FAQ
Got a question? Have a look if you can find the answer you are looking for here, otherwise contact us directly any time.
1. Authentic German Christmas Decorations
1.1. Where can I buy authentic German Christmas decorations in Australia?
The Christmas Quarter offers authentic German Christmas decorations from the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) online in Australia. Our main focus is on traditional Erzgebirge pieces such as Christmas pyramids, wooden ornaments, incense figures ('Räuchermann'), candleholders and other handcrafted decorations. Local pickup is also available in Kendenup, Western Australia.
1.2. Are your Christmas decorations really made in Germany?
The majority of products comes from Germany directly and each supplier has been carefully selected. It is important to us to build personal relationships and meet manufacturers in person during our trips to Germany. Check each product description for its specific origin, materials and maker details.
1.3. What are traditional German Christmas decorations?
Traditional German Christmas decorations include wooden Christmas pyramids, nutcrackers, incense smokers, candle arches and candleholders, carved or turned wooden ornaments, stars and glass baubles. Many of these traditions are especially associated with the Erzgebirge region (Ore Mountains) of Germany.
1.4. What is Erzgebirge Christmas craftsmanship?
Erzgebirge craftsmanship is a long-established woodworking tradition from the Ore Mountains in Germany. Skilled makers use techniques passed on from one generation to the next such as woodturning and wood-shaving, carving and delicate hand assembly to create Christmas pyramids, figures, ornaments and other decorative pieces. There's no mass production, every item is lovingly hand-made and painted.
1.5. Why are Erzgebirge Christmas decorations special?
They combine traditional designs, skilled craftsmanship and a strong regional heritage. Many pieces involve numerous individual production steps and are designed to be enjoyed for many Christmas seasons rather than treated as disposable seasonal decor. Behind each traditional Erzgebirge ornament stands a family-business that has passed on their skills and dedication for generations.
1.6. What makes authentic German Christmas decorations different from mass-produced decorations?
Authentic traditional pieces focus on craftsmanship, locally sourced materials, regional design and longevity. Small variations can be part of the handmade character. Rather than being purely seasonal fashion items, many are intended to become decorations that families bring out year after year and become family heirlooms.
1.7. Which German Christmas decorations make good gifts?
Small wooden ornaments, stars and glass baubles are easy gift choices, while incense smokers, nutcrackers and Christmas pyramids make more substantial keepsake gifts. The best choice depends on the recipient's style, available space and whether they already collect traditional German Christmas pieces.
2. Christmas Pyramids, Nutcrackers & Incense Smokers
2.1. What is a German Christmas pyramid?
A German Christmas pyramid is a traditional wooden Christmas decoration with one or more rotating tiers. In candle-powered designs, rising warm air turns a fan at the top, which makes the central display rotate. Designs are available from small table decorations to elaborate multi-tier pieces with different themes (nativity, Santa, winter landscape etc).
2.2. How does a German Christmas pyramid work?
Traditional candle-powered pyramids use the warm air rising from lit candles. The air reaches the angled fan blades above the pyramid, causing the central shaft and figures to rotate. The pyramid should always stand level, away from drafts, and burning candles must never be left unattended. Check out our blog for some common issues und how to fix them.
2.3. Where can I buy a German Christmas pyramid in Australia?
The Christmas Quarter stocks German Christmas pyramids for Australian customers through our online shop. We stock a range of different Christmas pyramids suiting different tastes. Availability changes by design and season, so the current pyramid range and prices can be checked directly on our website. If you are looking for something specific, don't be shy to contact us directly.
2.4. What candles do I need for a German Christmas pyramid?
Use only the candle size recommended for the specific pyramid. The correct diameter and height matter because they affect both safety and the amount of warm air needed to turn the fan. Check the product instructions or contact us before buying replacement candles.
2.5. What is the tradition behind German nutcrackers?
Decorative wooden nutcrackers are strongly associated with the Erzgebirge Christmas tradition. Herr Füchtner designed the nutcracker as we know it today in 1870 in Seiffen/Erzgebirge. It is a symbol of good luck and is meant to ward off evil spirits to protect the home.
2.6. What is a German incense smoker (Räuchermann)?
A German incense smoker, often called a Räuchermännchen, is a hollow wooden figure designed to hold a small incense cone. When the cone smoulders inside, fragrant smoke escapes through an opening such as the figure's mouth or pipe. Nowadays they come in all shapes and forms.
2.7. How do German incense smokers work?
The figure usually separates into two sections. A lit incense cone is placed safely on the internal base, the upper section is replaced, and the smoke travels through the figure. It basically works like a miniature chimney. Always place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface and never leave burning incense unattended.
2.8. Which incense cones should I use in a German incense smoker?
Use incense cones that fit the dimensions and heat requirements of the particular smoker. We stock different sizes and a huge variety of scents. Do not leave unattended and keep children supervised at all times.
3. Quality, Materials & Care
3.1. What materials are your Christmas decorations made from?
Materials vary by product. Traditional Erzgebirge items are commonly made from different types of wood sourced from the area, while other pieces may use glass, metal, wax or textile elements.
3.2. Why can handmade Christmas decorations vary slightly in appearance?
Small differences in wood grain, colour, paintwork or shape are normal in handcrafted products. These variations are part of the character of handmade work and mean that two pieces may not be absolutely identical.
3.3. How should I care for wooden German Christmas decorations?
Keep wooden decorations dry, avoid prolonged direct sunlight and wipe dust away gently with a soft, dry cloth. If you live in an area with high humidity, stick to indoor use only. Avoid soaking wooden pieces or using harsh household cleaners. Handle delicate moving parts and small decorative elements carefully.
Make sure the kids know, that the ornaments are no toys, as tempting as they are. We've been using German decorations from a very early age (toddler and baby) and if you lay down the ground rules early on, you stand a very good chance, to enjoy them for many years.
3.4. How should I store my Christmas decorations after Christmas?
Store decorations clean and completely dry in a cool, dry place. Ideally inside the house, rather than the shed or the garage. Vermin and moisture are the worst enemy of wooden items. Whenever possible, use the original packaging or wrap individual pieces in acid-free tissue or soft protective material. Keep delicate ornaments separated so they cannot rub or knock against one another.
3.5. How long can traditional wooden Christmas decorations last?
With careful handling and dry storage, quality wooden Christmas decorations can be enjoyed for many years and may become family keepsakes. We've got items that are well over 30 years old. Their lifespan depends on materials, construction, use and storage conditions.
3.6. Are Erzgebirge decorations collectible?
Yes. Many people collect Erzgebirge Christmas pieces by maker, design, character or product type. Limited designs and discontinued pieces can be particularly interesting to collectors, although collectability does not guarantee future financial value.
4. Ordering, Shipping & Pickup in Australia
4.1. Do you ship your products across Australia?
Yes, we do.
4.2. How much does shipping cost within Australia?
Shipping is calculated at checkout, so the cost can vary depending on the order and destination. Add the desired items to the cart and enter the delivery details to see the current shipping charge before payment.
4.3. How long does delivery take?
Delivery time depends on the destination, shipping service and seasonal demand. Use the current shipping information shown during checkout and allow extra time during the busy Christmas period. We aim to ship all orders within 1-2 business days.
4.4. Where is The Christmas Quarter located?
We are a small family-run business based in Kendenup in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. We also grow real Christmas trees on our property.
4.5. Can I order online and collect my purchase?
Yes, you can place the order online and select the available pickup option at checkout. Wait for confirmation that the order is ready before travelling to collect it.
6. About The Christmas Quarter
6.1. Who is behind The Christmas Quarter?
We are a small family-run business located in the Great Southern of Western Australia. Mark is an Aussie country boy through and through, while Kirstin brings the German part into the business. She arrived in Australia in 2012 to stay for a year or two..........
Our family story brings together Aussie country life and the atmosphere and traditions of a German Christmas.
6.2. Why did you start The Christmas Quarter?
Our story began when we set out to buy a real Christmas tree in December 2022 and ended up planting our own seedlings about six months later. The business grew from a wish to bring more of the traditional German Christmas experience to Australia.
6.3. Do you grow real Christmas trees in Western Australia?
Yes, we do. In June 2026 we planted our fourth lot of Christmas trees.