Let’s talk about food! What can you expect to eat and drink if you go to a German Christmas market? Is it really as good as everyone says?!
Germany’s Christmas Markets are simply the best. They are so magical with their lights, sounds, smells and, of course, tastes! There are some great specialties that you can find at German Christmas Markets.
In this article, we’re talking about everything German Christmas Market food and drink.
Warning: If you didn’t already have visiting Germany at Christmas time on your bucket list, it’s about to be added!
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So what food and drink can you find in Germany’s Christmas markets?
The video below takes you on a culinary adventure through one of Germany’s most beautiful Christmas markets in Bremen, capturing the tastes, traditions, and atmosphere of a true German holiday celebration.
Here are some of the delicious delights you will find below:
- Sausages and Savory Dishes: The tour starts with classic German sausages, like Bratwurst, a Christmas market favorite. Next up are sautéed mushrooms and “Grünkohl mit Pinkel,” a traditional northern German kale and sausage dish, along with “Flammlachs” (fire-roasted salmon), a savory delicacy.
- Sweet Treats: The sweets come in next, featuring roasted almonds, gingerbread (Lebkuchen), and marzipan potatoes (“Marzipankartoffeln”), made from marzipan coated in cocoa powder. Schmalzkuchen, or “lard cakes” (similar to donuts), are freshly fried and covered with powdered sugar.
- Holiday Drinks: Warm drinks are essential, with Glühwein (mulled wine) being the most popular. The video also highlights some unique hot beverages, including a controversial rum-spiked hot chocolate and Eierpunsch, an egg-based drink similar to eggnog but with a stronger kick.
The host savors each dish and drink, bringing out the holiday flavors and explaining why each food is beloved in Germany.
This video is a festive journey that captures the cozy and communal feel of German Christmas markets, and it’s perfect if you’re curious about traditional German holiday foods or want to feel the Christmas spirit from afar.
What To Eat And Drink At A German Christmas Market by DW Food
There’s more variety than you might expect. I definitely recommend Glühwein. I’m not sure there’s anything better than walking around the Christmas Markets with a hot cup of Glühwein in your hands (read our full guide to Glühwein here).
Of course, German cuisine varys a fair bit between regions, so you’ll no doubt be able to find some different specialties at the markets you visit as well.
If you would like to make your own Christmas recipes at home, click here for our top 12 German Christmas recipes or our Christmas cookie recipe here and Stollen (Christmas bread) recipe here.
Want to learn more about German food? Find our guide to typical dishes here, learn about German breakfasts here and learn about the different types of sausages in Germany here. You can also find all our German food articles here and German Christmas guides here.
