Christmas Markets in Germany: The Top 10 Edible Reasons to Visit
Christmas Markets in Germany: the top ten edible reasons to visit should have you booking flights within the hour!
Last December, I took an unexpected trip to Cologne, Germany, one of the many places in Europe which hold Christmas Markets.
Let’s just say that it was difficult for me to contain myself once I set eyes upon the beautiful, magical scene of red stalls and twinkling lights below the cathedral. I could only imagine all the treasures which awaited my discovery! Mostly I was thinking about German food.
Here are the top ten foods I enjoyed immensely at the German Christmas markets, in no particular order. I strongly recommend visiting Germany in December, whether it’s this year or sometime in the future.
The Top 10 Edible Reasons to go to the
Christmas Markets in Germany
1. Bratwurst
Yes, you can get bratwurst in Germany all the time, but they’re not always cooked outside on grills
over hot coals.
2. Mushrooms with Garlic Sauce
Can I just tell you that this is simply “awesomeness in a bowl”? My version of German market mushrooms.
3. Market Plates
When you’re at the markets, there’s no need to step foot inside a restaurant if you don’t want to. Make a copycat charcuterie and cheese board using these wooden boards.
4. Raclette at the Christmas Markets in Germany
No words. Just tears of joy. Check out my raclette and potato recipe.
5. Baked Potatoes with Herb Butter
This was my dinner one evening and I was in potato heaven.
6. Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce)
Warm and wonderful; you absolutely cannot go to Germany and not have apfelstrudel!
7. Baumkuchen (Tree Cake)
The most intriguing way of making a cake that I have ever seen. And it tastes fantastic, to boot!
8. Waffles at the German Christmas Markets
One of the things I loved most was not having to ask if they use real cream. OMG, yes! I have a few waffle recipes, but my favorite is probably the proper Liege waffle recipe.
9. Zimtsterne
While I don’t have a picture of the German Zimtsterne cookies from the market, I do have a recipe for you for these naturally gluten free, meringue-topped German Christmas biscuits!
10. Stollen at the Christmas Markets in Germany
Last, but certainly not least, I present to you a perfect specimen of Stollen.
Bonus: Hot Chocolate
So, technically “potable” and not “edible”, but how could I leave this out?
We’re talking real hot chocolate, people, and real cream–again!
There are many more market foods which you may fall in love with which are not on my list, as I was not able to try everything I wanted to try, but the German Christmas markets are definitely a food lover’s paradise, and I plan to return, over and over again.
Some more food photos, for those of you who can’t get enough…
Don’t know how this compares to Scottish Smoked Salmon, but it looked great!
I could have eaten half of these myself.
These seemed to be the “hottest” item going, at the market (no pun intended) as the lines for these were the longest and everyone appeared to be eating them more than anything else. However, I didn’t find them very appealing as they were too greasy for me (trust me I have no problem with most fried food), but I also found the combination with applesauce not to be to my liking. However, that’s what is so wonderful about experiencing other cultures and their food–it’s all different or else we’d all be eating the exact same thing!
As you can see, there’s something for everyone at the Christmas markets in Germany, and as this kind stranger let me know–it’s all good!
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A beautiful Brazilian plume flower in my garden.
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Loved reading your page! We were just there in cologne, Germany December 2023 for 3 nights after Christmas. What we loved most besides the fantastic food and beer, Spritzers was the Christmas music everywhere up to January 7th. Not like back in the US, it stops at midnight Christmas Day.
The Churches are all so beautiful and each one displays a beautiful Nativity Scene!
That’s the 12 days of Christmas! The Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th, so the official end of the Christmas season is on the 7th. I’m ready to go back, maybe with an AmaWaterways Christmas market cruise this year! Glad you enjoyed Cologne and the markets!
I have been travelling to Germany since 1958 when I was posted there as a 19 yr. old soldier in the Royal Signals. My wife and I go every year and have made many friends and tasted just about everything I could get my hands on. Do not forget the beers and wines, my favourite beer is Hefen Weiss Beer which although cloudy it is great. The only thing I have difficulty with was at St. Martens festival when they served Gluh Beer. Gluh wein I can cope with but not Gluh Beer?
I’m not a beer drinker, Joseph, so I can’t comment on any beers! :( Sorry!