" Silent Night" Chapel in Oberndorf, Austria

“Silent Night” Chapel (Saint Nicholas Chapel) in Oberndorf, Austria

From the small village of Oberndorf near Salzburg, the world’s most famous Christmas carol has spread around the globe. Learn about the humble and most charming story of its creation.   

Without this song, Christmas would only be half as beautiful. Which is why Oberndorf is filled with such an inimitable Advent atmosphere, with the world-famous Christmas song “Silent Night!” taking center stage.

Nothing beats standing in front of the „Silent Night, Holy Night“ memorial chapel in Oberndorf on Christmas Eve and joining hundreds from all over the world in the singing of the Christmas carol in its original version. You’ll feel a chill when you join the chorus singing a song which spread from this very spot to the entire world!

The local priest, Josef Mohr, wrote the words (the original version is "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht", in German) in 1816 and Franz Xaver Gruber composed the famous tune two years later. The song was first performed on Christmas Eve 1818 at the Saint Nicholas Parish Chapel in Oberndorf. Near the memorial chapel and the idyllic Christmas market on Silent Night Square, you’ll find the Gruber-Mohr memorial and an exhibit about the history of “Silent Night” in the local museum.

Oberndorf is about ½ hour by car/bus outside of Salzburg and you’ll want to take a photo in front of the small chapel. Further villages like Wagrain, Mariapfarr and Hallein host Silent Night museums, sights and special events as they were places of activity of the composers.

Christmas time in Germany - find out what is different and what might have been your family tradition for a long time

By the beginning of November the look of the cities, department stores, malls and the neighborhoods changes from Fall like colors to the more festive scene of the "Vor - Weihnachtszeit" -  pre Christmas season. At the latest the week before the first of Advent, almost every household has their Christmas decorations up. But not their Christmas tree! We will get to that later in this story. 

The Christmas Pyramide might be handed down for generations

The decorations are less bright and colorful as ours in the US. You will find beautiful Schwibbögen (hand carved wooden arches with lights and a Christmas scene) in the windows, the traditional pyramid propelled by real candle power and much more.

Schwibbogen, a beautiful window decoration

By mid - November famous Christmasmarkets open their doors. This is a long standing tradition and a must during pre Christmas season. Almost every town or city has its own Christmas market. Wooden stalls decorated with evergreens display handcrafted art such as Christmas ornaments, accessories, mangers, household items needed for the baking of Christmas goodies. And food! Tons of food. You can find anything from traditional Brats placed in a bun (you will not find anyone putting Sauerkraut on that bun, this is a separate dish only served on a plate), Schupfnudeln, which are basically oversized Spätzle mixed with Sauerkraut (here it is), bacon and onions, usually prepared in a huge pan, Crepe, Germknödel (an Austrian version of a sweet plum jelly filled dumpling served with vanilla sauce and ground poppy seeds mixed with powdered sugar on top) to just name a few.
Lets not forget the drinks. As you might know, Germans do drink alcohol in public places. You will find the German version of mulled wine, called Glühwein served at every corner. Usually sold in a ceramic mug which you need to pay deposit for. Yes, and this is one thing you need to know while visiting Germany. You will hardly find plastic plates, cutlery or cups.  You always pay a deposit which can be quite an amount that makes it worth bringing it back. It will then be cleaned and handed out to the next customer. Germany is very "green", this is one way to find out about it. Keeping the mug as a souvenir is very common. 

Glühwein mugs

But back to our Glühwein. It comes in all different flavors. I like the traditional one the best. But there are versions with Rum, Amaretto, hot cherry, blackberry or strawberry wine. Another favorite is Jagatee from the Alpine region. It is a mix of black tea, herbs, red wine and Schnaps (the German/Austrian version, a kind of a brandy, not to compare with what we call Schnaps here). And Met. Have you heard about Met yet? This is a hot honey wine, very sweet, but delicious. I have been told it prevents colds or if you already suffer from a sore throat, it will treat without taking any meds. There is non alcoholic punch, hot chocolate, tea and much more for the kids or people who prefer non alcoholic drinks.
Now close your eyes and imagine being right there. Can you smell the mix of the Glühwein, roasted almonds and chestnuts, Brats and Crêpes? Do you hear the Christmas music playing? Or even the kids choir performing right at the center of the market square? Can you see your kids getting eyes big like saucers when the Christkind or Nikolaus , our Santa Claus, walk by? Yes, this is the Christmas market feeling. Happiness with 100% total immersion. And soon, you will feel like a kid again!

You might ask yourself what this " Christkind" is?  There are two different traditions in Germany. The Weihnachtsmann (Santa) and the Christkind. The Northern part of Germany has the Weihnachtsmann, which is basically Santa Claus who brings the presents. The Southern part of Germany and also Austria believe in the coming of the "Christkind" - the christ child -, which is baby Jesus. Christkind looks like a golden angel and is female. But kids do not ask, they are simply in awe when the "Christkind" appears.

At home, the Adventskranz is a must have. At the first of Advent  the first candle will be lit to start the countdown to Christmas with all 4 candles shining brightly.
Another way to countdown is the Adventscalendar. Very popular with the kids, but you will see some adults still having them ;-). First day to open is December 1st. And you count to 24 until Christmas Eve.
They are either handmade and filled with different goodies every day or you can buy a chocolate version at every supermarket where you can open the 24 doors and find that sweet treat every day. They are very easy to make and the web is full of DIY ideas. The chocolate version can be found at Aldi, World Market, Trader Joe's or even at your local grocery store. Don't forget to buy one for yourself. You are never too old for this wonderful countdown tradition ;-)

December 6th is another milestone in the Vorweihnachtszeit. The night before December 5,  the kids clean their boots ! ( I always took out the biggest ones I could find like my Canadian boots) and place them outside near the front door. Some even place their Christmas wish list in there for Santa to bring to the Christkind.

Nikolaus with Knecht Ruprecht in Veitshoechheim

That night St. Nicholas, we call him Nikolaus, comes by and fills those clean! boots with clementines, nuts, chocolate and other little goodies. But only if you were a good kid! The boot remains empty if you did not behave well. Thank goodness this never happened to me! Also, there are the Nikolaus parties. Where St. Nicholas will appear and read out of his books to the kids. There are two books. The golden one which lists the good kids or the black one for the naughty kids! Sometimes, Knecht Ruprecht or the Krampus which is the Alpine version, will be there, too. His duty is to hit the bad kids with a switch... Again, I never experienced that. And they will never hit kids! Trust me. But I have seen Krampusse hitting adults during performances in the Alps, but just as a joke, they really don't hurt anyone. But these Krampusse are very intimidating! See for yourself: 

Nikolaus accompanied by the Krampusse, Bavaria, Germany

Every kid gets a goodie bag out of St. Nicholas' sack after he is done reading the story about that special kid.
Why December 6th? This goes back to the holy Saint Nicholas, who died December 6th, 343 AD. He was a bishop in what is now Istanbul, Turkey and he was known to secretly shower presents on the poor. That's why Nikolaus mostly looks like a bishop when you see him in Germany.

Soon, the big night, the Heilige Nacht - Holy Night, December 24 approaches. During the morning families prepare for the night, running last errands, one last Gluehwein at the Weihnachtsmarkt. And then comes the Christmas tree! Traditionally the day of Christmas Eve you get that tree which you have bought at one of the numerous christmas tree farms into your house . There will be lots of laughter and joy while decorating it all together, drinking hot chocolate and eating Weihnachtsplaetzchen (Christmas cookies). You might also hear Dad mumbling under his breath when that tree stump simply doesn't want to fit in the tree stand ;-) And then you dress up and get ready for church. If you can, you walk there. There is something miraculous and mystical in the air that very special night, don't you agree? After church, you go home and have dinner. The Weihnachtsstube (christmas room) has closed doors so the Christkind won't be disturbed when bringing the presents. The kids cannot wait and listen for the sound of that bell coming out of the Weihnachtsstube which finally signals to them that the "Christkind" has been there, brought the presents and left the room. If you go in before that bell sounds, there will be no presents for you! But if you did behave and waited until that bell rang, oh my, opening that door and seeing the Christmas tree in its beauty with the shining candles and all the presents, priceless.

Traditional Christmas tree

There are no presents the next morning! And no Santa coming through the chimney. You will hardly find an open fireplace anywhere in Germany. But lots and lots of food. There are 2 holidays following Christmas Eve. All for visiting family and eating, eating, eating.
Traditional food for Christmas Eve can be everything from Wienerle with potato salad to filled puff pastry shells with ragout. Usually we keep it simple Christmas Eve and focus on the celebration itself. The next two days you will see the Weihnachtsgans (Christmas goose) served with red cabbage and dumplings, the beef roast and so many more hearty dishes. And the Schnaps, like Obstler, Willi or Marille, will help to digest that heavy food.

Traditional Weihnachtsgans with red cabbage, dumplings and roasted apples

Now, would you like to experience a traditional German pre Christmas season or even Christmas? There are so many ways to do so. If you like Christmas markets consider taking a Christmas market river cruise which will take you to another city every day, experiencing them in different countries. Or combine a city tour such as Nuremberg which is world known for its Christmas market followed by a skiing trip to the wonders of the Alps. There are numerous ways of experiencing the old world charm during the Christmas season.

A wonderful video from Rick Steves describing the Nuremberg Christmas Market:

Contact Ellen by emailing her at tripdesign4u@gmail.com to start your miracle Christmas vacation.

There is another blog that focuses on Christmas markets only. You will find it by clicking here

http://www.tripdesign4u.com/2012/10/christmasmarkets-holiday-favorite-in.html

Christmasmarkets - A Holiday Favorite in Europe

Imagine yourself strolling cobble stoned streets, the smell of gingerbread, mulled wine, roasted almonds or chestnuts following you around. Christmas music performed by choirs or bands. Laughter, happiness, joy and kids that cannot believe their eyes. People gathering around open fire pits meeting with friends, drinking a Jagatee (tea made with rum, red wine and spices) or a Gluehwein (mulled wine), even hot caipirinha is being offered. Hot punch for the kids. Millions of twinkling lights, the Christmas tree in the center of the square. Vendors selling their handmade goods such as wooden mangers, glassblown christmas decoration, candles,  tea and homemade culinary treats such as jam, honey (try the hot met, a honey wine), herbs etc.

Frankfurt

This is a traditional Christmasmarket feeling! 
Also known as Weihnachtsmarkt, this is a tradition that goes back centuries in Europe. The Dresden Striezelmarkt has been mentioned first in 1434! The markets light up small villages or big cities with fun, laughter, companionship, great food and drinks during the Advent season. You will feel that special Christmas spirit in the air and we promise you will not stop marveling about the beautiful, unique handcrafted items. You love Kaethe Kruse products? Well, buy them for a fraction of the costs right here in Europe while enjoying an unforgettable time! The word Gemütlichkeit will often come in your mind!

The best known Christkindlmarket is in Nuremberg with the Nuremberg Children's Christmas just around the corner. It is a child's fairy tale dreamland with a magnificent two- tiered nostalgia carousel based on old originals with reindeer and Santa's sleighs, plus a mini Ferris wheel, a steam railway and a small merry-go-round. Santa Claus, known in Germany as "Nikolaus", listens to the children's wishes and poses for photos with the little ones.  Many decorative little stalls invite the children to join in handicraft acivities, such as baking, candle- pulling, glass workshop, wood burning, handicraft stalls, children's post office and the active playhouse. The Nuremberg Christmas Angel (called the Christkind) visits regularly the Children's Christmas. 

Some towns only open their Christmas markets for 1 or 2 weekends before Christmas, such as my hometown Wertheim. But this also makes it special. Locals together with tourists gather and have a wonderful time. See for yourself:

Or visit Rothenburg, where you will also find the very well known year round Christmas store "Kaethe Kruse". It is not as big as the other cities but the beauty of Rothenburg with its medieval city wall is so worth visiting!

Striezelmarkt, Dresden

Also very well known is the Striezelmarkt in Dresden. Since 1434, the market has preserved its distinctive character despite a few changes. The world's largest Erzgebirge step pyramid, which made its way into the Guiness Book of World Records in 1999, is 14.62 meters tall and can be seen far and wide. More than 2.5 million people visit the romantic Dresden Altmarkt every year.
The market's name comes from Stollen, the well - known Christmas bread which is here known as Striezel. Every year the traditional Stollen festival is celebrated to honor this delicacy starting with the ceremonial slicing the giant Stollen followed by a procession through the Baroque old town.

Noel à Colmar, France

While living in the Black Forest area of Germany, my favorite Christmas Market was the one in Colmar, in the beautiful Alsace region of France! 
Just a short trip over the Rhine river you will find the quaint little town. Hot cider and met, the hot honey wine, is their specialty. But not to forget about one of my favorite towns in Germany, Freiburg, which also offers a wonderful Christmas Market, actually you will find several throughout the city. My kids still talk about the delicious waffles, crepes and punch they had.

You see? Europe is well worth the trip during Advent! Also read our post about the Christmas River Cruise with stops in several countries to visit the Christmasmarkets. Or call us for YOUR custom designed Christmas Market itinerary!