Traditions and customs at the beginning of the year

A new beginning

The first days of the year are deliberately spent quietly in many parts of Schleswig-Holstein. Walks along the coast or beside the lakes are an integral part of this time for many people. The crisp winter air, the open sea, or frozen shores invite reflection and distance from everyday life as the new year begins. In some coastal towns, New Year’s swims or communal beach walks are a fixed tradition, combining nature experiences with togetherness.

Musical New Year’s concerts also have a long tradition in the region. In churches, concert halls, and cultural venues, people come together to welcome the new year with classical music or regional programs. A particular highlight is the New Year’s Concert of the Schleswig-Holstein State Theatre under the title Fantasie. The concert invites audiences to celebrate the beginning of the year mindfully, inspiringly, and with a sense of lightness—a musical opening that sparks imagination and casts a hopeful взгляд toward the year ahead.

The performances take place at several venues across the state: the Deutsches Haus in Flensburg, the Stadttheater Heide, the Stadttheater Rendsburg, the theater itzehoe in Itzehoe, and the A. P. Møller School in Schleswig.

Regional customs

In January, northern German customs in particular shape social life. Many towns host winter bonfires, small village festivals, or gatherings organized by local clubs and associations. Especially along the coast and in Frisian regions, these meetings are closely tied to community exchange. Winter has traditionally been a time when people come together more closely and support one another.

One outstanding example is the Biike burning in February, celebrated mainly in North Frisia and along the North Sea coast. It symbolically marks the end of winter and stands for new beginnings and solidarity. The fire blazing in the dark landscape, accompanied by speeches and shared meals, is one of the most striking rituals of the early year in Schleswig-Holstein.

Carnival in the north

Even though Carnival in Schleswig-Holstein does not reach the scale of the carnival traditions in southern Germany, it still holds a firm place in regional culture. In towns and communities, masked balls, carnival parties, and club events take place, bringing lightness and humor to the winter season. Especially in rural areas, these celebrations are often marked by a strong sense of family and community and are an integral part of social life.

A particular highlight is the state’s largest "Rosenmontag" parade in Marne. Last year, more than a thousand carnival participants with 33 themed floats paraded through the town. Along the streets, over 20,000 revelers celebrated, enjoying around 2.5 tons of sweets thrown to the crowd.

Northern German Shrovetide tends to be less loud but all the more convivial. It offers space for encounters, shared celebrations, and a conscious transition into the coming season.

Everyday rituals

Alongside the major festivities, it is above all the small rituals that shape the beginning of the year. Regular meetings in tea rooms, shared kale dinners, or walks through winter landscapes are a fixed part of the season for many people. These habits provide structure and convey a sense of continuity that is especially valued during winter.

Cultural offerings such as readings, exhibitions, and lectures also gain importance during this time. They offer opportunities for inspiration and exchange and highlight the region’s vibrant cultural landscape.

In summary

The months between New Year’s Day and Carnival in Schleswig-Holstein are rich in traditions and customs that strengthen community bonds and make winter a consciously experienced season. Whether through quiet nature experiences, cultural events, or centuries-old rituals like the Biike burning, the beginning of the year shows the north in its calm yet unifying character. These traditions shape the region’s way of life and make Schleswig-Holstein special even during the colder months.