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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yum! looks fantastic!
Thanks, Cynthia!
Such a beautiful post Christina and I love foodie trips like this!! Take a look at that Stollen!! Perfect :-)
Thank you, Jo! I do too and wish I could do it much more often! CC
I love the Christmas Markets in Germany and have only been to Cologne once. It was definitely one of the nicest I visited but Heidelberg holds my heart because I lived there! Thanks for sharing these beautiful memories! ~ David
Oh lucky you, David! I visited Heidelberg twice and just adored it! I hope to go back more often when my kids are both off to college/law school (soon)!
Christina, you are KILLING me! I WANT TO GO HOOOOOOOOOME!!
Seriously so, so, so homesick!
LOVELY write-up, such a wonderful job – thanks for sharing!
Kimberly
I can only imagine what this is like to you, Kimberly. It would be like me seeing posts of Italian or Scottish food I grew up with and haven’t been able to have in years…torture! I hope you get over there again very soon!! CC
Wow! I don’t think I’d ever leave!
Mary x
It was hard, Mary!!!
I have no doubt I need to go to Germany.. :)
:)
Dear Christina, I remember when you went on that trip in December. I loved all the photos you shared at that time. One of my friends went to Germany to see the Christmas markets, She agreed with you, that the food was incredible! What a lovely post and your photos are awesome! I would love to go there someday! I would love that waffle! My friend brought me back from Hungry crocheted coasters, and I am going to display them in a shadowbox. I can’t see anyone using them, they are gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your story and the photos…Hope that you enjoyed your Easter with your family. We had a wonderful day, but I was so tired today. It was worth it to see the smiles on my families faces and to make them happy. Enjoy your week ahead…Dottie “)
Thank you, Dottie! Yes, we had a nice Easter, and glad you did too. I’m glad you enjoyed my German food photos…it really was a treat to go there. I hope you can go yourself sometime. Thanks, again!
CC
That tree cake looks really interesting. I think it would make a great blog post. (hint, hint)
Your photos are so inviting. I must get to Germany at Christmastime!
Absolutely going to happen, Cathy (posting about the baumkuchen) and it really should happen (you going to the Christmas markets)! :)