Category: German Heritage USA

Embracing German Traditions: January Celebrations in America with a Twist

German Heritage Talk, German Heritage USA, German-Americans

It’s almost January in Germany, and the party is just getting started in America. While Octoberfest might be the first thing that comes to mind when considering German-American celebrations, the truth is, the rich heritage of German culture offers unique celebrations throughout the year.

January, often painted as a quiet month after the holiday flurry, holds vibrant traditions in Germany that have found a warm welcome in the hearts of German-Americans. Prepare to delve into the magic of these winter festivities, where customs from the old world intertwine with American flair, creating a truly unique experience.

Neujahr: Ringing in the New Year with German Cheer

New Year’s Day, or Neujahr in German, is a national holiday in both Germany and the United States. While Americans raise champagne flutes at midnight, German-Americans often enjoy a different kind of bubbly cheer: Feuerzangenbowle. This fiery punch, prepared with rum-soaked sugar set ablaze, brings warmth and excitement to the festivities.

German-American communities often host Bleigießen, a traditional fortune-telling ritual using melted lead poured into water. The resulting shapes are interpreted to provide glimpses into the coming year, adding a touch of playful mysticism to the celebrations.

Heilige Drei Könige: Epiphany with a Caroling Twist

Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th, holds special significance for both religious and cultural reasons. In Germany, it’s known as Heilige Drei Könige (Three Kings’ Day), marking the arrival of the Magi. While it’s not a national holiday in the US, German-American communities keep the tradition alive with unique twists.

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Beethoven Maennerchor adds food to its menu

German Food, German Heritage USA, German Restaurants USA


The famed beer hall serves bratwursts, Reuben sandwiches and more along with beer. The beer has flowed regularly throughout the 152-year history of Beethoven Maennerchor, but as of earlier this summer, the famed German beer hall in Southtown has added food to the festivity. Beethoven is now selling bratwursts ($6) topped with sauerkraut and Reuben sandwiches ($7) daily, as well as rotating specials that include dishes like German goulash, sauerbraten, spätzle and soft pretzels. And every Wednesday, it’s offering up a “Chef’s Choice” special that will feature other authentic German dishes.

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    Hügel Haus Switches from Sunday Dinner to Brunch – Door County Pulse

    German Food, German Heritage USA


    The German restaurant and “Door County’s wurst bar” in Ellison Bay has changed its Sunday routine from serving dinner to serving brunch. Every Sunday for the foreseeable future, you’ll be able to indulge in a delicious brunch, 9 am – 2 pm. The menu features a variety of classic breakfast and lunch options, plus some […]

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      Authentic German fare in the mountains of Georgia

      German Attractions, German Food, German Heritage USA

      It’s interesting. Helen, Georgia is one of those bizarre places. I’d heard about it once or twice, and was there 20 years ago, but didn’t remember much about it. I remember it being a German-themed town, embraced by the entire town, with one awesome Oktoberfest. But this is the middle of the summer, not during Oktoberfest, during a pandemic. Would Helen, Georgia still have that Germain “flair” I remembered? The answer is not so simple.

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        Backyard Biergarten – How To Create for Summertime Fun

        Biergartens, German Heritage Talk, German Heritage USA, German-Americans, Germany, history

        Creating your own Backyard Biergarten at your home can be tons of fun, especially when family, close friends and all your neighbors can share in the enjoyment of it all. 

        beer-garden

        Your own Backyard Biergarten is a real fun project to create and you really can make it as simple or elaborate as you may wish. After all, it is your backyard.

        The first part of creating a viable Biergarten in your backyard is knowing the history of Biergartens in Germany. It is true that Biergartens originated in the 19th century in Munich, the capital of the German state of Bavaria.

        The large breweries back then dug cellars in the banks near rivers to keep their beer cool during storage. During both the Spring and Summer months they would bring the beer out to enjoy under shade trees in a natural setting outdoors.

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