Weihnachten (German: [ˈvaɪnaxtn̩] ⓘ) is the observance of what is commonly known in English as Christmas in the German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

A significant part of the Christmas build-up occurs on 6 December, when it is Nikolaustag, the day commemorating St. Nikolaus (Saint Nicholas).

On the evening of 5 December, children in Germany place a Nikolausstiefel (a boot or a shoe) in front of the street door.

Overnight, the Nikolaus, a figure similar in appearance to Santa Claus or Father Christmas, visits the house and fills the boots with sweets and sometimes even smaller presents if the children were good; otherwise they are left with only a rute (a cane composed of birch twigs).

Traditional Christmastime treats include Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Stollen (fruit cake), Spekulatius and Marzipan (almond confectionery often made into sweets).

Various polls repeatedly declare (Eintopf) or sausages (Würstchen) with potato salad to be Germany's favourite meal on Heiligabend.

The children then enter to see the decorated Weihnachtsbaum (Christmas tree), with all the presents beneath wrapped in colourful paper that has been prepared by an adult while they were away at church.

An alternative tradition in many homes does not include a ringing bell or presents already lying beneath the tree when children return from church.

Instead (although not in the southern region) the Weihnachtsmann, usually played by a relative, appears in person, knocking at the door while the family sits together.