Phylicia StitzelAre you ready to plan a winter trip to Germany? Not yet? Well, once you are done reading this, you’ll be booking your flights to attend German Christmas Markets in no time.
Imagine with me, if you will, stepping under an archway of twinkling lights and garland, and suddenly you’re transported into a fairytale, filled with charmy Christmas trees at every corner, ice skating rinks, and filled with smells of delicious foods drifting past lantern-lit stalls with gingerbread eaves.
German Christmas markets are where winter turns whimsical and every snack has a backstory. You’ll find sausages sizzling like hearth-side tales, waffles wearing sugar snow, and ruby-red Glühwein that tastes like yuletide cheer in a cup.
This guide is your edible map to the magic: the can’t-miss bites, the cozy sips, family tips, and a few wine-nerd nods for good measure. Ready? Let’s go!
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It is also important to note that many markets offer different specialties depending on the region you’re in. You will find dishes from various regions of Germany, and Christmas markets often partner with other countries to bring specialties from around the world. You might find Swiss raclette or Hungarian Chimney Cake. I’ll cover some of the basics and share some of the best things to eat in Germany during Christmas.
With so many food and drink options, I’m here to help you find delicious treats that will fill you up, and what is the most recommended Christmas market food!
First-Timer Tips (Read Before You Snack)
You don’t need to be a rogue scholar to figure out how a Christmas market in Germany flows. The markets are great about having signage that explains everything, in multiple languages (don’t stress). But here are some good tips you can go armed with.
- Pfand (mug deposit): Hot drinks come in cute souvenir mugs with a deposit (usually €3–€5). You can choose to return the mug for your money back or keep it as a memory. I have quite the collection of mugs from all of the markets we’ve visited over the years and I LOVE them!
- Cash still rules: Cards are accepted everywhere, but small stalls often prefer cash, and cash is easier for getting your deposit back for your mug so you choose.
- Share plates: Portions are hearty—split dishes so you can try more. My daughter and I loved to order different plates to share.
Top Savory Bites
1) Bratwurst (Nürnberger/Thüringer)
What it is: Germany’s superstar sausage. Nürnberger are small and snappy (often “Drei im Weckla”—three in a roll), Thüringer are longer with herby smoke.
2) Currywurst
Sliced sausage doused in curry-ketchup with a dusting of curry powder. Messy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
3) Reibekuchen / Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes)
Golden, crisp potato cakes served with Apfelmus (apple sauce). Kids go feral for these.
4) Käsespätzle (Cheesy Egg Noodles)
Germany’s mac ‘n’ cheese—silky Spätzle with gooey cheese and crispy onions.
Pair it with: Weißwein-Glühwein (white mulled wine) or hot tea.
5) Flammkuchen
Alsatian flatbread topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. Order ohne Speck for a vegetarian version.
6) Raclette (check bread)
A molten slab of Alpine cheese scraped over bread or potatoes. Dreamy.
Note: Not always “traditional German,” but a market all-star.
7) Maroni (Roasted Chestnuts)
Warm, sweet chestnuts in a paper cone. Pocket-hand warmer + snack = genius.
8) Champignons mit Knoblauchsoße
Sautéed mushrooms swimming in garlicky goodness. Grab extra napkins.
9) Maultaschen / Suppen
In Swabian regions (e.g., Stuttgart), look for stuffed pasta in broth: Germany’s hug-in-a-bowl.
10) Brezeln (Giant Pretzels)
Soft, salty, and perfect for little hands. Sometimes buttered (ask “mit Butter?”).
Top Sweet Treats
11) Lebkuchen & Lebkuchenherzen
Spiced gingerbread—Nuremberg Lebkuchen is legendary. The frosted heart cookies make cute souvenirs (and even cuter sugar highs).
12) Stollen (Christstollen)
A buttery, fruit-studded loaf dusted with powdered sugar—Dresden does it best. Ask for Marzipanstollen if you love almond paste.
13) Gebrannte Mandeln (Candied Almonds)
Warm, crunchy almonds coated in caramelized sugar and cinnamon. You’ll smell them before you see them.
14) Schokofrüchte
Chocolate-dipped fruit skewers—bananas, strawberries, grapes. The “I gave my kids fruit” delusion has never tasted better.
15) Waffeln & Crêpes (depending on toppings)
Order with Zimt & Zucker (cinnamon sugar) or Nutella if chaos is your brand.
16) Dampfnudel / Germknödel
Steamed sweet dumplings served with vanilla sauce (and sometimes poppy seeds). Cozy in a bowl.
17) Schmalzkuchen / Quarkbällchen
Mini fritters tossed in sugar—the funnel cake’s European cousin.
18) Bratapfel
Baked apples stuffed with nuts, raisins, marzipan, and spices. Tastes like Christmas smells.
Warm Winter Sips (Adult & Kid-Friendly)
19) Glühwein (Red or White)
I’ll admit it: I’m a total Christmas Market junkie. The second those twinkly lights flip on, my first stop is always the Glühwein stand. That steaming cup of mulled wine is pure holiday spirit in liquid form. Fun fact: “Glühwein” translates to “glow wine,” a nod to the red-hot irons they used back in Medieval times to heat it up. Yep, people were getting their festive glow on as far back as 1420.
Glühwein comes in more varieties than Santa has cookies on his plate. The traditional version is a cozy blend of red wine, cinnamon, star anise, vanilla, and sugar—but every market puts its own spin on it. You’ll spot fruity twists like cherry, apple, or blueberry, and even a golden-hued white Glühwein for those who like to mix things up. And if you’re really feeling festive? Just ask for a little “mit Schuss”—that extra shot that takes your cup of cheer to a whole new level.
20) Kinderpunsch
This is essentially Glühwein, but a non-alcoholic version. More like spiced punch—fruit juice combined with mulling spices. Kids feel fancy; parents feel relief.
21) Eierpunsch
Similar to eggnog, this warm drink is made of egg yolks, cream, and alcohol. This isn’t my drink of choice, but it’s worth trying, especially if you’re a fan of eggnog.
22) Feuerzangenbowle
This might be a little hard to say, but it’s definitely worth trying! This is where they pour the steaming rum over sugar that then melts into the wine and fuses the flavors together. It’s fantastic! A sugarloaf soaked in rum is set ablaze over mulled wine.
23) Heiße Schokolade – Hot Chocolate
The great thing about German Christmas markets? You can make almost any drink alcoholic. Add in a shot of rum or baileys and you’re in for a treat.
25) Trendy Twists: Heißer Aperol or Hugo
Not traditional, but tasty—Aperol or elderflower spritzes gone winter-warm.
Regional Must-Tries
- Nuremberg (Christkindlesmarkt): Nürnberger Bratwurst, Lebkuchen.
- Dresden (Striezelmarkt): Dresdner Christstollen (often sold with authenticity seals).
- Cologne: Reibekuchen + Apfelmus at multiple squares by the Cathedral.
- Frankfurt: Hot Apfelwein.
- Stuttgart: Käsespätzle and Maultaschen.
- Munich: Spectacular Feuerzangenbowle setups and roasted almonds.
FAQ (Because You’ll Ask Anyway)
1) When do Christmas markets run?
Most open the last week of November and end Dec 23–24. A few continue to Dec 30/31 or into early January (especially in bigger cities). Christmas Eve/Day (Dec 24–26) often closed or very limited. Plan prime visits for weekday afternoons/evenings.
2) Which cities are best for families?
- Nuremberg: “Kinderweihnacht” area with mini rides and crafts.
- Cologne: Several themed markets + ice rink at Heumarkt.
- Stuttgart: Big, beautifully decorated roofs; kid train/mini rides.
- Dresden (Striezelmarkt): Children’s bakery & the Stollen spectacle.
- Munich: Multiple markets; Tollwood (eco-arts) is fun for older kids.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Medieval charm that feels like a storybook.
3) Stroller or carrier?
Both. Use a carrier for peak hours (narrow aisles + cobblestones) and a stroller for naps during quieter times (late morning/early afternoon). Lightweight wheels + rain cover = gold.
4) What’s the deal with the cute mugs (Pfand)?
You pay a deposit (€3–€5) with hot drinks. Return the mug for your money back, or keep it as a souvenir. You can return to any stall of the same market that handles the same mug style.
5) Is it cash only?
Cards are increasingly accepted, but cash is still king at many stalls. Grab euros from ATMs near major squares or train stations. Small coins help with bathrooms.
6) How expensive is it? (2025 ballpark)
Savory dishes €5–€10; sweets €3–€7; hot drinks €4–€7 + Pfand. A family of four grazing for an evening: ~€40–€80 depending on appetites and cocoa refills.
7) What can kids drink?
Kinderpunsch (non-alcoholic spiced punch), hot cocoa, tea, warm juices. Many stalls list alkoholfrei options clearly.
8) Any kid-friendly foods to start with?
Potato pancakes (Reibekuchen/Kartoffelpuffer) with applesauce, Brezeln (pretzels), Schokofrüchte (chocolate fruit), Waffeln with cinnamon sugar, roasted chestnuts (Maroni). Low-risk, high-smile.
9) What about allergies and dietary needs?
Allergens are commonly labeled; still ask:
- Nuts: Lebkuchen, Stollen, Bratapfel (often marzipan)
- Gluten: most breads/noodles/doughs
- Dairy/Eggs: Käsespätzle, waffles, Eierpunsch, Dampfnudel sauce
Key phrases: “Nüsse?” (nuts), “Ohne Milch/Ei/Gluten?” (without milk/egg/gluten?)
10) Crowds: when’s it calmest?
Weekdays and right at opening. Saturdays 4–8pm = shoulder-to-shoulder. If that’s your window, pick a smaller neighborhood market or go earlier, take a dinner break, then return post-8pm.
11) What should we wear?
Think ski day without the skis: base layers, warm socks, waterproof boots, hat, gloves, scarf, and a packable umbrella. Slip a thin blanket into the stroller. Hand warmers = tiny miracles.
12) Are there bathrooms and changing areas?
Yes—look for “Toiletten/WC” and “Wickelraum” (changing room). Many are paid (small coin). Larger markets have decent facilities; train stations are a reliable backup.
14) Do we tip at stalls?
Rounding up or adding ~5–10% on table service is kind. At walk-up stalls, rounding to the next euro is normal.
15) Will our kids like the rides/activities?
Yes—many markets have carousels, mini trains, craft huts, letters to St. Nick, and live music. Bring a bit of small cash for rides.
16) Are markets open if it rains or snows?
Yep. Weather adds to the magic—just layer up. Some stall floors can get slick; boots with tread help.
17) Good family-area hotels near markets?
Aim for central old-town locations to reduce walking:
- Nuremberg: Sorat Hotel Saxx am Markt, Adina Apartment Hotel.
- Cologne: Eden Hotel Früh am Dom, Motel One Köln-Neumarkt (family rooms).
- Dresden: Hyperion am Schloss, Aparthotel am Zwinger.
- Munich: Platzl Hotel, Living Hotels (apartment-style).
(Choose places with breakfast, cribs, and easy tram/U-Bahn access.)
18) Can I bring our own water/snacks?
Absolutely. It’s common to carry water bottles and a few kid snacks to bridge between stalls.
19) What’s a realistic nightly game plan with kids?
Arrive ~4pm, ride the carousel, grab Kinderpunsch/Maroni, pick two savory and two sweet stalls, take photos at blue hour, return mugs, and be headed back by 7:30–8pm before meltdowns (yours or theirs).
20) What’s one thing families always forget?
Small tote or foldable backpack for souvenirs… and extra gloves (because one will get cocoa-soaked, guaranteed).
