The tradition of advent wreaths was started by german lutherans in the 16th century and today the wreath is still an icon of christmas in germany the wreath consists of four candles in a bed of pine cones berries dried flowers and christmas ornaments different families have different traditions when it comes to adventskranz. German stollen a loaf shaped fruitcake made of yeast water and flour is traditionally eaten around christmas time in germany the bread like cake which was first baked in dresden in the 14th century is filled with nuts raisins candied citrus and spices the shape is said to represent baby jesus in swaddling clothes. Traditional christmas foods saving the best for last one of the most anticipated german christmas traditions is the christmas dinner the traditional christmas meal features duck goose rabbit or a roast this main dish is accompanied by german delicacies such as apple and sausage stuffing red cabbage and potato dumplings. One colorful german christmas tradition has found its way to parts of north america and some other regions of the world the german christmas market beginning in mid or late november in almost any german city of any size one or more christmas markets will pop up on the local square and often in several other locations