Being away from family and friends during the holidays can be difficult for anyone who lives abroad, especially in Germany with the cold and grey winters. However, there are things you can do to make the most of the holidays and enjoy them even if you’re alone. We gathered few ideas for you about how you can spend Christmas if you’re an expat in Germany.
Volunteering
You could volunteer your time or offer your services to people who need them. Many organizations, such as charities and churches, are looking for volunteers to assist with Christmas events and activities, and this can be a great way to connect with others and give back to the community. You can also offer your help to a neighbor, a friend, or someone else who might be alone or in need during the holiday season.
Join Traditional German Festivities
If you want to celebrate Christmas alone in Germany, you could embrace German culture by joining in traditional festivities. Germany is famous for its festive Christmas markets. These are a great way to enjoy the holidays and immerse yourself in German culture. You can also try traditional German Christmas dishes, such as roast goose or roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, or bake your own German Christmas cookies, such as Lebkuchen or Spritzgebäck.
Connect With Your Own Traditions
You can also find ways to connect with your own cultural traditions and create your own Christmas rituals. You might want to decorate your house, cook your favorite meals, watch your favorite holidays movies or TV series. If you’re not able to find any local events celebrating Christmas, you could try contacting other expats or foreigners living in your area, or joining online communities or groups that promote Christmas celebrations in your own language or country.
Invite New People to Your Christmas Dinner
You might want to invite some new people to join you. It’s not fun to spend Christmas alone, so why not invite some friends over to share the holiday cheer? Ask your friends to send out invitations to other expats that they personally know. You could even post an invitation on a community board for your city or town so that interested locals can contact you. You might even make some new friends for your kindness. If you want to save time and money, you could organize a potluck, where each person brings a different type of food. Here are some Christmas dinner ideas you might want to check!
Ultimately, the key thing to doing well at Christmas alone in Germany as an expat is to focus on what makes you happy and meaningful, and to be open minded and willing to try new things and connect with people. Whether you choose to volunteer, embrace local traditions, or celebrate your own cultural practices, there are many ways to make this holiday special and memorable even when you are on your own.
It’s finally (almost) the most wonderful time of the year! Whether or not you are new in Germany, you must be planning for your Christmas holidays already, who isn’t?! We made a list of the top places to visit for Christmas in Germany to help you plan your best holidays for this year. From Christmas markets to historical places, we have everything covered in this blog post!
Christmas is more special when celebrated with friends and families. But for most of the internationals in Germany, especially the newcomers, the first Christmas away from home can be really challenging. If you are one of them, you can read our article on how to fight back expat blues in Germany. We hope it helps you!
Nuremberg
Visit Nuremberg and you’ll be able to experience one of the largest Christmas Markets on the planet, attracting more than 2 million people annually and featuring hundreds of unique vendors selling everything from handcrafted gifts to traditional German foods. You can also enjoy delicious smells and flavors of Glühwein, Gingerbread, Wurst, Sweet Roasted Almonds, waffles and so much more in an unforgettable holiday experience in the old town. The Toy Museum and Grand Carousel are particularly delightful in this charming Bavarian city.
Christmas Eve at Berlin Cathedral
Other than its amazing Christmas markets, Berlin has much more to offer for Christmas. Located in the Mitte, the Berliner Dom dominates its surroundings with the Fernsehturm and River Spree in the background.On Christmas Eve, people go to the cathedral to hear heavenly choirs perform. If you want to experience such a serene atmosphere, then the Berliner Dom is the place to be.
Munich
Christmas is a time of traditions everywhere, but nowhere is this truer than in the city of Munich in southern Germany. With its rich history, Munich has been celebrating Christmas for centuries. Thanks to the conservative nature of southern German cities, they’ve managed to preserve their traditional culture for centuries.
One of the most famous of the Munich Christmas markets takes place at the Old Town Hall square in the heart of the old town. It’s no surprise that the Christmas tree has become one of the most popular sights in the city. You can also enjoy live performances by musicians playing at the Town Hall every day after lunch.
Image credits: iStock
Dresden
Dresden has the largest number of Christmas market stalls in the eastern part of Germany and it also holds the oldest annual Christmas market, dating back to 1434. Located at Altmarkt Square, it’s surrounded by numerous themed Christmas markets that stretch from the main train station to the Albertplatz. Here you’ll find some of the best handcrafted products Germany has to offers, including ceramics from Lusatia, biscuits from Pulsnitz and much more.
Freiburg
Freiburg is an enchanting small town in Germany with an amazing atmosphere throughout the entire holiday season, located at the foot of the Black Forest, but it’s especially wonderful during the holidays, when the festive Christmas market sets up shop in the heart of the historical old town. Here people from all age groups can enjoy a variety of traditional arts and craft products, including glassblowing and colorful wooden toys. There’s lots of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, gingerbread, and sausage with the smells of Christmas waft through the air. You can shop for ceramics, candlesticks, puppetry, holiday decorations, and so much more.
With its large population, Cologne also makes it to our list of best places to celebrate Christmas in Germany and it already offers plenty for visitors throughout the entire calendar. During the coldest months, the city remains warmer and less snowy than most of Germany. There are some fantastic Christmas markets in Germany, including one in Cologne which is especially beautiful. The biggest Christmas market in Cologne is located right next to the Cologne Cathedral’s 157 meter tall Gothic tower. At this market, you’ll find everything from handmade Christmas ornaments to gingerbread cookies, traditional wooden toys and quirky Tassen plates.
Not a fan of Christmas? Well, winters in Germany are not the coldest in Europe which is a good news. You can check out these amazing winter destinations in Germany here if you specially love adventures!
With an area of 357,386 km², Germany is not that big of a country. However, many have still noticed that there are quite some differences between the Northern and the Southern part of the country. You might have also experienced the changes in culture, food and dialect while moving from the North to the South of Germany. This blog post shares what German people think about the differences between the two parts.
Historical and Cultural Roots of the Divide
Some believe that, it might partly have to do with religion, but not all of it. Northern Germany is predominantly Protestant, while most of southern Germany is Catholic. The main problem is prejudice. According to The Spiegel, „People in the cool, practical, intellectual, industrialized, liberal north of Germany think the lazy hick farmers in the south are backward and racist, and they talk funny too“. They also state that Berliners will even hate the southern German mountains because they make them feel claustrophobic!
Stereotypes and Prejudices: North vs. South
Booka Local recently published its ebook „Ask the Locals“ where we asked locals if they think there is a difference between North and South Germany and this is what they said:
„There is a gradient in Germany, you can say the further south the more conservative people are. People in the north are cool and liberal, in the south more cordial but more conservative. In the north more fish, in the south more meat. As I said, this is a rough guide. In general, Germany is quite different in its regions in terms of mind- set, dialect, culture, food, customs, and so on.“ (Jens, 36)
Lifestyle and Attitudes: A Local Perspective
„The southern Germans love the cosiness and are very traditional. The northern Germans are cool.“ (Johannes, 35)
„JAAA! They are two different cultures.“ (Silvia, 27)
„Yes! With the southern Germans, it’s often about their reputation, while the northern Germans don’t care.“ (Karin, 27)
„Northern Germany appears more open.“ (Hanna, 26)
„There are cultural differences between regions in Germany. Even between Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. A prejudice against Bavaria is possibly regional patriotism. Or socializing in the Bierstübl. I think, however, one should not refer to the Munich Schickeria or the Oktoberfest to the whole of Bavaria. Baden-Württemberg stands for a lot of money and industriousness, but also for stuffiness. Northern Germans are said to have a roughness and a sober manner. They often don’t talk to people directly and prefer to keep to themselves. But once you’ve cracked the ice, there’s a warm core underneath. I think the statement “hard shell, soft core” applies well.“ (Emilia, 30)
Do you want to know what else the locals think about the difference between the two parts of Germany and about other German stereotypes? Download our ebook for free now!
Economic and Industrial Landscapes
It was shared on Quora that „agriculture and farming is most common in the south because there aren’t as large cities next to each other. There’s a lot of space for livestock and growing vegetables. There are big cities like Munich, but it is definitely different from them because it’s located near smaller towns and mountains. People in the South tend to be very stingy and like to gossip (obviously this happens more in smaller towns since everyone knows one another) but it is definitely more of a southern thing since people in the rest of Germany just like to mind their own business“ (Royce, 2018). „Germans who live in the North tend to be very outgoing and talkative in terms of making people feel welcome. It starts with words like “Moin” that make you feel at ease and comfortable. They also tend to have a great humor whereas Bavarians for example tend to be more reserved and they have a very different humor a lot of times. Bavarians are often seen as cold and a lot of people think that bavarians think of themselves very highly so they come off as arrogant which is why Germans joke about Bavaria being it’s own country. Keep in mind that these things are generalizations and not EVERY person who lives either in the North or South is exactly like that but speaking from experience those rumors definitely have some truth in them“ (Royce, 2018).
The Role of Geography in Shaping Regional Identities
People living in Germany have seen many differences between North and South Germany. According to them, the cultures, religions and manners are the most different. It is however important to note that not all people from those two parts share the same characteristics as some people might have talked about. Northern and Southern Germany may have its differences, but it is certain to say that both are stunning places to visit!
Sundays are considered as a day of rest in Germany. While most people tend to stay at home on these days and catch up on chores around the house; there’s always those who want some excitement! It’s always nice when one has something planned though because not only does doing nothing make Sundays drag but also sometimes boredom gets too much and who wants to bore themselves?! Here are few things you can do on Sundays in Germany:
Visit a Museum
Germany has over 6,200 museums full of culture and histories. Visitors normally have to pay a fee (which varies depending on the museum) but they are open Sundays! You can visit them without getting into physical activities if you want and spend a calm Sunday while enjoying. You can also learn more about Germany by visiting these historic sites with their own unique stories to tell – don’t forget your camera either because there’s plenty worth capturing from inside or outside the building!
Visit a Castle
Home to more than 20,000 castles, Germany is in the list of the countries with the most fascinating castles and palaces in Europe. While some are free to visit, others require an entry fee. If you are fond of fairy tales and histories, then German castles are your go-tos. You can easily spend hours visiting them while learning about German past stories. You should however keep in mind the Covid-19 rules before going to any castle.
Visit a Market
You really want to go shopping on a Sunday in Germany but the shops are closed? German markets are the solution. There you can find all kind of stuffs, from fruits and vegetables to clothing and souvenirs. They are open in almost all cities in Germany on Sundays.
If you live in Berlin or are just visiting, you might want to check this list of markets located there.
Go For a Walk
If you need to relax, the best way is by taking a walk in an open space. There’s nothing like winding through green landscapes and breathing fresh air with nature all around! If that sounds too daunting for your tastes then why not head into town on a Sunday morning when there‘s less people and less noise?!
Go Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature. In Germany, there are many trails that you can explore with friends or family members who also want an adventure in the outdoors! You’ll find yourself far from city life up on top of mountain ridges where it’s quiet enough for some peace & quite time – if only we could all have such adventures every day…
Get Brunch
Germans know how to have a good time. German folklore says that on Sundays, it’s best for friends and family members to enjoy great food together! You can have brunch with your flatmates or invite your friends over. If you do not want to cook then you can go to restaurants or cafes which are normally open middays on Sundays – just make sure not wait until last minute!
Do you want to know what else Germans say they do on Sundays? Check out our free ‚Ask the Locals‘ book here!
Go On A Trip
Germany is full of wonderful sightseeings whether they are in small towns or big cities. You can catch buses or trains that operate on Sundays too and visit a new place every weekend. If you want to travel outside Germany, you can visit the neighbouring countries – The Netherlands, Poland, France, Switzerland, etc, where shops are open.
Go To The Cinema
Cinemas are fortunately open on Sundays in Germany. The German Sunday cinema bill is a mixed bag of international flicks and dubbed blockbuster hits. But don’t let the language barriers stop you from catching your favorite movie! You can find out if there are any original versions playing by checking online to not be disappointed later. Also, make sure to buy your tickets beforehand as cinemas tend to be full on Sundays.
There are numerous reasons why you should visit Germany and one of them is its wonderful places.
You will love the marvelous cuisine, fabulous cities, medieval villages, castles, exciting festivals, the exquisite beaches, gorgeous mountain sceneries, wine and historic destinations.
There is something for everyone!
If Germany wasn’t on the list of places you would love to visit, this post might help change your mind about the country.
Here are the some best places to visit in Germany in 2021:
1. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
This is a magnificent region in the northern reaches of Berlin.
It is also known as Meckpom, and can be accessed cheaply and quickly by bicycle, car or train.
Consider cycling from Berlin to the town so as to experience the lush feeling of the greenery along the road.
The town consists of elegant infrastructure, with a few camp grounds and resorts spread out along the route.
The sparsely populated state is a perfect way of getting away from the busy city life and breathing fresh air as you let your mind take you to new places.
2. Füssen and Neuschwanstein Castle
Germany has its fair share of special castles. This particular castle gives an unhindered view of the Bavarian Alps.
A guided tour can help you explore the interior of the castle, and horse-drawn carriages can be provided for that extra appeal.
In Füssen, you will love the Altstadt’s pedestrian-oriented streets that are bordered by lustrously colored structures. The frescoes and cobblestone in the environment make the old town come alive. Take your time to enjoy the 700-year-old traditions in cafes and restaurants within the area.
3. Bodensee
Bodensee is a popular and excellent summer retreat that offers numerous events and activities to visitors from all over the world.
You can take a boat ride to enjoy the beauty of the land and water. Most rides offer meals and drinks onboard.
If you like water sports, then you will love what the Bodensee has in store for you! You can go for a canoe ride close to the shore, or if you are adventurous, venture out to the open waters for a quick windsurfing run.
We recommend that you stay in the Landhotel Bodensee or Bodensee Yatchthotel Schmattmaier as you enjoy the summer.
4. Rothenburg
Rothenburg is located on the Romantic Road, a legendary location in Germany. The medieval city is the perfect example of a fairytale town. This should definitely feature on your bucket list.
It has appeared in several films.
Take some time to explore the ancient walls that feature magnificent architectural developments from the past. Once you are done, get to the top of the Town Hall Tower to reward yourself with an uninterrupted view of the gorgeous city and marvelous countryside.
5. St. Goar
St. Goar is a lovely summer destination. It is located on the banks of the Rhine River.
The adorable setup and friendly residents will melt your heart. You can walk to the train station, visit the Rhine Gorge, Rheinfels Castle or enjoy the romantic sceneries in the area.
While you can’t visit the Castle Katz, you can enjoy the beautiful view from afar. Take time to explore the Rhine on a boat. If you are lucky, you might get to watch the splendid fireworks display.
6. Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf can be undoubtedly considered as one of the best places to visit in Germany with its endless list of exciting activities. The city is brought alive by different cuisine and outdoor events.
It offers various Japanese traditions that blend in with the native customs. After getting a taste of Düsseldorf, you will want to visit Japan to experience the original inspiration of the exquisite dining.
While Düsseldorf offers all year round enjoyment, visiting over the summer will provide you with the best opportunities of touring the Rhine River, the gorgeous paths in Altstadt, and the longest bar in the world.
If you don’t mind, get yourself any of the local beers and enjoy delicious dishes as you watch people go about their daily routines.
Also, indulge in the Carlsplatz Market’s exciting goodies and stay tuned for the Medieval festival.
Munich was nearly flattened out during the war. Fortunately, it still has abundant locations that will make your vacation memorable.
Starting with the Marienplatz, right at the heart of the city, you can explore other ancient building, churches and gorgeous landmarks all over the city.
Visit the Old and New Town Hall, the Marina Column, and the Mariensaule. At the century-old Glockenspiel, you can listen to the chimes of the Dgures at noon.
If you love a good brew, Munich has plenty of it for you to try out. Also, consider visiting in October to experience the legendary Oktoberfest.
Visit Tripadvisor to have a better idea of the best things you can do in Munich this year.
8. Lindau
Lindau is a small but charming town. It has been standing since the 9th century and resembles a fantasy Bavarian lake countryside.
You will surely lose yourself once you get to the adorable passageways and streets. You can let your mind wander as you explore the harbor’s fantastic views.
Lindau is at times referred to as the “Garden of Eden”, given that it is located on the beautiful shores of the turquoise Lake Constance.
Visitors are treated to magnificent views of the lakefront cafes and medieval structures all around the area. If you love boat rides, head out to the water to get an amazing glimpse of the Alps, Switzerland and Austria.
9. Lübeck
Lübeck offers a reprieve to the hot sun experienced in most regions of central Europe.
It can be accessed easily from Hamburg and luckily, you won’t have to deal with crowding. Visit the town to get away from your normal schedule for a few days.
Start by visiting the Holstentor, an iconic landmark built in the early 15th century. There are other historic points that you can visit from here.
Notable historic centers include the Hospital of the Holy Spirit, the city hall, St. Peter’s church, St. Mary’s Church, and the European Hansemuseum.
Enjoy the fine marzipan that Lubeck offers. Get your treat from Café Niederegger and enjoy your vacation!
10. Weimar
Last but not the least in this list of best places to visit in Germany, we have Weimar. Weimar is a picture-perfect location in East Germany. It should be a must visit location for history lovers.
It is the origin of legendary artists such as Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Bach, and Nietzsche.
Some tourists visit the Buchenwald concentration camp to get a feel of the deep terror of the Nazi Regime.
Enjoy your vacation!
Are you new in Germany and need help with some paperworks? Book a local now to help you.
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