Christmas is celebrated in Germany on December 25th. Some German Christmas traditions include decorating Christmas trees, which originated in Germany, celebrating St. Nicholas Day on December 6th, and visiting Christmas markets for shopping, food, and entertainment. Popular Christmas foods in Germany include roast goose, pork, carp, gingerbread, and marzipan.

1. Christmas in Germany Froeliche Weihnachten

2. Map of Germany

3. 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 25 th . Their Christmas season ends on January 6 th . January 6 th 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Decorations

7. 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.

8. Christmas Markets

9. St. Nicholas The people of Germany celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6 th . 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 5 th , German children leave their shoes out for St. Nicholas. When they awake on December 6 th , their shoes are filled with toys and treats.

10. 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.

11. 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!

12. 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.