10 German Christmas Songs To Know

Almost every culture has a slew of festive harmonies and time appropriate carols to share around the holidays. Traditionally, carols tend to be steeped in religion and pertain to the birth of Jesus. That tradition in Germany dates back to Medieval times when folk songs were suffused with lyrics written by clergymen and then sung at church. The songs acted as tributes to God. Fast-forward to 20th-century secularism and a departure from these pious tunes was born. The carols became less about their religious roots and more about celebrating Christmas in more convivial ways that often had nothing to do with the baby in the manger. Regardless of the tone, Christmas songs can be fun to sing and heighten the jovial spirit of the heartwarming holiday.

Nun sei willkommen Herre Christ

The oldest known Christmas song from the 11th century.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3b33sX4m9nk

This Christmas hymn translated from Latin is another oldie but goodie.

Meine Seel erhebt den Herrn

Another ancient Latin-inspired religious hymn.

Fröhliche Weihnacht überall

This more joyful and more modern song translates as Merry Christmas everywhere.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mP9T8BQ_bQ

O Tannenbaum

Nat King Cole beautifully takes on the German version of Oh Christmas tree.

O du fröhliche

This 1816 Falk and Holzschuher Christmas tune means Oh you joyful in English.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg9HwavvPII

Schneeflöckchen, Weissröckchen

This sweet song translates as little white snowflake, little white coat.

Maria durch ein Dornwald ging

This traditional carol sparks some debate as to whether it dates from the 16th or the 19th century. It refers to the walk Mary took to Elizabeth with her child ‘under her heart.’

Lasst uns froh und munter sein

This song Let us be happy and cheerful is traditionally sung on Nicholas eve.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9JXATSbywc

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht

This cross-cultural classic performed here by the Vienna boys’ choir might sound familiar.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.