displaying Advent wreaths, an important symbol in the weeks preceding Christmas, is considered by many Germans to be a sacred custom. The advent wreath is considered a throwback to an ancient winter custom and alludes to the magic associated with rings and wreaths: green wreaths were considered to convey blessings and to prevent bad luck.

The most frequently heard Christmas carol is probably “Silent Night, Holy Night.” It was first heard at a Christmas Mass on December 15, 1818, in Oberndorf, a village near Salzburg, on the Austrian-Bavarian border. A village priest, Josef Mohr, who had written the lyrics and Franz Gruber, a teacher who had composed the melody, first sang it. It has been translated into hundreds of languages, and sung in December literally all over the world.

One of the most popular Christmas Markets takes place each year in Munich. In the midst of it is a 98-foot tall Christmas tree, illuminated by 2,500 candles. It draws the citizens of Munich and visitors from around the world to the Marienplatz, in the heart of the city, where over 100 booths offer toys, arts and crafts, candles, ceramics, pewter and woodcarvings. Every day at 5:30 p.m., Christmas music is performed on the magnificent balcony of the Rathaus, or Town Hall, and at 9 p.m. the carillon delights visitors with a goodnight greeting. There you will see one of Germany’s largest nativity scenes, and you can buy hand-carved nativity figurines from Bavaria located behind the Rathaus.

Many river cruise lines offer low rates during the fall season, traveling to several Christmas Market towns. With river cruises, all shore excursions are included, which makes them a real bargain. The weather is nippy at this time of year, but that all adds to the Christmas atmosphere.