European Christmas markets are my absolute favorite. Wandering artisan booths, filling up on delicious foods, and drinking up the quaint, market atmosphere always brings a smile to my face. Christmas markets pop up in every major city across Europe near the end of November and continue until the end of the year. Sadly, for us in the US, we can’t all get to the European markets every year. Thankfully, there are some Christmas markets in the US that bring a little bit of Europe to us during the holiday season. This year, I’m exploring the Chicago Christkindlmrkt, which is the most authentic European Christmas market outside of Europe! While I love most things about Christmas markets, the food might just be my favorite part. Check out 8 foods to try at European Christmas Markets below!
Bratwurst
Now, this is a Christmas market classic. Bratwurst is a traditional sausage in Germany. You’ll find sausages as traditional foods all over Europe in countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Poland. I highly recommend getting one of these savory sausages and enjoying it with mustard, a traditional condiment.
Currywurst
Currywurst is German sausage, sliced up, and served with a curry sauce. I first tried it in Aberdeen, Scotland, at a Christmas market vendor that traveled from Germany. It seemed to be a favorite among people in the UK. This savory sausage with sweet curry is a great combo and I really recommend giving it a try.
Giant Stuffed Pretzels
One of the coolest Christmas market foods you’ll find in markets across Europe and in the US are giant soft pretzels the size of your face. They are the most photogenic market treat and are pure salty goodness. For added flavor, you can get these pretzels with mustard to dunk them in. A popular dipping sauce in the US is cheese. I never regret getting a giant stuffed pretzel and I don’t think you will either!
Glühwein or Swedish Glogg
Glühwein is a spiced mulled wine served hot and Swedish glögg is also a hot spiced mulled wine. Swedish glögg is really the Swedish take on mulled wine. Recently, I’ve found I enjoy Swedish glögg more, as it’s a little sweeter than glühwein. Whichever version you find at the Christmas markets, I recommend trying it. Thankfully, these drinks will keep you warm and in the brightest of holiday spirits!
Apfelstrudel
Apfelstrudel is a traditional German pastry filled with apples, cherries, and other fruits, coated with cinnamon in a flaky pastry crust. Not to be mistaken for apple strudel in the US, this is a traditional sweet I recommend you try at least once. The focus of this pastry is the fruit inside the thin crust. You’ll also find that most apfelstrudel is drizzled with a sweet glaze.
Roasted Nuts
Traditionally in Germany, nuts, such as almonds, pecans, and cashews, are roasted for the holiday season in cinnamon and other spices. This isn’t an uncommon snack in the US, as I’ve had them many times in the Midwest. I really enjoy them! Don’t miss this classic holiday sweet and salty combo. They are best served warm!
Potato Pancakes
Potato Pancakes are an absolute must at European Christmas markets! These have a similar texture to hashbrown patties in the US, but are not quite as crisp since they aren’t deep-fried. These are cooked on a griddle or skillet. You can find these served with sauerkraut as a side or choose applesauce and sour cream to dip these pancakes in. I’ve seen and ordered the applesauce and sour cream sides more frequently. I really enjoy the tart and tangy flavors that these sides add to the potato pancakes. However, the sauerkraut side is more traditional. Either way, I don’t think you can go wrong here!
Belgian Hot Chocolate
Belgian hot chocolate is another way to warm up while visiting these winter Christmas markets. This type of hot cocoa contains higher cocoa content which gives a richer, more luxurious flavor. Many market-goers look forward to sipping this delightful beverage. The markets in the US I’ve visited, have offered whipped cream as a topping. While the markets in the UK, offered whipped cream with pink and white marshmallows or chocolate shavings.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of 8 foods to try at European Christmas markets. I’ve visited Christmas markets in the UK and in Wisconsin and enjoyed each one I visited. Visiting the German Christmas Markets during the holiday season is high on my travel bucket list. If you’ve found any amazing Christmas markets in Europe or the US. Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear from you.
If you enjoyed this article, consider sharing it on Pinterest or Facebook! Thank you so much for checking out this article and for supporting the Creative and Ambitious blog!
To read my most recent travel articles, click here!
