Save this for your German Christmas vacay! 🎄🇩🇪
Germany is magical during Christmas—think twinkling markets, festive treats, and a charming winter wonderland. ❄️ But if you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll quickly realize that Christmas here is NOT just a holiday—it’s a cultural experience.
From city-wide shutdowns to massive food portions and surprising customs, here are 10 things you NEED to know before traveling to Germany during the holiday season.
1️⃣ Christmas = Chinese New Year in Asia 🎄
If you’ve ever experienced Chinese New Year shutdowns, you’ll feel right at home in Germany during Christmas.
👉 Shops and restaurants start closing as early as Dec 23.
👉 By Dec 24 (Christmas Eve), Germany is a ghost town—almost EVERYTHING shuts down by 2 PM.
👉 Dec 25? Forget about dining out or shopping. Most places remain closed until Dec 26 or 27.
👉 Public transport still runs, but schedules change —check timetables in advance!
If you’re traveling during this period:
✔️ Stock up on groceries if you’re staying in an Airbnb—supermarkets are SHUT.
✔️ Book your hotel’s restaurant in advance if you want a Christmas Eve/Christmas dinner.
✔️ Catch the Christmas markets before Dec 23—some stay open until Dec 24 noon.
P.S. German kids believe in Santa 🎅, so expect full festive vibes!
👉🏼 What you can do when Dresden shuts down for Xmas
2️⃣ Sundays = Rest Days. Like, for Real. 😴
Everything (except some restaurants and essential services) is closed on Sundays.
✅ Tourist areas? Some restaurants remain open.
❌ Outside of tourist areas? Nope, not even supermarkets.
✔️ Train stations (e.g., Dresden Hauptbahnhof) have open shops & bakeries—your best bet!
3️⃣ Public Transport is a Lifesaver, But… 🚌🚆
💡 Know Your Transport Schedule
Trams, buses, and trains follow a fixed schedule set annually—printed at every stop.
🔹 Always check timetables—Google Maps & Apple Maps are semi-accurate.
🔹 Be at the stop 3-5 mins early—they tend to leave on time (or earlier!).
🔹 Need to open train/tram doors? PRESS THE BUTTON. Don’t expect them to open automatically!
🔹 Validate your paper ticket or risk a €60 fine—inspectors check often.
If in doubt? Observe the locals!
📍 Need transport hacks? Check out my detailed poston navigating Germany’s public transport!
4️ ⃣ Alcohol is BANNED on Public Transport 🚫🍺
Officially, drinking alcohol on public transport is not allowed… but let’s be real—there are always rule-breakers.
✅ You CAN eat & drink on public transport—but keep it low-key & odor-free.
❌ Don’t litter. Germans take cleanliness seriously!
5️⃣ Food Portions Are HUGE & Meat is King 🍖🥨
• Pork is a staple. Vegetarian/vegan options exist, but they’re limited.
• German dumplings ≠ Asian dumplings—they’re dense, starchy, and chewy. Not my favourite!
• Sauerkraut tastes WAY better in Germany.
• Veggies? What veggies? Salads & greens are separate side dishes—not part of the meal!
💡 Craving fresh greens? Buy bags of salad from the supermarket like I did! 🥗😂
6️⃣ Alcohol is Cheaper than Water 🍷💦
Yup. That’s Europe for you. But in Germany, you MUST try:
🍏 Hot Apple Juice at Christmas Markets—absolute comfort on cold winter days.
🍺 German beer & wine—self-explanatory.
🥤 Apple soda (Apfelschorle)—so common, it’s available on tap at some places!
🚨 Pro tip: If someone looks at you funny for ordering hot apple juice—ignore them. It’s amazing.
7️⃣ Germans Love Walking & Talking 🚶♂️❄️
Even in the cold, Germans are always out walking. It’s a thing.
Apparently, deep conversations = long walks. A fellow Singaporean told me that when his German father-in-law says, “I want to talk to you,” it means… a two-hour walk is happening.
8️⃣ Toasting? MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT! 🍻 👀
When clinking glasses, Germans make eye contact—it’s a sign of respect.
But there’s also a superstition: Fail to make eye contact = 7 years of bad sex. 😳
Don’t risk it. LOOK. THEM. IN. THE. EYE. 👀
9️⃣ German Dining Etiquette = Set EVERYTHING on the Table 🍽️
Attended a traditional German Christmas breakfast at a friend’s place and was confused af.
Turns out, in German households, EVERYTHING related to the meal must be on the table BEFORE eating.
✔️ All the butters, jams, condiments—even if you won’t use them.
✔️ Every plate, cutlery, and drink.
✔️ Only start eating when the host says “Guten Appetit!”
💡 Cleaning up must be a pain. Now I get why dishwashers are so common here.
🔟 Christmas Toys? They Come from SEIFFEN! 🎠✨
Ever seen those gorgeous handmade wooden nutcrackers, pyramids, and Christmas figurines? They ALL come from Seiffen, Germany!
This tiny town in Saxony is THE hub for traditional wooden Christmas toys.
🎄 Germans love decorating their homes with these handcrafted wooden figurines.
🎄 Christmas window displays often feature rotating wooden pyramids, carved nativity scenes, and nutcrackers.
🎄 Many of these crafts are handmade using century-old techniques.
💡 If you want an authentic German Christmas souvenir, skip the cheap plastic ornaments—get something from Seiffen instead!
🎁 BONUS: CASH IS KING IN GERMANY 💶
🚫 Credit cards? Not widely accepted.
✅ Debit cards (EC-Karte) are the norm.
💳 YouTrip works in most major cities, but carry cash.
🚽 Public toilets cost money (EUR 1-2 per use)—have small change ready!
🎄 Is Germany Worth Visiting at Christmas?
💯% YES. The Christmas vibes, markets, food, and traditions are unlike anywhere else in the world.
BUT—you need to be prepared for:
✔️ Shutdowns (plan meals ahead!)
✔️ Cash-only culture
✔️ Massive food portions & meat-heavy meals
If you’re planning a Christmas trip to Germany, save this post!
P.s. see links below for more on my Winter Wonderland trip
🚃 Navigate German public transport wimme
🎪 Knock yourself out at the Christmas Markets
🛏️ Where I stayed in Germany & Prague
🥂 €17pp for 3 glasses of sparkling wine???
Germany transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas, offering unique experiences beyond Christmas markets. To truly immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, understanding local customs is crucial. 1. **Plan ahead for closures**: Many shops and eateries shut down from December 23 onward, with limited services available on Christmas Day. Make sure to stock up on essentials beforehand. 2. **Get familiar with public transport**: While trams and trains are highly efficient, they operate on tighter schedules around the holidays. Always check timetables to avoid being stranded. 3. **Dining flexibility**: Be prepared for generous portion sizes and meat-heavy meals. Familiarize yourself with local dishes like sausages, schnitzel, and hearty stews for an authentic taste of German cuisine. 4. **Cash is king**: Many establishments prefer cash over credit cards, especially in smaller towns. Always carry some change for public toilets and small purchases. 5. **Experience genuine German Christmas items**: Explore local crafts; Seiffen is famous for its wooden Christmas ornaments. Collecting genuine souvenirs adds depth to your holiday experience. 6. **Capture the festive atmosphere**: Don’t miss out on iconic Christmas lights, decorations, and festive events that bring a unique charm to German cities. Enjoy long walks in the crisp air, which is also a cherished local tradition. Germany during Christmas offers a snapshot of its culture and traditions. By planning carefully and embracing local practices, visitors can create lasting memories of the season!
