The Best Food and Drinks to Try while Christmas Market Hopping

The best part of visiting any Christmas market in Europe is undoubtedly the food.

There’s just nothing better do in winter than sipping a steaming mug of sweet mulled wine while strolling around a Christmas market with twinkling lights and the mouthwatering smells of food wafting all around you. That’s why I LOVE living in Austria.

And although most markets have many similar foods, the exact dishes – and, of course, the names – vary depending on where you are.

So, here is my ultimate foodie guide to all the best foods and drinks to try at European Christmas markets, from hearty, savoury foods to sweet treats you can eat on the go.

Savoury Foods

1. Käsespätzle

Spätzle is a type of German egg noodle, which is thicker and softer than normal noodles. The noodles are served with a cheese sauce (“Käse”= German for cheese) and are generally topped with fried onions.

It’s one of my favourite foods to eat, period. But at a Christmas market, it just hits different.

Käsespätzle is creamy, rich, and comforting. It’s a must try, especially if you’re at a German or Austrian Christmas market.

2. Raclette

Raclette is a Swiss dish consisting of melted cheese scraped off a big wheel of cheese. It is used to top all sorts of other foods, like potatoes, cold cuts, and pickels.

A great way to eat raclette at a market while walking around is in a sandwich, which you’ll find at most Swiss Christmas markets.

Although traditionally Swiss, raclette has gained popularity all over Europe. So don’t be surprised if you find a raclette vendors in countries other than Switzerland.

3. Bratwurst/sausages

If there’s one savoury food you’ll find at EVERY SINGLE Christmas market, it’s some form of sausage. Every region has its own version, so there are soooooo many different sausages to try.

Bratwurst is found in German-speaking areas and is best served in a bun with sauerkraut and caramelised onions with mustard.

One of the most famous sausages is the Nürnberger, named after the city you’ll find it in (Nuremberg). They’re smallish sausages that are grilled and served in a round bun.

Another German staple, especially in Berlin, is Currywurst. It consists of grilled sausages, which are cut up, served with curry ketchup and dusted with curry powder.

4. Kartoffelpuffer

Kartoffelpuffer are, simply put, potato pancakes. They’re crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside – the perfect textural combination.

Of course, Germans are known for their love of potatoes, but this is probably my favourite potato dish ever.

I grew up eating it with applesauce, so that’s my favourite way to eat it. But if you’re not really into the sweet-salty combination, you can also have it with sour cream or garlic butter.

In some regions, Kartoffelpuffer are also called Reibekuchen. So keep your eyes peeled for both, because this is a must-try food! There are also some other words for it, depending on where in Germany you are; Reiberdatschi, Baggers, Krumbirnpöngeli, and Grombirakiachla.

The Swiss have a similar dish called Rösti. Rösti is also a type of fried potato pancake, but it is generally less soft on the inside, and rather just crispy. And while Kartoffelpuffer are made with a binding agent like flour and egg, Rösti is just potato (and sometimes onion) which is fried in butter or ghee.

Rösti is also often served with something more hearty than Kartoffelpuffer, like eggs, meat, or (the best way to have it!) with raclette.

5. Flammkuchen

Flammkuchen, or Tarte flambée, originated in the Alsace region of France. It’s a dough similar to flatbread, topped with crème fraîche and toppings, classically onions and bacon, which is baked until crispy.

Think of it like a pizza, except that it usually has a rectangular shape, and it’s lighter because instead of the heavy cheese and tomato base, it has a base of crème fraîche and less toppings. Like pizza, it’s a great food to share if you’re traveling in a group or with a partner.

Most Christmas market stalls that serve this food also serve it with other toppings, like mushrooms, nuts, or other meat other than bacon. I’ve even seen a ‘Dubai’ Flammkuchen (which is a play on the TikTok trendy Dubai chocolate)!

6. Langos

A Hungarian favourite, Langos is a large, flat piece of dough that is deep-fried and topped with delicious ingredients.

The most traditional toppings are garlic, cheese, and sour cream, but I’ve seen it topped with everything from vegetables and meat to chocolate and cinnamon sugar.

7. Dumplings

If you want a food that’ll fill you up a bit more while wandering through a Christmas market, dumplings are the way to go.

Dumplings are probably the food that differs the most from one region to the next, so it’s a great food to try just about anywhere. In German, dumplings are called Knödel or Klöße (depending on where you are).

Austria, Germany, and Poland probably have the biggest dumpling culture, with almost every region having a different type that represents the area. From sweet to savoury dumplings, filled with meat or fruit, here are the dumplings you should absolutely try if you have the chance:

• Kartoffelknödel/-klöße: Potato dumplings are probably the most popular in Germany. They are generally served with meat dishes and red cabbage. Some variations are also filled with meat, like Hascheeknödel.
• Kaspressknödel: Not to be biased, but these are my FAVOURITE. They are made of bread and cheese, and the cheese gets all melty when it’s fried or baked. You’ll find them in Tyrol in Austria.
• Germknödel/Dampfnudeln: These dumplings are made with yeast and are steamed, so they’re a lot fluffier than potato or bread dumplings. Sometimes they’re served with savoury sauces or meat, but more commonly you’ll find them with vanilla sauce or a fruit compote. These dumplings are popular in Bavaria and all over Austria.
• Topfenknödel: These are my favourite sweet dumplings. Made of Quark or Topfen (which is kind of similar to cream cheese, but a bit firmer and more tangy), and filled with some sort of fruit (most popularly apricots, plums, or strawberries) or even chocolate or nougat. It is then often rolled in breadcrumbs and toasted in butter. You’ll find these almost everywhere in Austria and Germany, but particularly in Saxony and Salzburg.
• Pierogi: These Polish dumplings are very different from Austrian and German dumplings. They are more similar to gyoza or filled pasta, with a thin dough filled with sauerkraut, meat, or veggies, or with something sweet, like fruit or sweet cheeses.

8. Chäsbängel

Of course, the second cheese-based dish on this list is also from Switzerland. Chäsbängel literally means ‘cheese stick’. It consists of a long breadstick that is hollowed out and filled with fondue cheese.

It’s a great way to eat fondue without having to sit down somewhere.

The best place to find Chäsbängel is obviously Switzerland. Basel is particularly famous for the dish.

9. Goulash

Goulash is a Hungarian meat stew with paprika and potatoes, usually served with egg noodles or bread dumplings and sometimes red cabbage. At some Christmas markets, you’ll even get it in a bread bowl, which is a super fun way to eat it.

Though it originated in Hungary, you’ll find Goulash at Christmas markets all over Europe, particularly also in Austria.

It’s the perfect meal if you’re really hungry and craving something super hearty. It’s perfect for when you’re standing outside in the cold, which makes it an ideal Christmas market food.

Sweet Treats

1. Gingerbread

I’m sure everyone already knows what this is, but for those who don’t know, I’ll explain it anyway. Gingerbread is a soft cookie spiced with ginger, anise seed, and cinnamon.

The cookies are often baked into creative shapes and are decorated intricately with sugar icing. Most commonly, they’re made into hearts and decorated with words or phrases like ‘I love you’ or ‘Schatzi’ (a German nickname), so they’re a perfect present to bring back for loved ones back home.

All over Europe, but especially in German-speaking countries, you’ll see stalls at every Christmas market with TONS of decorated gingerbread hearts hanging from the ceiling.

If you’re traveling in French-speaking regions, look for Pain d’Épices.

2. Chimney Cake (Trdelník)

Also known as Baumkuchen, Baumstriezl, or kürtőskalács, chimney cakes are a Hungarian treat that is made by baking a dough wrapped around a spit over an open flame.

Though it is traditionally only sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, it is often filled with things like nutella, fruit, whipped cream, and ice cream (though not so much at Christmastime).

You’ll find it at every Christmas market in Hungary, but it’s definitely not a food that’s exclusively eaten at this time of year. It’s also popular in other countries, like the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

3. Kaiserschmarrn

Out of all the foods on this list, Kaiserschmarrn is probably the one I’ve eaten the most. It is an Austrian specialty, and it’s basically fluffy bite-sized pieces of pancake.

It can be made either with or without raisins (most stalls serve both varieties). Though it’s more traditional with raisins, a lot of people prefer the version without them.

Kaiserschmarrn are most commonly served with applesauce or a fruit compote, and sometimes with vanilla custard. If you find a stall that serves it with Zwetschgenröster (plum compote) get that! It’s definitely my favourite accompaniment for the dish.

In some places, you’ll also find Grießschmarrn, which is very similar to Kaiserschmarrn, but is made with semolina instead of flour. As a result, they’re chewier and have a granier texture (in a good way!).

4. Candied Nuts

I know Christmastime is coming when I start to smell roasted nuts when I’m outside. The nuts are coated with a caramelised sugar, often also containing cinnamon.

This sweet treat is usually served in a paper cone, and is perfect to snack on while you walk around exploring the Christmas market.

The most common and traditional type of candied nuts are almonds, but vendors usually have all different sorts of nuts, from peanuts to walnuts and cashews.

5. Roasted Chestnuts

Roasted chestnuts are one of those classic Christmas market food staples. They’re not as sweet as the other ‘sweet treats’ listed here, and are also a perfect snack for strolling around a market.

In German-speaking countries, you’ll find roasted chestnuts under the name Maroni, while in French they’re called Marrons chauds.

6. Christmas Cookies

Christmas cookies can be found all over the world, of course. But every region makes them differently and has different varieties. And a Christmas market is one of the best places to find authentic, handmade cookies.

Not only are Christmas cookies perfect for snacking, but they’re also a perfect souvenir to take home for family or friends.

Here are some of my favourite cookies to have at Christmas:

Germany:

• Lebkuchen (Gingerbread): Soft, spiced cookies, as described earlier.
• Zimtsterne: ‘Cinnamon stars’ are star-shaped almond-based cookies flavoured with cinnamon and topped with a sweet glaze.
• Spritzgebäck: Piped butter cookies that are dipped in chocolate.

Austria:

• Vanillekipferl: Crescent-shaped cookies made with almonds or hazelnuts, dusted with vanilla-infused powdered sugar.
• Linzeraugen: Originating in Linz, these are sugar cookies that are sandwiched together and filled with some type of jam, usually apricot or raspberry.
• Ischler: Delicious butter-almond cookies sandwiched with apricot jam, usually topped with nuts and dipped in chocolate.

Switzerland:

• Mailänderli: Butter cookies flavoured with lemon zest.
• Brunsli: Chewy chocolate cookies made with almonds and flavoured with spiced like cinnamon.
• Chräbeli: Crisp, crescent-shaped cookies that are flavoured with anise seeds.

France:

• Bredele: Alsatian cookies made with nuts and spices. Examples are Anisbredele (anise cookies) and Butterbredele (butter shortbread).
• Sablés: Buttery shortbread, usually flavoured with vanilla or lemon.

7. Marzipan

Marzipan is a confection made of sugar and ground almonds. It’s probably my favourite sweet ever. But it’s definitely one of those love-it-or-hate-it foods. Many people find it too sweet, or they find the unique flavour weird and unappetising.

I love marzipan as is, but it is usually sold in a variety of ways. The simplest is a Marzipankartoffel (‘marzipan potato’), which is just marzipan made into a ball and rolled in cocoa powder. It’s a great way to try Marzipan if you’ve never had it.

It’s also often dipped in chocolate, or made into pralines. Most famously, you’ll find the Austrian praline Mozartkugel, which is marzipan surrounded with nougat and dipped in chocolate.

Other treats that incorporate it are Eisenbahner cookies and Schneeballen.

Drinks

1. Mulled wine

To me, nothing says Christmas market quite like mulled wine. It is a hot drink made of red wine, infused with warm spices, like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Sugar and orange peels are also usually added.

Mulled wine, also called Glühwein (German), Vin chaud (French), and Svařák (Czech), is by far the most popular drink at Christmas markets.

Although it’s traditionally made with red wine, many vendors sell white wine versions, which I actually prefer, and sometimes even rosés.

2. Feuerzangenbowle

Feuerzangenbowle is one of the most fun drinks you can find at Christmas markets in Germany. It consists of mulled wine, topped with a sugar cube that’s been soaked in rum.

The sugar is set on fire, caramelizes, and drips into the wine.

3. Eierpunsch

Eierpunsch is basically eggnog. It’s made from egg yolks, white wine, and vanilla. Sometimes, a shot of rum or brandy, as well as orange or cinnamon, are added.

Before serving, it’s topped with whipped cream. It’s really rich and thick, so it’s perfect if you’re craving something indulgent.

4. Hot Chocolate

If you want something rich and creamy, hot chocolate is the perfect drink for the cold weather at Christmas markets. Whether you want something non-alcoholic or not, it’s a great option.

You can always add a shot of liqueur if you want to – most stalls give you the option. I recommend Bailey’s, Amaretto, Frangelico or, if you’re in Austria, Mozartlikör.

5. Punsch

Punsch is another popular warm drink you’ll find at every Christmas market. There are so many different types and they’re all made a bit differently. But usually, it consists of some sort of fruit juice with alcohol (often wine or rum), infused with spices.

The most popular version is probably Beerenpunsch, ‘berry punch’, made with berry juice, red wine, and spices.My favourite is Bratapfelpunsch, ‘baked apple punch’, which is similar to apple cider.

Every Christmas market stall that sells Punsch also sells Kinderpunsch – punch without the alcohol. It’s a great option if you’re traveling with children.

If you’re planning a Christmas market hopping trip through Europe, check out my guide to the 10 best cities to visit for their holiday markets.