A Foodie’s Guide to Christmas Markets: 14 Must-Try Food & Drinks

There’s something magical about Christmas markets — the twinkling lights, the festive atmosphere, and, of course, the incredible food. These markets offer seasonal delights for food lovers; everything from sweet indulgences to savory comfort foods. Whether you’re wandering through a cozy village or a bustling city square, the aromas of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and fresh-baked treats are impossible to resist.

One of my favorite things about living in Europe was the Christmas market culture. While a few US cities, like Chicago and New York, have had their own Christmas markets for many years now, the incredible European markets date back centuries. My favorite part of Christmas markets has to be sampling all the delicious foods and drinks that are appropriately warm and hearty.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the heart of European Christmas markets with 14 must-try dishes that capture the spirit of the season. From iconic classics to regional specialties, these bites and sips will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Ready to dig in? Let’s explore the flavors of Christmas magic!

Also Read: The Best European Christmas Markets to Visit This Winter

1. Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is the star of the show at any typical Christmas market. It’s a warm blend of wine (most commonly red, but you can find hot white wine as well), spices, and sometimes apple or orange juice. It’s perfect for combatting the cold winter temps and putting you in a warm, cozy mood.

Fun fact: Mulled wine can actually be traced back to the Roman Empire. It was enjoyed in the winter to warm up. Quite similarly to today’s recipes, the Romans mixed wine with honey, spices, and dates.

2. Hot Cider or Punch

If you don’t like wine or are looking for a non-alcoholic option, try a delicious hot cider or hot punch. I’ve seen cider and punch in alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties, but be sure to ask the market vendor if you’re unsure. I absolutely adore a hot cider when you need something toasty to warm you up, and if I plan to have hot wine later in the day.

Hot cider in France is often alcoholic and a bit different from the cider we’re used to in the States. Both cider and punch include delicious warm spices that add a festive flair to this warm drink.

3. Hot Aperol Spritz

Something unique I’ve seen at Christmas markets in the last few years (particularly in Eastern Europe) is the hot Aperol Spritz! Not just Aperol Spritz, but in Slovakia, we found a variety of popular cocktails, like mint mojitos, made into hot versions for the winter season. This puts a fun holiday spin on these classic drink choices.

I’m an Aperol Spritz girly in the summer, so I knew I had to try the hot version as soon as I saw it. Although I was initially skeptical that it would taste good, it was delicious! I highly recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and trying a hot cocktail.

Also Read: The Best Christmas Markets on the French Riviera

4. Raclette

Left: Raclette in my favorite form, a raclette hot dog! Right: A raclette wheel in Strasbourg, France – Photos by Brittney Liu

Now it’s time for my favorite Christmas market (and wintertime in general) treat: raclette! Raclette is a melty cheese that originated in the French and Swiss Alps. Generally, you can find a big wheel of it being melted under special heaters and served over everything from potatoes to steak, hamburgers, and charcuterie. My favorite way to have it is over a hot dog.

Raclette is traditionally eaten during the winter in France and Switzerland. While you can find it in big melty wheels at markets and restaurants, most homes have a raclette machine (like this) with individual raclette pans to melt the cheese. Some even have grills on the top for meat and veggies!

5. Fondue

Fondue is raclette’s cuter and more popular sister. I’m honestly not sure why fondue is more popular than raclette, but I digress. While you usually won’t find fondue in the actual markets, you can often find fondue restaurants and pop-ups surrounding the markets of the Swiss and French Alps.

There are all kinds of fondue to enjoy, so it’s easy to find something to suit your preferences. You can have cheese fondue with meat or bread or chocolate fondue with fruits and desserts. One of my favorite places to enjoy fondue was in Zermatt, surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps and one particular mountain you might know: the Matterhorn. The vibes were immaculate.

6. Bratwurst

Bratwurst is a German Christmas market classic. These delicious sausages can be served up alone, on a bun, or with sides like sauerkraut. It’s a very versatile Christmas market treat that can please pretty much anyone.

Budapest is my absolute favorite Christmas market for food. Many of their booths had wood-fire grills with tons of different meats smoked and grilling; it was phenomenal! Stateside, we found unique Elk brats at the Denver Christmas Market.

Also Read: Winter Travel Packing List: European Christmas Markets

7. Aligot

This is a pretty niche item, but something I think most Americans would be obsessed with. We all love mashed potatoes, right? What if I told you the French version was even better?? Aligot is a yummy blend of potatoes and French cheese (usually tomme) that originates in the Aubrac region of France. They even have aligot-pulling contests to see who can get the best and longest cheese pull, and the winners have pulls that are meters long!

At the Annecy Christmas market, we were delighted to find a booth selling truffle aligot. What could be better?! It was absolutely delicious and kept us warm in those frigid winter alpine temps.

8. Tartiflette

Tartiflette is another popular dish in France that is pretty unknown outside of Europe. It’s a warm, hearty mix of potatoes, lardons (similar to bacon), onions, and reblochon cheese. It’s kind of like a stew or soup, and is definitely meant to keep you warm during the winter months.

The dish is served piping hot, offering a comforting and hearty bite to combat the winter chill. Tartiflette’s gooey, cheesy goodness and savory flavors make it a must-try for any foodie exploring festive delicacies. Its origins in the French Alps add a touch of rustic charm, connecting this dish to snowy mountain villages and warm, fireside meals. Pair it with a glass of local white wine for an authentic taste of the season.

9. Flammekueche / Flammkuchen

Flammekueche (French) or Flammkuchen (German) is a German and French-style flatbread pizza. While it’s very common at Christmas markets and in wintertime in general, you can find them in most places year-round. The main difference between regular pizza and Flammekueche is that the latter does not use a tomato base. Instead, it’s usually made with a cream base.

Popular toppings for Flammekueche include lardons, potato, scallions, and caramelized onions. The base of Flammekueche is usually crème fraîche, which is similar to sour cream. It’s basically like tartiflette in pizza form.

Also Read: Mulled Wine, Treats, and Cheer: Why You Should Visit Denver’s Christkindlmarket

10. Roasted Chestnuts

Roasted chestnuts are a quintessential Christmas market treat. Their sweet, nutty aroma wafting through the crisp winter air can lure in hungry passer-by from blocks away. Vendors skillfully roast them over open flames, serving them warm in paper cones — a perfect hand warmer and snack combination. 

I’ve never tried chestnuts until visiting a Christmas market near Salzburg, Austria a few years ago. I was pleasantly surprised by the soft texture and mild taste. Pair them with a cup of mulled wine for the ultimate Christmas market experience.

11. Chocolate-Covered Marshmallows

If you visit Christmas markets in France, you’ll find booths serving up bell-shaped desserts called guimauve. These yummy desserts are chocolate-covered marshmallows and way, way better than any store-bought marshmallows I’ve had before.

The marshmallows come in a variety of flavors, including mint, coffee, and coconut. They are so fluffy and gooey, and each one is dipped in milk, dark, or white chocolate. I’m not a huge marshmallow fan, but these are absolutely delicious and make the perfect sweet treat after indulging in all the savory Christmas market dishes.

12. Chimney Cakes

Woodrow and I agree that chimney cakes are our favorite dessert at any Christmas market in Europe. These tasty pastries originated in Hungary but have become quite popular at most large Christmas markets. We were even lucky enough to have a Hungarian chimney cake stand at our local Christmas market in Antibes!

The bakers start by wrapping dough around a wooden dowel and rotating it over an open fire. Once the dough is a nice toasty brown, it is painted with sugar water and rolled in your choice of toppings. Traditional toppings include sugar and cinnamon, but other popular choices include cocoa powder, Biscoff cookies, Oreos, and almond slivers. The dough is served in a plastic or paper bag, and with the steam coming out, it really does resemble a chimney! 

For my Hawaii readers – the taste of a traditional chimney cake reminds me a lot of a malasada 🙂

Also Read: The Chicago Christmas Market – Is It Worth It? Our Honest Experience

13. Poffertjes

Is there anything better than a yummy snack that’s also super cute?! Poffertjes are a must-try Christmas market treat that will delight anyone with a sweet tooth or a love for comforting, bite-sized indulgences. These fluffy, miniature Dutch pancakes are made with yeast and buckwheat flour, giving them a unique light and airy texture. 

Cooked to golden perfection on a special cast-iron griddle, they’re typically served warm with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and a pat of melting butter. Their delicate sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a favorite for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re a pancake enthusiast or just seeking a cozy dessert to enjoy while wandering the festive stalls, poffertjes are sure to win your heart. Add a drizzle of syrup or Nutella for an extra decadent twist!

14. Fresh Crêpes

Fresh crêpes are a Christmas market classic, offering endless possibilities for sweet and savory cravings. Made to order on sizzling hot plates, these delicate, paper-thin pancakes are folded and filled with your choice of toppings—whether it’s Nutella, fresh fruits, whipped cream, or even ham and cheese. 

Their versatility makes them a perfect treat for all tastes, from dessert lovers to those seeking something more savory. Watching the vendor skillfully spread the batter and flip the crêpe is part of the charm, adding a touch of theater to your market stroll. Warm, customizable, and utterly satisfying, crêpes are the perfect street food to enjoy as you soak in the festive ambiance. Pair yours with a hot cider or chocolate for the ultimate holiday indulgence.

Also Read: Best Gifts for Travelers This Holiday Season