Thomastag: Southern German Traditions Weekend
19–21 December 2025 · Nürnberg, Germany
What is Thomastag?
Thomastag is the German holiday that marks the shortest day of the year—but in Nürnberg, it’s especially known as a day of longstanding student tradition.
The Traditional Association of Student Customs Nuremberg (Traditionsverein Studentisches Brauchtum Nürnberg e.V., or TSBN) describes the history of the event as follows:
The St. Thomas Stroll is an old Nuremberg tradition that dates back to the 17th century. Students from the University of Erlangen (now Friedrich-Alexander University), founded in 1742, would travel to the city on the last weekend before Christmas, either because they were living there or because they were traveling home from there by carriage. December 21st was not only dedicated to St. Thomas, but was also one of Nuremberg’s four market days. This custom gave rise to the Christkindlesmarkt in the 17th century.
The students enjoyed this weekend celebrating together one last time and shopping before their journey home. They visited numerous Thomas pubs and later strolled together through Nuremberg’s city center and the Christmas market.
To this day, Thomastag is celebrated among the student fraternities of Nürnberg, and this year, the Academic Culture Enjoyers are proud to have been invited by the hosting fraternity Onoldia and the Schwarzburgbund to participate in this particularly traditional event of student culture!
Below, you will find detailed information about the event. Sign-up starts 23 August 2025 at 12:00 (UTC+3) — sign up by 31 August 2025 at 23:59 (UTC+3) to join us for the first big trip by Academic Culture Enjoyers!
NOTE: You’ll need to book your own flights — while the event participation, program and accommodation are being organised by ACE, flights and some meals are not included.
Who is organizing this event?
The event is organized by members of ACE in cooperation with a local fraternity, Akademische Verbindung Landsmannschaft Onoldia Altdorf zu Nürnberg (Onoldia for short). Onoldia and their parent organization, Schwarzburgbund, will be holding a formal traditional event, the Kommers, and have invited us as guests. Additionally, after the Kommers many fraternity houses, including Onoldia, will open their doors to visitors. Many other friendly fraternities will be attending as well, giving you great opportunities to make connections with more organizations and people. The Thomasbummel on Sunday will be organized by the Schwarzburgbund.
Program Overview
Friday 19 Dec
- 18:00: Group check-in to the hostel (stragglers please message @tfa_n on Telegram). Address: Burg 2, 90403 Nürnberg
- 19:00–21:00: Group dinner & beers at Hexenhäusle (restaurant booking by ACE). Address: Vestnertorgraben 4, 90408 Nürnberg
- Afterwards: Thomastag welcome evening at Onoldia for intermingling with German fraternities. Address: Ottostraße 40, 90402 Nürnberg
Saturday 20 Dec
- Until 10:00: Breakfast at the youth hostel
- 10:00: Guided tour of Nürnberg in English/Finnish, starting in front of the youth hostel
- 12:00–17:00: Free exploration of the city. Check our list of noteworthy destinations for suggestions — the Christmas market is highly recommended!
- 17:00–18:30: Group dinner at local brewery Tucher-Bräu. Address: Am Kartäusertor 1, 90402 Nürnberg
- 18:30–19:30: Getting ready for Kommers. Dress code: black suit, white shirt or equivalent.
- 20:00–00:00: Kommers at Germanisches Nationalmuseum. Address: Kartäusergasse 1, 90402 Nürnberg
- 00:00–open end: Beers with local fraternities
Sunday 21 Dec
- Until 10:00: Breakfast at the youth hostel
- 10:00: Group checkout at the youth hostel
- 10:00–14:00: Free exploration
- 14:00: Thomasbummel at the Christmas market to close out the weekend
- Return flights (luggage room available at hostel)
What does it cost?
Accommodation (hostel, shared rooms): €100
Flights: €220–€400 round trip from Helsinki (recommendations available from organizers)
Total estimate: ~€320–500 per person.
Accommodation
We’ll stay in a hostel in Nürnberg, in shared dorm-style rooms with four beds each. We will try to match participants according to their preferences informed in the signup. Beds are reserved for our group, and breakfast is included. The hostel also provides luggage storage for departure day. The hostel is part of the historic castle of Nürnberg, highly rated and has a great view over the city and is close to many of the main attractions. More info: http://nuernberg.jugendherberge.de/
Who can join?
Open to all members of the Academic Culture Enjoyers community (students & alumni)!
Practical Notes
- Dress code for Kommers: festive/dark suit or equivalent (formal wear)
- Weather: December in Nürnberg is cold (0–5°C). Bring a warm coat, gloves, and shoes suitable for walking.
- Cash is king in Germany; make sure you carry enough. A meal costs about €20, a beer or Glühwein about €5.
- The old town is small enough to walk everywhere, but we will share information about local transport ticket options closer to the date.
Helpful links
Sign-up & Payments
- Sign-up opens: 23 August 2025 at 12:00 (UTC+3)
- Sign-up deadline: 31 August 2025 at 23:59 (UTC+3) (or until full)
- Sign-up will be binding after its closing deadline has passed.
- Hostel payment: €100 within 7 days of sign-up closing
- Cancellation policy and payment details will be shared after sign-up.
Cultural Etiquette
We are guests of Onoldia and the Schwarzburgbund. Respectful behavior is expected at all times — especially during fraternity visits.
Ready to join?
Sign up here, opens 23 August 2025 at 12:00 (UTC+3)Seats are limited to 30 — first come, first served.
We only use your info for organizing events, share it only when necessary (e.g. hostel bookings), and delete it after. Full privacy notice.