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St. Martin, Nikolaus & Advent: A Guide for Desi Parents in Germany

If your child goes to a Kita or school in Germany, November and December are full of new traditions: lantern walks, boots by the door, and a calendar with 24 little doors. Here's a simple guide so you know what's coming and can enjoy it together.

St. Martin: Wednesday, 11 November 2026

St. Martin's Day is on 11 November. Around this date, many Kitas and schools hold a Laternenumzug (lantern walk) in the evening. Children walk with lanterns and sing songs. Kids often make the lantern at Kita, but sometimes parents are asked to bring one.

• Use an LED lantern stick (Laternenstab), not a real candle. Most Kitas ask for this anyway.
• Dress warmly: it's dark and often cold in the evening.
• Ask your Kita for the song lyrics, so you can practise at home.

Advent: starts Sunday, 29 November 2026

Advent is the four Sundays before Christmas. In 2026 the first Advent Sunday is 29 November. Many families use an Advent calendar with 24 little doors from 1 to 24 December. Your child will probably ask for one!

• Ready-made chocolate calendars are the easiest.
• Or make your own: 24 small bags with tiny treats, stickers or notes. You can even fill it with desi sweets.

Nikolaus: Sunday, 6 December 2026

On the evening of 5 December, children clean their boots and put them outside the door. In the morning of 6 December, they find small treats inside: chocolate, nuts, a mandarin, a small toy. It's simple and kids love it.

Mixing traditions

Many desi families in Germany celebrate both: Diwali in November with diyas and sweets, and the German traditions with the Kita. Kids love having more festivals. You can even bring Indian sweets to the Kita for Diwali and explain your festival to the other children.

Frequently Asked Questions