This is how they celebrate Christmas in Austria and the German Alps
Christmas in the Alps is something special. The combination of fresh snow and the warmth of Christmas makes it tempting to go there. There are many traditions to be found, which can vary by country and region. Christmas markets are popular almost everywhere and you can admire nativity scenes all over the Alps. In Austria and the German part of the Alps, they have several Christmas traditions that almost completely overlap with each other. Some traditions have been partly lost or have become less popular, but what is still true is that Christmas starts early for them. We have listed for you which Christmas traditions they have in Austria and southern Germany.
The feast of Saint Barbara
The Christmas season officially starts as early as 4 December, on Saint Barbara's memorial day. On this day, a number of branches are cut from fruit trees to put them inside the house. They are well cared for in the hope that they will bloom on Christmas Eve. This is a good sign for the new year. It also used to have an additional meaning for young ladies who wanted to get married. They used three branches, which stood for youth, beauty and wealth. The branch that bloomed first symbolised what the groom-to-be would be like: young, beautiful or rich.
Saint Nicholas
On 6 December, Saint Nicholas comes to bring treats and small gifts to children who have been good. He comes together with his scary servant, the krampus, who is supposed to scare the naughty children, but he is usually harmless. St Nicholas can be recognised by his festive church garb, with a mitre and a staff.
Kramperltratzen
On the eve of Saint Nicholas, on 5 December, the krampus appear. They wear scary masks, carry sticks, brooms and rattling chains or bells, with which they manage to scare the children. On this night, the children get to turn the tables and the brave boys get to confront them after sunset. This allows the brave boys to prove their courage, but they do not always get away unscathed.
Anklöpfler
The Anklöpfler are people who go door-to-door dressed as shepherds, and sometimes also as the innkeeper, Mary and Joseph, during the Advent season. They knock on the door and ask if they can come in. Once inside, they sing a number of songs, or reenact in song the search for a place to sleep, of Mary and Joseph.
Christmas Eve
24 December is the most important day of Christmas in Austria, as well as in Germany. The Christkindl, or baby Jesus is born and brings presents, which can be found under the Christmas tree in the evening. On this day, they also go to church and eat together.
Raunächte
The Raunächte, also called Rauchnächte, are from 26 December to 6 January, between Christmas and Epiphany. During this time, the head or eldest of the family, goes through the house with an iron pan. This pan contains hot coals, resin and various herbs, which provide an aromatic scent. This is often incense, sage or juniper. The rest of the family follows it around. They walk throughout the house, across the yard and through the stables. With this, they cleanse the house of the ballast of the previous year.
The most important nights in this are Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and Gömmenacht (January 5).
Sternsingen
This happens around January 6th. Altar boys or children dressed as the wise men from the east, go around the doors and sing a song. Above the doorpost, they write with chalk, the letter C+M+B, in combination with the corresponding year. The letters stand for Christus Mansionem Benedicat, which means ‘Christ bless this house’. The three letters also form the first letters of the wise men: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. For this, they are rewarded with donations for the parish.
Mariä Lichtmess
On 2 February, it is Candlemas. This day symbolises the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of a new agricultural year. The days are getting noticeably longer and this used to mean that work on the land could resume. This is the official end of the traditional Christmas period.
Not everywhere in Austria and the German Alps you will come across all these Christmas traditions. Traditions are unfortunately lost and not everyone still enjoys them, but especially in the smaller villages you can still experience them. Are there some nice Christmas traditions you would like to experience? Then go on holiday to the Alps around Christmas time. You will be pleasantly surprised by the Austrian and German Gemütlichkeit.
Frohe Weihnachten!