Christmas in Germany is similar to Christmas in North America in many ways but there are some differences which I found rather surprising at first.

1. 5 Facts About Christmas in Germany
monkeysandmountains.com /5-f acts-about-christmas-in-germany
Christmas in Germany is similar to
Christmas in North America in many ways
but there are some dif f erences which I
f ound rather surprising at f irst:
1st Fact About Christmas in Germany –
Santa Clause Doesn’t Come at Christmas
I know what you’re thinking, oh those poor German
children, but don’t feel too sorry for them, since while
Santa Clause (Weihnachtsmann in German) may not
come, Christkind (the Christ Child in English) is the gift
bearer in Germany and throughout different parts of
Europe. Christkind couldn’t look more different than
Santa Claus though. He is usually depicted as a child
and angel- like with curly blond hair. As with Santa
Claus though, children never see Christkind in action
(hopefully). It also should be said that the
Weihnactsmann is becoming increasing more common
as the gift bearer in Germany, much to the chagrin of
some people as the above photo demonstrates
translating as “We believe in the Christ Child, don’t give
Santa Claus a chance.”
# 2. Christmas Comes Early
Children in North America would be so
jealous of children in Germany if they knew
they got their presents a whole 12 hours
earlier. Christkind comes in the early evening
of Dec 24th and presents are opened that
evening instead of waiting until the morning of
the 25th. It closely resembles Christmas
morning in North America, but perhaps with
fewer presents since many Germans are
more practical with their spending and gift
giving than many North Americans are.
# 3. T here is an Extra Christmas
Holiday
Or more specifically St Nicholas Day (the
famous saint on who Santa Claus is based)
and he comes very early – on December 6th
O n e d e p i cti o n o f Ch r i s tki n d wh o m a ke s a n a p p e a r a n ce e ve r y Ch r i s tm a s i n G e r m a n y
and he may even make house calls in
person! When J.P. (my German husband) was very young he remembered St. Nicholas knocking on the door, then
reading from his “Naughty or Nice” book, all the “naught and nice” things he had done that year. He said he was afraid
of St. Nicholas, but fortunately always made the “nice” list. St. Nicholas is not nearly as generous as Christkind though
usually only giving candy.

2. Ch r i s tki n d a n d S a n ta Cl a u s e , b u t th e r e i s a m o ve m e n t to ke e p Ch r i s tki n d a s th e g i ft g i ve r a n d n o t th e Am e r i ca n S a n ta Cl a u s a s d e p i cte d i n
th e to p p h o to
# 4. Turkeys are Saf e in Germany
Many North Americans celebrate Christmas with a nice turkey dinner but you won’t find a turkey dinner in sight at a
German Christmas Dinner. A roast goose is the traditional dish served along with some red cabbage, although wild
boar may also be served in place of the roast goose.
# 5. T here’s No (gasp) Snacking Nor Junk Food
Germans are not big snackers to begin with nor junk food eaters – generally speaking. Not to worry though, you
definitely won’t go hungry. You will likely have three filling meals and coffee and cake in the afternoon. I feel this is worth
mentioning since there will likely be no soda or chips in the house. If you do watch a Christmas movie you will likely be
watching it – not snacking away endlessly while doing it. For the first time in many years I didn’t walk away bloated
feeling like I had gained 5 pounds, so perhaps this should be the 6th thing to know about Christmas in Germany.
What else can you add?
About Laurel
Laurel Robbins is a free- spirited adventurer, award- winning travel blogger at Monkeys and Mountains
Adventure Travel Blog. Many hats, one travel obsessed Canadian in Germany.