German Thanksgiving Traditions and Dishes

The History of Thanksgiving in Germany

Thanksgiving may be considered an American holiday, but it is also celebrated in Germany in unique ways with German twists. The holiday has gained popularity in Germany since World War II when American troops were stationed there. Over time, Germans have adopted some Thanksgiving traditions and melded them with their own cultural traditions.

When Is Thanksgiving Celebrated in Germany?

German Thanksgiving is not celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November like in the United States. Instead, Germans celebrate Erntedankfest, or the Harvest Festival, in early October. This holiday has pagan roots as a celebration of the fall harvest. Christians also observe the holiday in churches across Germany.

Traditional German Thanksgiving Foods

Germans have put their own spin on classic Thanksgiving dishes for their Erntedankfest celebrations. Of course, the centerpiece is usually a goose, duck, or turkey. The bird is stuffed with a traditional bread-based filling seasoned with onions, herbs, and apples. Side dishes include potato dumplings, red cabbage, and seasonal vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts.

For dessert, Germans enjoy harvested fall fruits like pears and apples. Apple strudel, sweet potato pie, and pumpkin spice cake are also popular end-of-meal treats. Unlike the American Thanksgiving, there is no set menu for the German harvest festival. Each family prepares dishes using seasonal ingredients.

Recipe Ideas for German Thanksgiving

If you want to host an authentic German Thanksgiving dinner, here are some key recipes to try:

Roast Goose with Apples and Red Cabbage

Goose is traditional for the German Erntedankfest. For crisp skin, pierce the skin all over before roasting. Stuff the cavity with quartered apples and onions. Roast alongside halved red cabbage wedges tossed in apples and bacon. The sweet and tart flavors complement the rich goose in this one-pan meal.

Potato Dumplings

These potato-based dumplings are a perfect accompaniment to roasted goose or duck. To make them, combine mashed potatoes and flour into a dough. Form chunks of dough into balls, then boil until they float to the top. Fry in butter or roast in the drippings of the bird for extra richness.

Pumpkin Spice Bienenstich

This autumnal cake translates to "bee sting cake" because the topping resembles honeycomb. Make the vanilla cake base from scratch or use a box mix. Top with a vanilla pudding made with pumpkin puree and spice, then finish with a crunchy toasted almond topping. It's the perfect finale for a German Thanksgiving meal.

Hosting Tips

When hosting a German-style Thanksgiving dinner party, lean into tradition by decorating with harvest symbols. Display fruit centerpieces and mini gourd arrangements. For place settings, useclassic white dishes so the beautiful roast goose stands out. Provide spill-proof dishes for the inevitable drippings.

Since the menu centers around goose or duck, be sure to have a carving knife and meat fork on hand. Place them next to the roasted bird for easy slicing. Keep theSIDE dishes warm in a low oven if needed.

No German celebration is complete without beer for toasting. Offer tasty imported brews like Paulaner Oktoberfest beer. For non-beer options, warm up a batch of mulled wine or serve Apfelsaftschorle, an apple juice spritzer.

With the rich, hearty cuisine, dark amber and green colors, and harvest-inspired details, you'll feel like you're celebrating right along the Rhine river. Frohe Erntedankfest! (Happy Harvest Festival!).

FAQs

When do Germans celebrate Thanksgiving?

Germans celebrate Erntedankfest, or the Harvest Festival, in early October. It is not connected to the American Thanksgiving holiday in late November.

What traditional foods are served at a German Thanksgiving?

Popular German Thanksgiving dishes include roast goose, duck or turkey stuffed with apples and onions. Sides like potato dumplings, red cabbage, roasted fall vegetables, and seasonal fruit desserts are also common.

What drinks should I serve at my German Thanksgiving dinner?

Serve German beer like Paulaner Oktoberfest or non-alcoholic apple juice spritzers. Mulled wine is another warm, seasonal option guests will enjoy.

What decorations can I use to make my table more German?

Use harvest symbols like fruit, gourds, nuts, and leaves in your centerpieces. White dinnerware lets the beautiful roast goose entree take center stage. Place carving tools next to the bird for easy serving.