What is a German or Bavarian Christmas like?

Earlier this year, we talked you through the differences between Bavarians and Germans. Why? Because, in terms of traditions and customs – i.e. for things like Christmas – it’s very important distinction. So we’ll start this post by just outlining the most important differences again: Bavaria is a region of Germany, so Bavarians are Germans, but have their own identity (which they are proud of); Bavarians are generally catholic and more serious about observing religion than other parts of Germany.

This is important when talking about Christmas, even if there are some aspects of the festivities that apply to all of Germany (and indeed neighbouring Austria and Poland). Firstly, Germans celebrate Christmas on 24^th December, not on 25^th December. They do have the day off on 26th, but Christmas Day has lots of the same “day after” hallmarks as Boxing Day. Another important thing to note about German Christmas celebrations is that Christmas trees are usually not put up until quite late – 21^st or 22^nd are standard dates – because the tree is real and is often decorated with real candles (meaning it has to be young and moist to avoid catching fire!). Also, Germans love a good Christmas market: after all, the northern part of Bavaria is where Christmas markets come from, with the world’s oldest being the Christkindlesmarkt of Nuremberg. Nuremberg is also home to the famous Lebkuchen, delicious half-cakes-half-biscuits that are especially popular at yuletide.

It’s no coincidence that the Nuremberg Christmas market is not called “Weihnahtsmarkt”, but “Christkindlesmarkt”, as Bavarian children are taught to believe that their Christmas presents are bought by the “Christkind” (Christ child), not Father Christmas. That’s partly due to Bavaria’s catholic tradition, which is also why many Bavarian families eat their Christmas meal on Christmas Day, like we do in the UK: Christmas Eve is still officially a day of fasting, meaning that no meat is allowed for devout Christians! While the rest of Germany is tucking into goose and duck for dinner on 24^th, Bavarians are eating carp and looking forward to the roast the following day. One thing’s for sure, though: Bavarian Christmas traditions are as varied as the hundreds of different parts of the region.

As for dress, it ought to be clear by now that a festive occasion like Christmas is just the time for Bavarians to don their finest – and that means lederhosen and dirndl with all the trimmings… So if you’re heading to Bavaria this Christmas, get your Bavarian costume and learn to say “Frohe Weihnachten!”