Celebrating Advent (the arrival of Christ) is an important part of German Christmas. For Christians of both Protestant and Roman Catholic denomination it is a time of quiet contemplation which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. In German homes a festive evergreen Advent wreath—usually decorated with four candles but sometimes with only one—is one of the most popular symbols of the season. In the evening families often gather in the family room to light the candles and to sing carols and read Christmas stories together.

Christmas markets have become a major magnet not only for Germans, but for visitors, too.

Twenty-five years ago, the famous "Christkindlmarkt," or Child Christ Christmas market, in Nuremberg was the undisputed main attraction of the Christmas season in Germany. These days, however, it has plenty of serious competition. Every year, the centers of many German towns and cities are filled with the alluring aroma of mulled wine, gingerbread cakes and roasted almonds. Rows of little wooden booths line the historic squares --- each of them offering tasty seasonal snacks or handmade gifts.

Christmas markets start up just before the first Sunday in Advent, and most of them remain open until Christmas itself. They have become a major magnet not only for Germans, but for visitors, too.

Christmas celebrations are held on the evening of December 24, known as Heiliger Abend. Families come together to enjoy a festive meal and to gather around the Christmas tree. Believe it or not, in many German homes real candles are still used—with great care—to decorate and light the tree!

Christmas gifts are exchanged and many Germans still keep the tradition of singing Christmas carols and making music together. “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht” (Silent Night, Holy Night) to this day is probably the most widely sung Christmas carol around the world. This is a memorial church in Austria representing the church where “Silent Night” was first written.

After the celebrations at home practicing Christians will attend festive midnight church services to commemorate the birth Christ. The festivities with relatives and friends extend throughout December 25 and 26, which are both official holidays in Germany.

Though the daily routine returns once those days have past, the Christmas Season continues until January 6, “Heilige Drei Könige” (Epiphany). This holiday, commemorating the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem, is still widely celebrated in the mainly Roman Catholic regions of Germany.