What to Eat at a Christmas Market in Germany
Visiting Christmas markets this year and wondering what to eat there? This post will have you feeling like a local!
Christmas markets are not just a feast for the eyes but an irresistible celebration of festive German cuisine.
Classic Bites to Try
1. Bratwurst and Other Sausages
You can’t go wrong with a delicious bratwurst.
These sausages, often grilled over an open flame, fill the air with a mouthwatering aroma.
Pair it with a crusty bun and a dab of mustard for an authentic experience.
Besides bratwurst, look out for other varieties like currywurst—a tangy delight topped with curry ketchup.
Thuringian sausage, with its unique spices, is another popular option.
2. Lebkuchen and Stollen
Lebkuchen, a cross between a cake and a cookie, is infused with spices and often covered in chocolate.
These gingerbread delicacies can range from soft to spicy-sweet, sometimes adorned with a thin glaze.
Stollen, a fruit bread laden with nuts, spices, and candied fruit, is another festive staple.
The traditional version often contains a marzipan center, adding a sweet surprise with every bite.
3. Fried Treats: Schmalzkuchen and Mutzen
Fried snacks like schmalzkuchen and mutzen are perfect for keeping warm while you explore Christmas markets in Germany!
Schmalzkuchen are small, fluffy doughnut-like pastries dusted in powdered sugar, served hot and fresh.
Mutzen, similar in nature, are crunchy on the outside and soft inside, offering a delightful texture.
4. Roasted Chestnuts
Roasted chestnuts are a staple at any German Christmas market.
They’re served in a paper cone, making them easy to carry around as you explore.
They’re perfect for munching on as the weather gets cooler. They also pair wonderfully with a hot drink.
Part of the charm is peeling away the toasty shell to reveal the soft nut inside.
5. Reibekuchen: Potato Pancakes
Reibekuchen, or potato pancakes, are a delicious street food found at Christmas markets throughout Germany.
Made from grated potatoes, onions, and a bit of flour, these pancakes are fried until they’re golden brown and crispy.
You’ll often see them sizzling away as they cook on large griddles, creating a tantalizing smell that attracts hungry visitors.
These pancakes are usually served with a side of applesauce, providing a sweet contrast to the savory taste of the potatoes.
Some stalls may offer variations with garlic sauce or crème fraîche.
6. Flammkuchen: German Pizza
Flammkuchen is a popular treat that resembles a thin-crust pizza.
Originally from the Alsace region, this dish features a crispy base topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons (small slices of bacon).
You can find several toppings at different stalls, such as mushrooms or cheese to make it even more interesting.
It’s baked quickly in a high-temperature oven, ensuring that the crust is crisp and the toppings perfectly cooked.
7. Gebäck: Baked Goods
Baked goods are a must in every German Christmas market!
Stollen, a fruitcake dusted with powdered sugar, is a holiday favorite.
Another must-try is the Spekulatius, a spiced shortcrust biscuit with intricate festive designs.
In some markets, you might find Baumkuchen, known as the ‘tree cake’, with its thin layers resembling tree rings.
8. Mandelbrot and Gebrannte Mandeln: Almond Treats
Mandelbrot, often compared to Italian biscotti, is a crunchy, almond-flavored delight perfect for munching on as you stroll.
Then there are the Gebrannte Mandeln, or roasted almonds, a treat known for their sweet, caramelized coating that gently snaps as you take a bite.
9. Marzipan Confections
Made primarily from almonds and sugar, marzipan is often molded into playful shapes like fruits or animals, turning them into delightful works of art.
The sweet almond paste is sometimes dipped in chocolate, making it even more indulgent.
You might come across Marzipankartoffeln, which are marzipan balls resembling little potatoes.
These are dusted with cocoa for a unique look and taste.
Vegan and Vegetarian Finds
10. Kartoffelpuffer
Kartoffelpuffer are basically potato pancakes served with a side of applesauce, making them a great snack for vegetarians.
11. Gebrannte Mandeln
If you have a sweet tooth, definitely try Gebrannte Mandeln, which are sugar-coated roasted almonds.
12. Bread and pretzels
You can also find breads and pretzels in abundance.
Always check if they are made without butter for a fully vegan experience. Enjoy them plain or with sweet mustard.
Warm Up with These Beverages
At German Christmas markets, beverages like Gluhwein, Feuerzangenbowle, and hot chocolate with Eierpunsch are sure to keep you warm and cozy.
Each drink offers a unique taste and experience that enhances your festive outing.
As a tip that I wish I’d known sooner – you can return the mugs or glasses you were served in and you’ll get some of the money you paid for the drink back!
13. Gluhwein: Mulled Wine
Gluhwein, a classic Christmas market favorite, is a warm mulled wine infused with spices.
Served steaming hot, it’s made from red wine, citrus fruits, and spices like cinnamon and cloves.
This drink offers a comforting warmth perfect for chilly winter nights.
Keep an eye out for different versions including white wine Gluhwein and non-alcoholic options for a delightful twist on this holiday staple.
14. Feuerzangenbowle: Flaming Rum Punch
A sugarloaf is soaked in rum, set on fire, and dripped into mulled wine – that’s Feuerzangebowle for ya!
The deep fruity flavor, combined with spices and the extra kick from the rum, provides a unique warmth.
The caramelized sugar adds a hint of sweetness, complementing the robust wine base.
15. Hot Chocolate
German hot chocolate is rich and creamy, often topped with whipped cream.
It’s perfect for those seeking a classic, comforting drink that feels familiar.
16. Eierpunsch
Eierpunsch is a spiced egg-based punch featuring white wine, egg yolks, vanilla, sugar, and sometimes rum.
Often garnished with whipped cream and cinnamon, it provides a unique alternative with its creamy consistency and gentle spice.
