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Christmas weather in Germany is usually around 28-40
degrees fahrenheit. Snow is not very common during this time. You may get lucky
if you are visiting a town which is located at a higher elevation. On average
Germany probably gets snow one out of five years in lower areas.
Christmas in Germany may be one of the most unique
experiences you ever have. With the famous Christmas markets in almost every
town you come across, you are sure to have a time of your life. Whether you
visit Germany during the Holidays Season for business or pleasure, you will
have a lot to talk about when you return home. The way Germans celebrate this
holiday is not much different than the way Americans do. The tradition of the
Christmas tree with the presents underneath is of course the main tradition.
You will find lights all over the place as you will in the U.S. Stockings are
traditional as well as they are hung and filled with goodies for the kids.
Santa Claus (Weihnachtsmann) is no different. The big, bearded man dressed in
red who rides in a slay pulled by raindeer. Children are always excited to see
what Santa left them under the tree. Lets talk about some of the things you
will experience during the Christmas holiday in Germany.
Christmas Fests (Weihnachtsfest) - Possibly the number one
attraction during Christmas time in Germany. These exciting functions usually
start toward the end of November and end on the 22nd or 23rd of December in
bigger cities like Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich. In smaller cities they are
normally held on one weekend in December. Each town holds their own fest so it
is not uncommon for the fests to be held on different weekends. Traditionally
the Mayor of the town opens the Christmas fest by lighting an enormous tree.
Christmas fests are a place you can go with your family to
enjoy the Christmas season and take in every wonderful thing this season
brings. Fests are usually held at the city center in a public, open area. You
just walk up to the area and enjoy. You may not want to drive to the fests.
Germany has very limited parking spots during normal months and it is almost
impossible to get a parking spot anywhere close to a Christmas market. There is
one option if you wish to drive, you can park in a garage and pay approximatly
two euro an hour but I will warn you, the Gluehwein tends to sneak up on you.
There are several things to experience during these fests. Below are just a few
of the more traditional ones.
Gluehwein (Glow Wine) This is a very popular alcoholic
drink during the Christmas holiday in Germany. Gluehwein is a warm red wine
that is served out of small shacks at these fests. Gluewein is normally only
served during the Christmas season but you can purchase it year-round at a
German liquor store.
Gingerbread (Lebkuchen) The traditional gingerbread that
you will see is covered in chocolate. You will see several shapes and sizes,
decorated or not as you wonder through the fest. The city of Nuremberg provides
the most famous gingerbread that can be found all over Germany during the
holiday season.
Nutcracker Soldiers and Drummers, These famous figurines
can be found throughout any fest you visit as well. They range from miniature
sizes to extremely large and there are several different styles to choose from.
Chestnuts (Maronen) Just like the famous song, chestnuts
are ,roasted on an open fire, and served to you very warm. You will notice many
people munching on these goodies throughout the fests as well.
Christmas Food, Some of the tradional Christmas dishes
are:
Christmas Goose (Weihnachtsgans) This dish traditionally
consists of a stuffed goose, potatoe dumplings, red cabage and a wine flavored
sauce. There is no special technique in fixing this dish but the sauce consists
of wine, the juices produced while cooking the goose and a gravy. You can find
this at many German restaurants during the Christmas season and many German
family make it as well.
Weihnachtsstollen, There is no English translation that we
know of but this German bread consists of raisins, almond paste, candied orange
peel and many other ingredients. The bread is topped with powdered sugar. You
can find this bread in any supermarket in Germany during the Christmas season.
Candy Apples (Bratapfel) These flavorfull caramel covered apples are very
popular during the Christmas season in Germany as well as America and many
other Countries. You can find these treats mainly at the Christmas fests.
Christmas Cookies (Weihnachtsgebaeck) Christmas cookies
are made in many different variations and flavors throughout Germany. You are
sure to find some that suite your taste buds. There is no single traditional
Christmas cookie made in particular but you will find Christmas cookies
throughout Germany during Christmas.
Joshua Spaulding is an Author and Webmaster providing
quality information on
Germany
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