Bringing German holiday traditions into your home is a wonderful way to connect with culture, build family memories, and have fun together. You don’t need to be in Germany or belong to a German club to enjoy these simple, hands-on traditions that anyone can start. Here are some easy DIY ideas to celebrate German holidays at home, all designed for families and friends.

Make Paper Lanterns for St. Martin’s Day

St. Martin’s Day (November 11) is famous in Germany for its lantern processions where children walk at night carrying handmade lanterns and singing songs.

How to start at home:

• Create colorful paper lanterns using craft paper, glue, and LED tealight candles.

• Cut out shapes like stars, hearts, or animals to decorate the lanterns.

• Learn and sing simple St. Martin songs while walking together outside with your lanterns.

This activity builds creativity and gives kids a hands-on way to experience a beloved German tradition.

Bake Traditional German Christmas Cookies (Plätzchen)

German families often bake special cookies during the Christmas season. These are called Plätzchen, and there are many easy recipes for kids and adults.

Try baking:

• Butter cookies shaped with cookie cutters

• Cinnamon stars (Zimtsterne) with a sweet almond glaze

• Vanilla crescents (Vanillekipferl)

Let children help with mixing, rolling, and cutting dough. Baking together teaches patience and teamwork while sharing a delicious cultural treat.

Create a Christmas Advent Calendar

Advent calendars count down the days to Christmas and are popular in German homes. You can make a DIY calendar filled with surprises or activities.

Ideas for your calendar:

• Fill small boxes or envelopes with treats like chocolates or stickers

• Include daily activities like “sing a German Christmas carol” or “make a paper snowflake”

• Use numbers and decorations in black, red, and gold (German flag colors) for a cultural touch

This daily tradition brings excitement and builds anticipation for Christmas.

Decorate with German Folk Art Patterns

Traditional German folk art is bright, colorful, and full of patterns inspired by nature.

At home, you can:

• Paint wooden ornaments or paper decorations with flowers, hearts, and stars

• Use stencils or simple shapes to create your own designs

• Combine these crafts with holiday decorating to add a German flair

This helps families connect visually with German culture and history.

Sing German Holiday Songs

Music is a key part of any culture. Singing traditional German songs brings joy and warmth to the season.

Some favorites to learn:

• “Stille Nacht” (Silent Night)

• “O Tannenbaum” (O Christmas Tree)

• “Kling, Glöckchen, klingelingeling” (Ring, Little Bell)

Find children’s versions with simple words, or listen to German holiday playlists online to get everyone singing.

Host a German-Style Holiday Meal

Food brings people together. Celebrate with classic German dishes that are easy to make at home.

Try these:

• Roast sausages with sauerkraut

• Potato salad (Kartoffelsalat)

• Warm pretzels or soft rolls

• Apple strudel or Black Forest cake for dessert

Invite family or friends to join and share stories about what these foods mean in German culture.

Tell German Holiday Stories and Legends

German folklore is rich with magical tales that add wonder to the holidays.

Try sharing:

• Stories of the Christmas Angel or Christkind

• Folktales about Saint Nicholas and his helper Knecht Ruprecht

• Fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm that fit the season

Reading or acting out these stories creates special memories and teaches cultural values.

Start Your Tradition Today

Bringing German holiday traditions into your home is easier than you think. With simple crafts, food, music, and stories, you can create a meaningful and fun celebration that your family will treasure for years.

Don’t worry about doing everything at once—try one tradition each holiday season and watch your family’s connection to German culture grow naturally.