Christmas celebrations in Germany revolve around the Advent season in anticipation of the arrival, or birthday, of Christ. A common tradition in the days leading up to Christmas is the Advent wreath, or in German, Adventskranz. The wreath is typically set up on the first Advent Sunday, four Sundays before Christmas.
Another interesting fact is the origin of the song "O Tannenbaum" traces back to German history. The first record of a Christmas tree was recorded in Germany shortly after religious informer Martin Luther's death. The first written record of a Christmas tree appeared in 1605. Something that differs from American traditions during Christmas, is that Saint Nick visits on the fifth or sixth of December rather than on Christmas Eve. Another interesting Christmas tradition revolves around the German Santa Claus, Nikolaus. Children in Germany will leave their shoes or boots outside the front door on December fifth through the sixth. It is said that Nikolaus visits and fills the shoes with sweets and treats if they've been good. A servant named Knecht Ruprecht accompanies Nikolas. Knecht Ruprecht leaves twigs in shoes if they have been naughty. Knecht Ruprecht is also known by the name of Krampus.
On the fifth or sixth of December, people dress up as frightening monsters. They wear gruesome masks and devil-like horns on their heads and creep in the night among the Christmas markets. The monsters seek out the naughty children, and punish them by scaring them.
One of the most popular reasons for traveling to Germany for Christmas is to visit the Christmas Markets, known as Weihnachtsmärkte. These markets can be found in hundreds of villages, towns and cities across Germany and have been going on for centuries. Dresden's famoThe markets feature millius tiered pyramid serves as the symbol of the Striezel Markt, which is one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets. The markets typically begin in November and carry on throughout the holiday season.
Climate and temperature vary depending on region in Germany. In the winter, temperatures average about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is also very common in the winter months in Germany. As average temperatures drop in January and February, vacationers should expect precipitation and might consider packing proper outerwear.
