A-to-Z Guide to Christmas Traditions

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A Guide to Christmas Customs in Austria, Germany and Switzerland

Whether you live in North America, in German-speaking Europe, or almost anywhere else in the western world, the way Christmas is celebrated has been influenced in large measure by Austria and Germany. The Christmas tree comes from Germany. “Silent Night” (“Stille Nacht”), the world’s best known Christmas carol, originated in Austria. To learn more about these and other influences, just continue reading.

Gendarmenmarkt blue dome

One of Berlin’s most popular Christmas markets at Gendarmenmarkt Square. PHOTO © H. Flippo
Photos > More German Christmas Photos

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NEW: German Christmas Markets in the USA – A guide to Old World, German-style Christmas markets in many US states

A
  • Advent – The Latin word means “arrival.” This custom begins on the first Advent Sunday around December 1.
  • Advent Calendar – An online calendar with daily Christmas facts starting on December 1
  • Advent wreath (Adventskranz) > Advent
  • “Alle Jahre wieder” – A German Christmas carol favorite with lyrics in German and English, plus video
  • Austria (Österreich) is home to many of our Christmas customs, including “Silent Night” (“Stille Nacht”)
  • Austria’s Souvenir Gift to the World: The Snow Globe – Die Schneekugel is an Austrian invention! Learn more about the fascinating history of the snow globe and how it conquered the world.
B
  • Barbarazweig – The legend and the Christmas custom that involves cherry-tree branches and St. Barbara
  • Bescherung, die = the exchanging of gifts on Christmas Eve, usually by the Christmas Tree (Tannenbaum).
C
Modern white candle arch w/ LED lights

A modern version of the German Christmas candle arch, or Schwibbogen. Learn more about the German Christmas Candle Arch (Schwibbogen) and how you can order one.

D
  • “Dinner for One” – All about this strange German New Year’s TV tradition – broadcast in English
  • Dreikönigstag | Epiphany (Jan. 6) – Why this date?
E
  • Epiphany – Dreikönigstag (January 6) – Why is this date an important part of Christmas in Germany?
  • Erntedank – Comparing Thanksgiving in Germany with the similar tradition in North America
F
G

H
J

K
  • K+M+B (also C+M+B) – Why do Austrians and Germans inscribe these letters over the front door? > Epiphany – Dreikönigstag
  • “Kling, Glöckchen” (“Ring, Little Bell”) – The German and English lyrics for this popular German children’s Christmas carol, with video
  • Krambambuli is another word for Feuerzangenbowle, hot mulled wine on steroids! It’s a delicious Christmas and winter favorite in German-speaking Europe.
  • Krampus, the Christmas Devil of Alpine Europe – Krampus accompanies St. Nikolaus on Dec. 5-6.
  • Krampuslauf – See “Krampus” above for more about this unusual Austrian Christmas custom
  • Krippe, die = crèche, nativity scene, manger; crib
L
  • Lametta (tinsel) – Lauscha, Germany is the home of glass Christmas ornaments and tinsel.
  • “Lasst uns froh und munter sein” – German and English lyrics for this traditional St. Nicholas Christmas song, usually sung leading up to Nicholas Eve on Dec. 5
  • “Leise rieselt der Schnee” – “Softly Falls the Snow” is a popular German carol that dates back to 1895. The parodies are more recent. Lyrics in German and English – with video.
  • Lichter = lights
  • Luther, Martin (1483-1546) – Martin Luther was the religious reformer who broke away from the Catholic church to create the Protestant (Evangelisch) church. He also influenced Christmas customs. More…

More on The German Way
Photos: Christmas in Germany – Berlin
Our photographic tour of just a few of Berlin’s 60 Christmas markets

M
N
  • Nast, Thomas – German-born Thomas Nast was the creator of the modern image of Santa Claus. (No, it wasn’t Coca-Cola!) More…
  • New Year’s Eve | Silvester is German for New Year’s Eve. Learn about German Silvester customs, including “Dinner for One.”
  • Nicholas – Nikolaus – St. Nikolaus comes on Dec. 6 in Germany.
  • nutcracker | Nussknacker – The traditional wooden nutcracker comes from the German state of Thuringia. See our Guide to German Nutcrackers by a nutcracker fan.
O

P
Q
R
S

Christmas tree at the Brandenburg Gate

The Christmas tree (Tannenbaum, Weihnachtsbaum) has its roots in German culture. This one stands in front of the American embassy near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. PHOTO: Andrea Goldmann

T
W
XYZ
  • Xmas – An abbreviation for Christmas that comes from the Greek. > Christmas
  • Yuletide | das Julfest > Christmas

Next | Holidays and Celebrations Calendar

Related Pages
AT THE GERMAN WAY

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