When you think of Christmas in Germany, you probably think of tucking into sausages and potato salad on Christmas Eve, or Lebkuchen and hot chocolate by a decorated tree.
But another tradition you may not be so familiar with is watching this classic movie.
The Czech-East German production of Drei Hasselnüsse für Ashenbrödel – known in English as Three Wishes For Cinderella (or Three Hazelnuts For Cinderella in a direct translation) – is a fairytale romantic film originally produced in 1973.
It has gone on to become a festive favourite across much of Europe, including Germany.
In fact it's so beloved that it's screened several times over the winter holidays.
For foreign residents in Germany, watching this winter favourite could be a fun way to improve your language skills.
READ ALSO: 10 must-see films and series to help you improve your German
Where can I watch it in Germany?
Several broadcast dates have been set for the winter period. In total it's being shown 13 times over the Christmas and New Year period, including earlier in December.
If you haven't caught it yet, here's a look at the times and the regional channels it will be shown in the coming days:
December 24th 2025 at 12:50pm on ARD
December 24th at 3pm on BR
December 24th at 4:25pm on NDR
December 24th at 8:15pm on WDR
December 25th at 3:25pm on ARD
December 25th at 6:50pm on ONE
December 26th at 3:00pm on MDR
December 26th at 4:30pm on rbb
December 27th at 10:00am on SWR
December 28th at 12:00pm on KiKA
December 31st at 12:40pm on ONE
December 31st at 1:55pm on HR
January 6th 2026 at 11:15am on BR
You can also rent the film on a streaming service such as Amazon Prime.
What's the film about - and why is it so popular?
Set against a snowy backdrop, the movie features Czech actress Libuse Safrankova playing Cinderella as she cleverly wins over the heart of the handsome, but somewhat naïve, prince played by Pavel Travnicek.
The film is a co-production between Czechoslovakian and East German production companies. As well as Germany, it is loved in much of central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, Russia and Switzerland.
It was shot in both East Germany and Prague, and the film premiered in East Berlin in 1973.
Much like how Dinner For One has become a television fixture in much of Northern Europe on New Year’s Eve, Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel has become synonymous with Christmas. It brings a sense of nostalgia and many families settle down to watch it during the holidays.
READ ALSO: How a 50-year-old German film became a Christmas classic
By the way, there is also a 2021 version of this movie by Norwegian filmmakers which you will find on some streaming channels.
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