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Roast goose is the traditional centerpiece of German Christmas Eve dinner. The bird is stuffed with apples, onions, and herbs, then roasted until the skin is crispy and golden.

Tradition: Served with red cabbage (Rotkohl 📢) and potato dumplings (Kartoffelklöße 📢).

Tip: The preparation starts early - many families order their goose weeks in advance from the butcher!

In many regions, especially in the south and east, carp is the traditional Christmas Eve fish. It's typically fried in butter or baked with a crispy coating.

Tradition: Some families keep a live carp in the bathtub for a few days before Christmas - a practice that's becoming less common but still exists in rural areas!

Tip: It's traditional to keep a carp scale in your wallet for prosperity in the coming year.

This sweet fruit bread from Dresden is packed with dried fruits, nuts, spices, and marzipan, then dusted heavily with powdered sugar. Its shape represents the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Tradition: Authentic Dresdner Christstollen 📢 has protected geographical status - only Stollen made in Dresden can use this name!

Tip: Stollen actually tastes better after sitting for a few days, as the flavors meld together. Many families bake it in late November.

These spiced gingerbread cookies are a Christmas staple, especially the famous Nürnberger Lebkuchen 📢 from Nuremberg. They're soft, aromatic, and often covered in chocolate.

Tradition: Lebkuchen have been made in Nuremberg since the 14th century. The city's location at the crossroads of spice trade routes made it perfect for these treats.

Tip: Store Lebkuchen with an apple slice to keep them moist and soft.

The general term for Christmas cookies in Germany. Families spend weekends in November and December baking dozens of varieties: Vanillekipferl 📢 (vanilla crescents), Zimtsterne 📢 (cinnamon stars), and many more.

Tradition: Plätzchen backen 📢 (cookie baking) is a cherished family activity. Children help cut out shapes and decorate, often eating more dough than makes it to the oven!

Tip: Traditional German cookie cutters include stars, hearts, Christmas trees, and moons.

Hot mulled wine is the signature drink of German Christmas markets. Red wine heated with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange slices - perfect for warming up on cold winter evenings.

Tradition: Each Christmas market serves Glühwein in unique souvenir mugs. You pay a deposit (Pfand 📢) that you get back when you return the mug, or you can keep it as a memento.

Tip: For non-alcoholic version, try Kinderpunsch 📢 (children's punch) - equally delicious and warming!

In Northern Germany, many families skip the elaborate roast and instead enjoy potato salad with sausages on Christmas Eve. It's a simpler, lighter meal that lets families focus on being together.

Tradition: This tradition stems from the idea that Christmas Eve should be a day of fasting before the feast. The meal is simple, allowing more time for church services and family gatherings.

Tip: German potato salad is served warm and dressed with a vinegar-based dressing, quite different from American versions with mayonnaise.