Christmas is a magical time of year, steeped in traditions that bring warmth and joy to families and communities. In Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, the festive season is celebrated with a blend of shared customs and unique local practices that reflect their rich cultural heritage. Let’s explore some of the most cherished Christmas traditions in these countries.
Advent: A Season of Anticipation
In all three countries, the Advent season marks the beginning of the Christmas celebrations. Advent calendars (“Adventskalender”) are a popular tradition, especially among children, who eagerly open a door each day to reveal a small treat or a present. Advent wreaths (“Adventskranz”) adorned with four candles are also common, with one candle lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas.
In Switzerland Samichlaus is visiting the children on December 6th. On this day, children eagerly anticipate a visit from Nikolaus, hoping he will bring them sweets and small gifts. Nikolaus is known to acknowledge both good behavior and areas for improvement, leaving children excited to hear what he has to say—and a little nervous to see if he knows about their mischiefs. Schmutzli is Samichlaus’s companion, often portrayed as a darker, more somber figure, dressed in a black or brown robe with a hood. In modern traditions, Schmutzli is more of a helper and less of a frightening character, assisting Samichlaus with distributing treats like nuts, mandarins, and chocolates.
In Austria Nikolaus is visiting the children on December 6th and handing them some small gifts. However, they must also beware of Krampus, a fearsome figure who accompanies Nikolaus and deals with naughty children.
Christmas Markets: A Feast for the Senses
Christmas markets (“Weihnachtsmärkte”) are a highlight of the season, transforming town squares into winter wonderlands. Switzerland, Germany and Austria are famous for their markets, such as the Nürnberger Christkindlmarkt, one of the oldest and most traditional in the world. In Vienna the whole inner city transforms into a wonderland of Christmas with its stunning lights and festive atmosphere.
Switzerland offers its own charm with markets like the one in Basel, known for its artisan crafts, and Montreux’s lakeside market, where children can meet Nikolaus himself. Visitors can savor mulled wine (“Glühwein”), roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread while shopping for handmade ornaments and gifts.
Christmas Eve and Day Celebrations
Christmas Eve (“Heiligabend”) is the focal point of the holiday celebrations in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. Families gather for a festive meal, which often includes dishes like roast goose, carp, or fondue, depending on the region. After the meal, the “Christkind” (Christ Child) or, in some areas, Santa Claus (“Weihnachtsmann”), delivers gifts. The giving of presents (“Bescherung”) usually takes place on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day.
Singing Christmas carols and lighting candles on the Christmas tree are cherished traditions. The tree is often kept hidden until Christmas Eve, when it is revealed to the family fully decorated. Austrians celebrate with midnight Mass at church and the singing of “Silent Night” (“Stille Nacht”), a carol that originated in Oberndorf, Austria, in 1818.
Unique Traditions
Each country has its unique Christmas customs. In Switzerland, communities in some regions participate in the “Klausjagen” (St. Nicholas Chase), a procession involving cowbells, whips, and illuminated bishop hats. In Bavaria, Germany, “Christbaumloben” (Praising the Christmas Tree) involves visiting neighbors to admire their trees and share a schnapps.
Austria, with its love for storytelling, embraces the tradition of “Perchtenlauf,” where costumed figures parade through towns to ward off evil spirits. This ties into the rich folklore surrounding Krampus, who has become an iconic symbol of Austrian Christmas.
Christmas is a time for being with family and reflecting.
