Christmas in Germany

Froeliche Weihnachten

Map of Germany

Christmas in Germany

Germany is a country in northern

Europe. The people there are

called Germans and they speak the

German Language. In German,

Merry Christmas is said “Frohliche

Weihnachten”

The German people celebrate

Christmas on December 25th.

Their Christmas season ends on

January 6th. January 6th is known

as the Epiphany or Three Kings

Day.

Christmas time in Germany is very cold.

Snow covers the ground and much

of the country is near freezing.

Christmas Trees

The very first Christmas trees were decorated in Germany. The Germans think of the Christmas tree as their symbol of Christmas.

Legend says that the German people believed that evergreens and light kept away bad spirits. So every year for the 12 days of Christmas, the German people put candles on an evergreen tree to keep away harm.

Another legend says that a German preacher named Martin Luther was walking in the forest one night and thought that the stars shining on the trees were beautiful. So he cut down the tree and covered it in candles to show the beauty of the stars on the trees.

Legend of the Pickle

Pickle ornaments were considered a special decoration by many families in Germany where the tree was decorated on Christmas Eve by the parents. It was always the last ornament to be hung on the Christmas tree, with the parents hiding it among the green branches. When the children were allowed to see the tree they would search excitedly for the pickle ornament. The children knew that whoever found the pickle ornament first would receive an extra gift left by St. Nicholas.

Decorations

Christmas Markets

Many Germans celebrate

the Christmas season at

the Christmas markets.

People can shop for toys,

food, and decorations.

While shopping,

Germans can enjoy

listening to Christmas

music and watching

plays and puppet shows.

Christmas Markets

St. Nicholas

The people of Germany celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6th.

St. Nicholas wears a long robe and a pointed hat. He carries a cane and has a long white beard. He is known to be the Saint of Children.

On December 5th, German children leave their shoes out for St. Nicholas. When they awake on December 6th, their shoes are filled with toys and treats.

Holiday Foods

Roast Goose or Pork

Turkey or duck

Carp

Gingerbread – To eat

and hang on the tree.

Marzipan – Candy

made from roasted

almonds and sugar.

O Christmas Tree

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

How lovely are thy branches.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

How lovely are thy branches;

Not only green when summer’s here,

But it the coldest time of year.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

How lovely are thy branches!

Silent Night

Silent Night.

Holy Night.

All is calm.

All is bright.

Round yon virgin.

Mother and child.

Holy infant, so tender and mild.

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Sleep in heavenly peace.