Top holidays and celebrations in Germany

Germany’s holiday calendar is shaped by family traditions, local customs, and celebrations that bring communities together. From Advent and Christmas markets to Karneval and Oktoberfest, holidays in Germany offer meaningful ways for people to gather, celebrate, and stay close to family and friends.

Whether you are learning about German culture, planning to support family abroad, or looking for simple ways to understand important German holiday traditions, here are some of the top holidays and celebrations in Germany.

Advent and Christmas markets in Germany

For many people in Germany, the holiday season begins before Christmas Day. Advent is the four-week period leading up to Christmas, and it is often filled with traditions that bring family, friends, and neighbors together.

Throughout November and December, towns and cities across Germany host Weihnachtsmärkte, or Christmas markets. People gather to shop for gifts, enjoy seasonal foods, and share warm drinks like Glühwein, a traditional mulled wine.

Popular Advent traditions in Germany include:

• Opening Advent calendars each day before Christmas
• Lighting candles on Advent wreaths
• Visiting Christmas markets with family and friends
• Attending seasonal concerts and church events

Another important tradition is St. Nicholas Day, known as Nikolaustag, on December 6. Children often place shoes or boots outside their doors the night before. In the morning, they may find small gifts, sweets, or treats from St. Nicholas.

These traditions help build excitement for one of Germany’s most important family holidays: Christmas.

Christmas traditions in Germany

Weihnachten, or Christmas, is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Germany. Christmas Day and the Second Day of Christmas are public holidays, but many families hold their most meaningful celebrations on Christmas Eve, known as Heiligabend, on December 24.

Families often gather for a meal, exchange gifts, and spend time together. What people eat can vary by region and family tradition. Some holiday meals include roasted meat, sausages with potato salad, or other seasonal dishes.

Common Christmas traditions in Germany include:

• Decorating Christmas trees, known as Weihnachtsbaum
• Attending church services
• Exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve
• Sharing holiday meals with family and friends

For many families, Christmas is a time to reconnect, give gifts, and continue traditions that have been passed down for generations.

Karneval and Fasching celebrations in Germany

One of the liveliest holiday seasons in Germany is Karneval. Depending on the region, it may also be called Fasching or Fastnacht.

These celebrations take place in the weeks before Lent. They are especially popular in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Mainz, and parts of Bavaria.

Karneval traditions often include:

• Colorful costumes
• Street parades
• Music and dancing
• Floats that share candy with the crowd
• Community gatherings and parties

Regional customs can be very different. In Cologne, people often use the greeting Alaaf. In other areas, people may say Helau.

For many communities, Karneval is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year. It brings neighbors, families, friends, and local groups together for days of music, costumes, and shared tradition.

Oktoberfest traditions in Germany

Oktoberfest is a Bavarian celebration, but it has become one of the best-known German cultural events around the world.

Held each year in Munich, Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration. Today, it brings together people from Germany and many other countries.

Oktoberfest traditions include:

• Wearing traditional clothing, such as lederhosen and dirndls
• Enjoying Bavarian food and regional dishes
• Listening to live music
• Visiting festival tents and fairground attractions
• Gathering with family and friends

Although Oktoberfest is most closely tied to Bavaria, its focus on food, music, and community reflects values found in many German celebrations.

Regional holidays and celebrations in Germany

One reason holidays in Germany feel so meaningful is that traditions often vary by region. Some celebrations are shared across the country, while others are closely tied to local history, family customs, and community life.

In many places, Christmas markets are an important part of the holiday season. In the Rhineland, Karneval is a major event. In Bavaria, Fasching and Oktoberfest are strong cultural traditions. Local harvest festivals and community events also take place throughout the year.

These regional differences help keep German holiday traditions alive. They also give families and communities their own ways to celebrate, remember, and come together.

Sending money to Germany during the holiday season

For Germans living abroad, and for people with family and friends in Germany, the holiday season can bring extra expenses. Families may need help with gifts, travel, meals, or seasonal celebrations.

Sending money can be one way to support when you cannot be there in person. Whether you are helping those who matter most prepare for a family gathering, cover travel costs, or enjoy important holiday traditions, that support can mean a lot.

Western Union offers convenient ways to support family and friends during the festive season, including:

• Using the international money transfer app
• Exploring different ways to send money
• Sending funds through international mobile wallet transfers

You can also send money to Germany directly to help those who matter most celebrate important holidays and family traditions.

Celebrate Germany’s holiday traditions

From Advent markets and Christmas celebrations to Karneval and Oktoberfest, holidays in Germany reflect family, community, and local tradition.

When family and friends are far away, staying close can matter even more during meaningful moments. Whether you are sending a holiday gift, helping with travel, or supporting seasonal needs, Western Union can help you send money to the people who matter most.

Ready to support those who matter most in Germany? Begin a money transfer with Western Union today.