Germans celebrate Christmas Eve (Heiligabend) on December 24. Many spend the afternoon or early evening going to church, decorating the Christmas tree, or preparing a special Christmas Eve Dinner. Gifts are opened that evening, unlike in the US, where gifts are opened on Christmas morning. Unless the 24th falls on […]
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Christmas markets
Germany is known for its Christmas markets during the time before Christmas. Usually they are located in town squares with booths for food and drink, Christmas items, and entertainment for the kids. To counteract the cold, Glühwein (mulled wine) is a popular drink for adults. The markets usually begin during […]
In-Person Classes at the Houston Saengerbund
Advent
Advent is celebrated in German speaking Countries as in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The Advent (derived from the Latin word “arrival”) of the Christkind (Christ child) is celebrated in this special time before Christmas. The Advent season starts with the first of Advent which is four Sundays before Christmas Eve. […]
Early Bird Discounts Expire Soon – Do Register Now
We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, and would like to remind you that class enrolment for the 2023 Winter Term, beginning in January, is open for registration. Early Bird Discounts for online classes for adults are available until December 25, 2022: https://germansouthwest.org/german-language-classes-for-adults-2/. Please note that early-bird registration for in-person classes […]
Karneval – Fasching
Karneval or Fasching is the season of eating, drinking and merriment before the fasting season, or Lent. Often called the “Fifth Season,” Karneval in Cologne begins exactly at 11:11 a.m. on 11-11. While no public activities go on during Advent and Christmas, the costume parties, parades, masked balls, and satiric speeches […]
Martinstag, Laternenumzug and Martinsgans
On November 11, Martinstag is celebrated in Germany with many traditions. Martin of Tours was the third Bishop of Tours in France during the 4th century AD/CE. There are many legends woven around his person. For instance, when he still was a Roman soldier, he cut his cloak into halves […]
Screening and live show of Nosferatu
A free event awaits you at Axelrad Beer Garden (1517 Alabama Street) on November 4 at 9:00 p.m. sponsored by the German Consulate General Houston. Come out and celebrate “Nosferatu’s” 100th anniversary at this special event, where DJ Ellyott will blur the lines between a screening and a live show. […]
Allerheiligen, Allerseelen
The first two days in November are significant days in the German Christian calendar. November 1 is the German Holiday Allerheiligen (All Saints’ Day) and November 2 is Allerseelen (All Souls’ Day). On Allerheiligen, people traditionally visit cemeteries and place flowers, wreaths, and lighted candles on the graves of loved […]
Oktober on the Boulevard
It is fall festival time! Join the free, family-friendly fall celebration “Oktober on the Boulevard” on Sunday, October 23, 2022, on the Front Lawn of The Church of St. John the Divine (2450 River Oaks Blvd) from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. There will be German polka music, barrel races, pumpkin […]