Christmas in Germany traditionally starts on the first Sunday of Advent which is usually the last Sunday closest to the 30th of November.
The period leading up to Christmas is when Christmas traditions in Germany truly come alive with the famed German Christmas Markets which are one of the top tourist attractions in Germany during Christmas.
If you are taking a Germany trip during the Christmas period, you may include in your Germany Tours or Germany Itinerary a visit to the German Christmas Museum or Deutsche Weihnachtsmuseum, to learn about Christmas traditions in Germany,
The German Christmas Museum features a permanent collection of Christmas decorations, toys and artifacts, as well as a large private collection of Christmas tree ornaments, Advent calendars and more.
Christmas Traditions in Germany: the pickle on the Christmas tree
The tradition of the pickle on the Christmas tree was started in Germany by German families who would place a pickle on the Christmas tree, and the child who found the pickle on Christmas Day would be blessed with good fortune.
Christmas Traditions in Germany: Christmas Markets
During the period leading up to Christmas, German cities are home to the famed Christmas markets where you can purchase a variety of handcrafted items.
Many German towns and cities have Christmas markets but in smaller towns, the Christmas markets only open for one weekend.
Two of the most popular German Christmas Markets include:
* Frankfurt Christmas Market, located in the old town, is a great place to get handmade items and enjoy lovely food from the street vendors.
* Dresden Christmas Market is the oldest Christmas market in Germany and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany during Christmas.
The Dresden Christmas Market features a children choir and people usually dress in period costumes.
Christmas Traditions in Germany: Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath or Adventskranz tradition is a wreath found in most German households dining tables.
The Advent Wreath is traditionally made of twigs of conifers which encircle four candles, and on each Sunday of Advent, one of these candles is lit.
Christmas Traditions in Germany: St Barbara's day
On the 4th of December, St Barbara's day tradition is celebrated.
German families that wish to have something blossoming in their home over Christmas can cut off some tree branches and put them in water. According to the tradition, they are supposed to blossom on Christmas Day.
Christmas Traditions in Germany: St Nicolaus
St. Nicolaus is one of the best known Christmas traditions in Germany.
On the night of the 6th of December, the St. Nicolaus tradition is celebrated. Children in Germany clean their shoes before going to bed, and according to the tradition, if they have being good kids St. Nicolaus will leave them sweets
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