Typical Christmas! Christmas Traditions in Liechtenstein

It is Christmas Eve, sometime around 1950. The candles on the Christmas tree have already burnt down, the presents have been unwrapped. A few leftovers remain from the festive meal. All has fallen quiet.

Although this Christmas Eve lies more than 70 years in the past, much of it seems very familiar to us. Typical of Christmas, after all. Just as it has always been. Or is it?

Many of the customs we observe at Christmas are not as old as one might think. The exhibition traces the surprising stories behind our familiar Christmas traditions. Where do they come from? When did they become part of our Christmas celebrations? And what actually makes Christmas “typical”?

The Advent Program at the Liechtenstein National Museum

Christmas is coming soon!
Storytime afternoons for guests of all ages (ages 5 and up), free admission.
Whether it’s exciting elf puzzles, wild snowflake hunts, or cinnamon star-shooting stars in the fairy-tale sky: Dive into a story and
wrap up the afternoon with some crafts together.

Sun., Nov. 29, 2:00 p.m. The Rat Bride & Star Magic – with Caroline Capiaghi
Sun., Dec. 6, 2:00 p.m. The Story of the Wise Owl – with Barbara Brunhart
Sun., Dec. 13, 2:00 p.m. Enchanting Winter Fairy Tales – with Magd Greta
Sun., Dec. 20, 2:00 p.m. A Very Special Christmas Story – with Thomas Beck

On all story afternoons, our popular waffles will be served at the SchlossCafé.

Highlights at the NationalMuseum
A special Advent calendar is spreading Christmas cheer throughout Vaduz’s old town: Every evening, a different image lights up the museum’s facade in vibrant colors. The designs were painted by children from Liechtenstein.

What does “a typical Christmas” mean to you?
Send a Christmas photo from your childhood to info@landesmuseum.li
We’ll feature a selection of them in the special exhibition.
By submitting your photo, you consent to its use.