The Local Germany

German Advent word of the day: Der Adventskalender

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 06:51:37 +0100

The Christmas season in Germany kicks off every year with this special tradition.

What you need to know about Nikolaus: the saint who gave gifts before Santa

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 17:23:02 +0100

On the night of December 5th, children across Germany will leave out a boot for an old, bearded bloke to fill with sweets and treats. It's definitely not Santa, though. So who's handing out the gifts this weekend?

Your essential guide for doing Christmas just like a German

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 12:00:45 +0100

Christmas is coming! And it would be very un-German of you to leave the preparations until the last minute.

Turn on the bright lights: Christmas houses shine throughout Germany

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 16:15:20 +0100

Many houses have already put a wooden candle arch in the window. But others are transforming into glittering Christmas worlds – sometimes to the annoyance of neighbours, and sometimes for a good cause.

German trendsetters rent out live Christmas trees

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 12:21:18 +0100

A new trend is putting down roots in Germany this winter, as small companies rent out thousands of living Christmas trees to people who'd rather not cut down and discard a healthy pine.

Berlin church plans 'Star Wars' Christmas service

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 16:32:09 +0100

The newest Star Wars film may hit German cinemas on Thursday, but Episode VI is about to take centre stage at one Berlin church - and all in the name of Christmas.

'Muslim' Advent calendar causes Facebook fury

Fri, 04 Dec 2015 13:01:06 +0100

Chocolate manufacturer Lindt was the target of an online mob this week, after Facebook users mistook the building on their oriental-themed Advent calendar for a mosque.

Alternative Advent calendar puts fitness first

Mon, 30 Nov 2015 17:29:51 +0100

Worried about staying slim this festive season? It might be time to ditch the chocolate calendar and open up YouTube - because a pair of German fitness coaches have come up with the perfect route to a "guilt-free" Christmas.

Five foolproof steps to do Advent like a German

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 12:18:35 +0100

With the first Sunday of Advent almost upon us, The Local looks at how Germany celebrates the festive season.

Opening the door to holiday torture

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:25:00 +0100

In the latest installment of Portnoy’s Stammtisch, The Local’s column about life in Germany, Portnoy cracks open the tiny door to Advent calendar torture.

Advent candles start retirement home fire

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 11:35:00 +0100

Advent candles caused a fire that injured 24 people Tuesday night in a retirement home in Steinach, Bavaria.