It's tradition that the Union Berlin family meets on December 23 to sing Christmas carols and get in the mood for the festive season.

Tonight, 1. FC Union Berlin and the 'Alt-Unioner' fan club welcomed 28,500 visitors to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei for the 16th edition of Weihnachtssingen.

When Christian Arbeit, the club's spokesperson, stepped on to the stage to lead proceedings, the ground was already packed full. 

Though the Union fans are known for being the 12th man on matchdays, there was a peaceful, harmonious atmosphere as the community came together to celebrate the holiday season.

After a little delay, the floodlights went out and the candles lit up to create another memorable scene at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.

The first Christmas song of the evening from songbook was led by the Emmy-Noether-Gymnasium choir singing "Ihr Kinderlein kommet" with tens of thousands joining in. Minister Peter Kasnter read aloud the Christmas story and even gave the audience some opportunities to join.

Our squad returned from Aue around 8pm despite the 0-3 defeat and joined the supporters in the main stand.

1. FC Union Berlin and the 'Alt-Unioner' fan club would like to thank all employees, volunteers and our sponsors Mercedes-Benz Nutzfahrzeug-Zentrum Berlin and Ed. Züblin AG.

We'd like to wish all Union fans, their families and our guests tonight a Merry Christmas!