Christmas markets in Europe are magical, and the food and drink at them are a huge part of the experience. Find out which traditional dishes to try at Christmas markets in Europe

You can learn a lot about the region by visiting its Christmas markets. During holiday walks, tourists look at stand after stand, get acquainted with the traditions and culture of the country, and also enjoy its delicious dishes. That is why it is better to go to the Christmas market hungry, and what to taste there - we will tell you. About the delicacies and drinks available at European Christmas markets further.

Germany

- Bratwürst (German sausages) - you will feel the maximum peak of your hunger, just crossing the threshold of the German fair, because the fantastic aroma of the sausage will amaze you from the first minute. Local sausages come in any shape and length, decorated with local spices, they are served in a crispy bun. You can independently add ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and pickles to your dish.

Once you’ve bought your sausages, simply walk up to any empty seat at the table, say “Merry Christmas” to your new friends in the local language, and join in the feast.

- Potato pancakes – just like sausages, every market and region seems to have their own take on frying delicious potatoes. They’re usually served on small plates with apple or garlic puree. The carbs keep you warm – which is why they’re an essential dish at a German market, so give them a try.

- Schupfnudeln – noodles made with sauerkraut and bacon (pork).

- Lebkuchen – a traditional German gingerbread that’s been taken to a new level of quality thanks to fresh and old-fashioned ingredients.

- Bauernkrapfen (donuts) – fried dough filled with fruit jam and plenty of powdered sugar. In Germany it is called Knieküchle, Auszogne, Krapfen, Küchl, Nudel or Rottnudel depending on the region. It is also found in Austria as Bauernkrapfen or Kiachl.

- Gebranntemandeln (candied almonds) are the most addictive treat at Christmas markets. The nuts are cooked on site, so the smells will drive you crazy. The packets are sold for around 3-3.50 euros per 100 grams. The filling is a variety of nuts (pistachios, hazelnuts, peanuts, etc.) and additional flavors (vanilla, chocolate, Nutella, amaretto).

- Dampfnudeln – a piece of steamed dough, served with a vanilla custard sauce.

- Apfelkuchen – apple pie. A slice of apple is placed in the pie dough and deep-fried.

- Kugelhopf – a yeast cake traditionally baked in a characteristic round Bundt pan. You will also find other varieties, including Christstollen (German fruit bread) and Bethmännchen (marzipan pastries).

- Stollen – the most interesting sweet to try at the markets in Dresden, it is a rich bread with raisins, candied orange and lemon peel.

- Quarckbällchen – a snack that is perfect for a day spent outdoors at the Christmas market – warm balls of dough with cinnamon on the outside and quark – a type of soft cheese – on the inside.

Czech Republic

- Grilled dishes – as in Germany, a traditional dish at Czech fairs is grilled sausages (Klobása). Depending on the region, different spices are added to them – mild herbs or hot paprika. You can also enjoy grilled meat and vegetables cooked in huge pots.

- Smažený sýr (Fried Cheese) – cheese is heated and fried until gooey. Then it is placed on a simple slice of white bread. This is how such a simple but very tasty sandwich is formed.

- Trdelník/Baumstriezel (Chimney Cakes) – this Czech dish will make you rethink the preparation of tubes. A long thick strip of dough, covered with a nut and sugar mixture, is wrapped around a thick cylinder. The tube is then slowly fried on an open charcoal grill. The heating caramelizes the sugar for a crispy and delicious crust. Additional fillings can be added, including jams and the beloved by many Nutella.

- Glühwein / Svařák (mulled wine with spices) – no visit to a Christmas market is complete without a hot drink in a Christmas mug. Spiced mulled wine is served in small Christmas mugs, unique and collectible at each market. When purchasing the drink, you will pay an additional 2-4 euros as a “pfand” or deposit. If you want to keep the mug, you lose the deposit and get a great collectible souvenir. If not, return it to the same booth and get your deposit back.

France

- Tarte flambé – a classic Christmas dish, these are appetizing cakes that are cooked to order at the Strasbourg Christmas markets. They are also accompanied by a delicious snack – a cream with onions and bacon or other fillings.

- Käsespätzle – true cheese lovers will be delighted with this dish, because it is an egg noodle covered with cheese, onions and other fillings. A hearty snack that will keep you going throughout the long day.

- Bretzel – although many travelers associate pretzels with Germany, sweet and savory pretzels can also be found at the Strasbourg Christmas markets.

- Crepe – pancakes covered with chocolate and other fillings.

- Bredelle – a traditional shortbread cookie baked during the Christmas season in Strasbourg.

Netherlands

- Erwtensoep – a traditional pea soup often served on New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands, is a hearty addition to a day spent exploring Christmas markets.

- Mushrooms with garlic sauce – a generous portion of fried mushrooms in an onion and garlic sauce. In addition to the Netherlands, this dish can also be found at Christmas markets throughout Germany, sometimes called “Weihnachtsmarkt champignons”, which translates to “Christmas market mushrooms”.

- Poffertjes – fluffy mini pancakes of the perfect size, perfect for snacking on while visiting a Christmas market.

- Olibollen – warm fried dough balls have a long history and are a favorite dish at Christmas markets in the Netherlands.

Finland

- Flammlachs – Grilled salmon at a Finnish Christmas market may change your mind about this fish. Even if you are not a salmon lover, this version will please all your taste buds. Freshly caught salmon is placed on wooden boards and lightly sprinkled with salt, pepper and a little lemon. The boards are then placed around a central fire. The result is delicious salmon without a strong flavor and perfectly seasoned. Salmon prepared this way is also available in many markets in France, Switzerland and Germany.

Switzerland

- Raclette (cheese) – A huge wheel of cheese, cut in half, is placed on its side in a special metal machine, where it is heated by a huge heater. Then the cheese master scraped the sticky taste onto a pile of perfectly roasted potato cubes, which is how raclette is formed - the most delicious dish of the Swiss Christmas markets.

- Marzipan is a confectionery product consisting mainly of sugar or honey and almond flour. In the markets of Switzerland you will find small bonbon-shaped sweets of all flavors.

Christmas markets are fun and delicious, so choose a direction and set off on a fairy-tale journey and don’t forget to taste the most delicious dishes this Christmas.

Let’s remind you! Christmas is a magical winter holiday that attracts with twinkling lights, decorated trees, festive food and traditions. There is no more festive place to spend this family holiday than Christmas markets. We have already talked about the 10 best Christmas markets in Europe that are worth visiting in the winter of 2024/2025.

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