Our guide on the best food to try in Christmas Markets for your next travels.
Christmas markets across Europe (and beyond) are a feast for the senses, offering a wide variety of traditional and festive foods to warm you up while you explore.
These festive treats are not just about the food—they’re an experience that brings you closer to the culture and traditions of the region.
Here’s a guide to the best food you can try at these markets, their approximate prices, and where to find them.
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Tips for Enjoying Christmas Market Food
Bring Cash: Many vendors only accept cash.
Share Portions: Split dishes with friends to try more varieties.
Check for Specials: Some markets have unique regional specialties.
Stay Warm: Pair food with hot drinks like Glühwein or hot chocolate.
Take Your Time: Soak in the festive atmosphere while enjoying your meal.
Best Food To Try In Christmas Markets
1. Bratwurst (Grilled Sausage)
A German specialty, often served in a crusty bun with mustard or ketchup.
Where to Find: Germany (Nuremberg, Munich, Berlin), Austria, Switzerland.
Approximate Price: €4–6 per sausage.
Why Try It:
It’s hearty, delicious, and perfect for eating on the go.
2. Glühwein (Mulled Wine)
What It Is:
Warm spiced red wine served in decorative mugs. Non-alcoholic versions are also available.
Where to Find: Popular in Germany, Austria, France, and Eastern Europe.
Approximate Price: €3–5 plus a refundable deposit (€2–4) for the mug.
Why Try It:
Nothing warms you up quite like a steaming cup of Glühwein.
3. Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács)
What It Is:
A sweet pastry rolled in sugar, cinnamon, or nuts, baked over coals.
Where to Find: Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania.
Approximate Price: €4–6 each.
Why Try It:
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and incredibly satisfying.
4. Raclette
What It Is:
Melted Swiss cheese served over potatoes or bread with pickles and cured meats.
Where to Find: Switzerland, France, Austria, and Germany.
Approximate Price: €6–8 per serving.
Why Try It:
A gooey, cheesy treat perfect for cheese lovers.
5. Gingerbread (Lebkuchen)
What It Is:
Spiced cookies, often decorated or sold in heart shapes with festive designs.
Where to Find: Germany (Nuremberg is famous for its Lebkuchen), Poland, Austria.
Approximate Price: €2–5 depending on size and decoration.
Why Try It:
A quintessential Christmas treat that’s both tasty and giftable.
6. Belgian Waffles
What It Is:
Freshly made waffles topped with powdered sugar, chocolate, or whipped cream.
Where to Find: Belgium (Brussels Christmas Market is a hotspot), parts of France and Germany.
Approximate Price: €3–7 depending on toppings.
Why Try It:
Sweet, crispy, and customizable with various toppings.
7. Roast Chestnuts
What It Is:
Hot, roasted chestnuts sold in paper cones.
Where to Find: Italy, Spain, Germany, and the UK.
Approximate Price: €2–4 per cone.
Why Try It: A simple yet traditional holiday snack.
8. Pierogi (Dumplings)
What It Is:
Polish dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, mushrooms, or meat.
Where to Find: Poland, Germany, and Eastern Europe.
Approximate Price: €4–6 for a small serving.
Why Try It:
Warm and filling, with a variety of flavors to choose from.
9. Sütőtök (Roasted Pumpkin)
What It Is:
Sweet and smoky roasted pumpkin slices, a Hungarian winter staple.
Where to Find: Budapest Christmas Market, Hungary.
Approximate Price: €2–4 per serving.
Why Try It:
Healthy, delicious, and a lesser-known market treat.
10. Potato Pancakes (Reibekuchen or Latkes)
What It Is:
Crispy, fried potato pancakes served with applesauce or sour cream.
Where to Find: Germany, Austria, Poland, and Eastern Europe.
Approximate Price: €3–5 per serving.
Why Try It:
Crispy, comforting, and perfect for a cold evening.
11. Svíčková (Czech Cream Sauce with Dumplings)
What It Is:
Beef in creamy vegetable sauce served with bread dumplings.
Where to Find: Czech Republic (Prague Christmas Market).
Approximate Price: €6–8 per serving.
Why Try It:
A hearty dish showcasing traditional Czech flavors.
12. Sausages and Pretzels
What It Is:
A pairing of savory sausages with soft, salty pretzels.
Where to Find: Germany, Austria, Switzerland.
Approximate Price: €4–8 depending on the size and type.
Why Try It:
Perfect for a quick, satisfying bite.
13. Poffertjes
What It Is:
Dutch mini pancakes topped with powdered sugar and butter.
Where to Find: Netherlands (Amsterdam Christmas Markets).
Approximate Price: €4–6 per serving.
Why Try It: Light, fluffy, and indulgent.
14. Hot Chocolate
What It Is:
Rich and creamy hot chocolate, often topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Where to Find: France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany.
Approximate Price: €3–5 per cup.
Why Try It:
A comforting drink for chilly market evenings.
15. Strudel (Apfelstrudel or Other Varieties)
What It Is:
A warm pastry filled with apples, raisins, and cinnamon or other sweet fillings.
Where to Find: Austria, Germany, Hungary.
Approximate Price: €4–6 per slice.
Why Try It:
Classic, warm, and perfectly festive.
16. Cured Meats and Cheeses
What It Is:
Locally produced charcuterie and artisanal cheeses served on platters or for take-home.
Where to Find: Switzerland, France, Italy, and Austria.
Approximate Price: €6–10 for a small platter.
Why Try It:
Perfect for savoring regional flavors.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.