How Many Days Until Christmas

Christmas traditions explorer

Christmas traditions from around the world

Choose a country to see when Christmas is celebrated, what is on the table, who brings the gifts and one piece of local folklore.

Christmas in Germany

Main date
December 24 evening, with public holidays on December 25 and 26
Gift giver
Christkind in many regions, Weihnachtsmann elsewhere.
Main traditions
Advent wreaths, open air Christmas markets, late afternoon tree decorating on Christmas Eve, followed by carols and church.
Festive food
Roast goose with red cabbage and dumplings on Christmas Day. Stollen, Lebkuchen and Spekulatius through Advent.
Gift customs
Exchanged on the evening of December 24.
Fun fact
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world.
Read the full guide to Christmas in Germany

Frequently asked questions

Why does the main Christmas day vary?
Many European countries celebrate the main meal on Christmas Eve. Most English speaking countries celebrate on Christmas morning. Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar celebrate on January 7.
Who brings gifts in different countries?
Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Père Noël, the Christkind, La Befana, the Three Kings, the Yule Lads. The figure depends on local tradition and religion.
Can I read more about a single country?
Yes. Countries with full guides have a link inside the explorer card.