Post to the Christ Child: What should be on a wish list? - Bavaria's Christmas Post Office Answers 70,000 Children's Letters Annually

Every year, Bavaria’s only Christmas post office in Himmelstadt receives up to 70,000 letters from children hoping for a reply from the Christ Child. This festive tradition, run by volunteers, ensures that each wish list gets a personal response—even if it arrives with spelling mistakes or glittery decorations. The Christmas post office in Himmelstadt, Lower Franconia, opens its doors each Advent to handle the flood of letters. Up to 40 volunteers work tirelessly to answer every child’s wish list before the holiday. Children can even hand-deliver their letters on the first Sunday of Advent, adding a personal touch to the tradition.

To receive a reply, letters must be addressed to ‘To the Christ Child, Kirchplatz 3, 97267 Himmelstadt.’ Rosemarie Schotte, the volunteer head of the post office, reminds children to include their full return address. Wish lists sent by December 17 will still get a response in time for Christmas Eve.

The Christ Child, however, does not grant wishes for material items like cars or money. Despite this, every letter—whether neatly written or covered in drawings—receives a thoughtful reply. The Himmelstadt Christmas post office has become a cherished part of Bavarian holiday traditions. With thousands of letters arriving each year, the volunteers ensure no child’s wish list goes unanswered. The final deadline for replies remains December 17, giving families just enough time to hear back before Christmas.