Once you can't hear the bells jingling, and the beautiful Christmas tree in your living room becomes a dry, dead hazard, it's time to dispose of it correctly. Here's how to do it in Germany.
Around the world, modern-day Christmas is associated with a feeling of coziness, getting together with the family and gift giving. The roots of these customs can arguably be traced back to Germany.
Hang a shining... pickle... on the highest bough? The Weihnachtsgurke, or Christmas Pickle, is supposedly a classic German tradition. But it may not be quite as traditional - or German - as you'd expect.
It might not be to everyone's taste, but the reasons many Germans sit down to a hearty meal of carp on Christmas Eve go far beyond simple questions of flavour.
'Drei Hasselnüsse für Ashenbrödel' - or 'Three Wishes for Cinderella’ - is one of Germany's most beloved Christmas films. Here's how you can watch it this year.
Shopping in Germany on Christmas Eve can be marked by long queues and shops closed early as people get ready to celebrate the holidays. Where can you go to get last minute groceries on December 24th, or even on the 25th?
Visiting home in the festive period when you live abroad in Germany is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. But it also brings with it some reverse culture shocks, writes Rachel Loxton.
The festive season in Germany brings a unique rhythm to daily life, with special rules for shopping, public holidays and business hours. Here’s what you need to know to plan ahead and avoid surprises.
Security has been tightened at German Christmas markets after recent deadly attacks. But if some online videos were to be believed, they've become barbed-wire fortresses guarded by armoured personnel carriers.
Invited to a German Christmas dinner and don’t know what to expect? Forget about Turkey with cranberry sauce, say goodbye to mince pies and Christmas pudding and embrace these specialities.
Want to feel more festive while also improving your German? Writer Sarah Magill digs out some of the most beautiful (and fun) German-language Christmas carols.
The last thing anyone wants at Christmas is to find themselves stuck in a traffic jam, held up by delayed trains or defeated by airport border control. Here’s what to watch out for over the festive period this year.
Whether you're looking for a present to bring home to loved ones or you have a German to surprise, we've compiled some of the best gifts you can get in Germany.
Numerous misleading videos have appeared on social media in Germany recently, with the apparent aim of reinforcing negative stereotypes against Muslims.
If you go to Christmas markets every year in Germany, the experience can start to feel a bit samey – but not at these festive events, all of which stand out for the unique twist each one has put on a holiday season classic.
Thinking about getting a Christmas tree this year? Here's what to know about which type of tree to choose, how much you should expect to spend and how to decorate your 'Weihnachtsbaum' in true German style.
Criminals serving time for non-violent offences are sometimes granted 'Christmas amnesty' and released from prison early. Here's a look at the rules around this tradition of the German penal system.
Many people yearn for a white Christmas, but snow on the ground over the holiday season is becoming increasingly rare in Germany. What are the chances of it happening this year?
Germany's festive season is full of fun and exciting traditions. From Advent and Christmas markets to the Krampus, here's a look at the key dates so you don't miss out.
Krampus parades in Bavaria and surrounding regions can make for an unforgettable cultural experience at the start of the festive season. Here’s where you can find the diabolical figure in southern Germany this year.
You might spot a branch or two in the homes of Germans in the lead up to Christmas. Here's what you need to know about the festive customs connected to St Barbara.
Germany's Christmas markets brighten up the cold and dark winter season. As well as picking up homemade gifts and ornaments, make sure you try these delicious snacks and drinks.
