Weihnachtsfest

Weihnachtsfest, literally Christmas festival, is the annual celebration of Christmas observed in German-speaking countries and among German communities worldwide. It centers on the nativity and combines religious observance with family, food, and social customs. The term covers the Advent season leading up to December 24, as well as the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day festivities that follow.

Advent, beginning four Sundays before Christmas, is marked by the Adventskranz (four candles) and often an Adventskalender (calendar) with small gifts or chocolates. In many towns, Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) operate from late November into December, offering crafts, seasonal foods, and mulled wine (Glühwein).

On Heiligabend (Christmas Eve, December 24), gift giving is common in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, and many families attend a church service. A festive meal—often a Christmas Eve dinner—varies by region and may feature roasted poultry or game, dumplings and red cabbage, or carp, followed by desserts such as Stollen or Lebkuchen.

December 25 and 26, the Erster und Zweiter Weihnachtstag, are public holidays in much of the region. Church services, family visits, and continued feasting are common. The Christmas tree (Weihnachtsbaum or Christbaum) remains central in homes, typically decorated with candles, glass ornaments, and lights.

Gift-bringers vary by region: in many areas the Christkind delivers presents on Christmas Eve, while the Weihnachtsmann is also widely recognized, especially in urban settings. Nativity plays (Krippenspiel) and carol singing are common parts of the season, alongside traditional foods such as Stollen, Pfefferkuchen (gingerbread), and roasted chestnuts.