Did you know that Christmas traditions vary widely across European countries? In this blog post, we reflect on cultural, historical and religious differences in Europe’s oldest countries: Germany, Poland and Czechia as well as Lithuania, Latvia, Italy and Slovenia. Let us connect you deeper with your ancestry with the winter Holidays just around the corner!
Germany
Christmas season in one of the largest European countries, Germany, starts with Advent calendars, Advent wreaths and candles. These are widely used and are very popular with families and young children. Advent calendars have small, numbered doors, pockets or flaps that correspond to each day in December leading up to Christmas. Each day you open the door for that date and reveal a small treat or surprise! Children love participating in this activity and it brings 100 million Euro to Germany’s economy each year.
Germany is also well-known for its vibrant Christmas markets featuring handmade crafts, delicious food, festive atmosphere and magical Christmas trees. They are set up in late November and are a great opportunity for everyone to get into the Christmas spirit early. Although nearly every town in Germany has its own Christmas market, Berlin, Cologne and Stuttgart are the most popular, attracting almost 20 million people every year. We suspect this makes Germany the world capital of Christmas markets, helping visitors fall in love with this amazing place! German Christmas markets are about eating delicious food, tasting lebkuchen (gingerbread) and drinking glühwein (mulled wine) or kinderpunsch (fruit punch). They are also about having a good time with your friends and family and reconnecting with your German heritage.
Many parts of Europe, including Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands celebrate St. Nicholas Day or Sankt Nikolaustag on December 6th. On this special day, children receive small gifts from St. Nicholas and discover treats like chocolates, fruits , and nuts tucked into their shoes or stockings as a reward for good behaviour. St. Nicholas is widely accepted as the precursor to Father Christmas, who arrives on Christmas Day on a sleigh, wearing a red suit and bringing gifts.
Christmas Eve is a magical night filled with warmth and anticipation in Germany, when gifts are exchanged followed by everyone gathering around the table for a festive meal. Traditionally, the centerpiece of this meal is a beautifully roasted golden goose, creating a sense of comfort and celebration. Served with classic sides like red cabbage, dumplings, and crisp potatoes, it’s a meal that not only delights senses but brings generations together, honouring traditions and creating memories that linger long after the evening ends. Celebrating Christmas traditions is a great way for people to connect with their German heritage!
Poland
Christmas starts in Poland a day earlier than other places! Christmas Eve, called Wigilia in Polish, is when Poles celebrate a vigil dinner that often includes twelve traditional dishes, representing the twelve apostles. Whilst each family will celebrate this day slightly differently, all options are vegetarian or pescetarian. People fast all day and dinner starts when the first star appears in the sky.
Before the meal, families share an oplatek (a thin wafer), and exchange good wishes for the coming year. Everyone present will break off a piece of their wafer and share it with every other individual as they wish them good health and prosperity. In most homes, there will be a small amount of hay underneath the tablecloth and an extra place setting to remain empty unless an unexpected guest arrives. Everyone is expected to taste every single dish to ensure good luck during the coming year. No alcohol is served during Wiglia. Whilst there are regional variations in terms of the dishes served, they typically include pierogi, carp, wild mushroom soup, herring and poppy seed cake.
Christmas carols are sung and gifts are opened after dinner. It is a tradition to attend the midnight mass, called Pasterka in Polish, the midnight mass service. Legend has it that animals speak at midnight and Poles enjoy teasing children and encouraging them to speak to their house pets.
On Epiphany, January 6th, many homes are marked with the year and K+M+B (for the 3 Wisemen, Kaspar, Melchior and Balthazar. Chalk is used to write above the front door. For some people, this will also be the day to take down the Christmas tree.
Polish Christmas traditions are quite unique and a great way to connect to your Polish heritage. Feel free to get in touch with us if you’d like to explore your Polish identity further.
Czech Republic
Around the world, each family has their own Christmas traditions that are passed on from generation to generation. If your family hails from the Czech Republic, it is likely that Christmas Eve is the main celebration for you, with carp and potato salad served as the main dishes. It may also be customary for you to fast until the evening meal.
Many Czech families keep a goldfish as part of their celebration, with some hoping that catching a fish scale will bring them good luck for the coming year. Czechs also have a tradition of keeping carp scales in their wallets for financial luck.
Some people fast on Christmas day because those who don’t eat all day will see a golden pig on the wall in the evening, which is a promise of wealth, happiness and prosperity. There always needs to be an even number of plates set on the table. Everybody must remain seated to the end of the dinner otherwise the family won’t get together next year.
Nativity scenes play an important role in the Czech Republic at Christmas and many people attend the midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Ježíšek, or Little Jesus, brings the presents during the Christmas Eve dinner and leaves them under the Christmas tree. Presents are traditionally opened after the dinner has finished.
For immigrant families, these traditions may change over the years and we must say that Czechs tend to be quite flexible around that. If your ancestors come from the area that is now the Czech Republic, you may qualify for Czech citizenship through descent. For many people, reclaiming their Czech citizenship is yet another way of getting closer to the values, traditions and culture of the “old country”. Feel free to get in touch!
Lithuania
In Lithuania, Christmas Eve – Kūčios – is the most magical night of the year. Families gather around a beautifully set table covered with white cloth, symbolizing purity and a connection to ancestors. Traditionally, 12 dishes are served, representing the 12 apostles, but none contain meat; only fish, grains, vegetables and sweets. After sharing the Kūčiukai (small poppy-seed biscuits) and aguonų pienas (poppy seed milk), families look to the sky; the appearance of the first star marks the true beginning of Christmas Eve.
Latvia
Latvian Christmas traditions are a blend of ancient pagan customs and Christian celebrations, creating a truly special atmosphere. On Christmas Eve, families celebrate with warmth and simplicity, gathering around a hearty meal featuring pīrāgi (bacon-filled pastries), grey peas with bacon, and sauerkraut. One cherished tradition is the decorating of the Yule log – a symbol of light overcoming darkness. Families often burn the log to cleanse their homes of bad luck and invite blessings for the coming year. Another joyful custom is mumming, where friends and family dress in costumes, knocking on doors to sing songs, spread cheer, and bring good fortune.
Croatia
In Croatia, Christmas is a time of deep faith and treasured traditions. The days leading up to Badnjak (Christmas Eve) are filled with preparation, both spiritual and festive. Families often lay wheat sprouts near the nativity scene as a symbol of new life. On Christmas Eve itself, the smell of bakalar (dried cod stew) and other traditional dishes fills Croatian homes. A yole log is ceremoniously brought into the house. Its fire symbolizing light and life. Midnight Mass is a sacred tradition where churches are filled with candlelight, hymns and voices singing “U se vrime godišća“, an ancient Croatian carol.
Italy
In Italy, Christmas is a feast for the senses, steeped in faith, food and family. The season begins with La Vigilia di Natale (Christmas Eve), where families gather for the Feast of the Seven Fishes – a meal of abundant seafood dishes like baccalà, calamari, and anchovies. In many homes, the presepe (nativity scene) takes center stage, often hand-crafted and lovingly displayed. At midnight, churches come alive with candlelit Midnight Mass, bells ringing to announce the birth of the Christ. On Christmas Day, laughter and joy fill homes as families savor a long, leisurely meal featuring regional specialties like tortellini in brodo, roasted meats, and panettone. It’s a season where love, tradition, and togetherness truly shine.
Slovenia
Slovenian Christmas traditions are heartfelt and enchanting, weaving together faith and folklore! Christmas Eve is a serene night when families gather to share a simple but symbolic meal, often featuring potica – a beloved festive pastry rolled with walnut, poppy seed, or honey filling. The home is decorated with a jaslice (nativity scene), and often a Christmas tree adorned with homemade ornaments. A cherished custom is attending Polnočnica (Midnight Mass), where carols like Silent Night echo through centuries-old-churches, filling the air with joy. On Christmas Day, the festive spirit continues as families come together to celebrate with traditional dishes, laughter and a deep appreciation for the season’s magic.
How we connect you with your European heritage
At Polaron, we understand that the traditions across Europe are as diverse as the cultures and histories that shape them. The festive season reflects a deep connection to family, ancestry and community and we want to celebrate your proud European heritage with you!
As part of EU Citizenship services, we offer expert guidance to help you navigate the complexities of European citizenship through descent, ensuring you can enjoy these rich cultural traditions to the fullest.
We’re here to assist you and help you explore opportunities within the EU throughout your journey every step of the way!
Book your free consultation today: https://calendly.com/polaron-eu-citizenship/polaron-eu-citizenship