5 Must Eat Foods at the German Christmas Markets
The German Christmas Markets are a wonderful place to get into the holiday spirit. Each market is unique, filled with decorations and gift ideas, and amazing for foodies. From the delicious and warm gingerbread and crepes to sausages and onions, we have put together a list of foods you must try while visiting the German Christmas Markets.
1. Nürnberger Bratwurst
Nürnberger, or Nuremberg, is one of the largest cities in Germany and it is famous for the Nuremberg sausages. Preparation of these sausages is similar to your typical German bratwurst, but they are much smaller in size, only 20-25 grams. At the Nuremberg Christmas Market, they are often enjoyed 3 sausages to one bread roll. There are many stories about the origin of Nuremberg sausages, however one thing we do know, is that a Nürnberger Bratwurst is only allowed to be called a Nürnberger Bratwurst if it is made in Nuremberg.
2. Dresden Christstollen
Stollen is a traditional fruit bread that is incredibly significant to Dresden. The bread is heavy and moist, and filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and topped with icing sugar. This dense bread typically weights 2 kgs per loaf! While gingerbread and fruit bread are very popular at the Christmas Markets around Germany, Dresden Christstollen truly is something special.
3. Rothenburg Schneeballen
Schneeballens, or snowballs, are very delicious sweet treats that originated in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. However, you will find these treats now in many other German Christmas Markets, as they are deliciously popular. Schneeballens are shortbread pastry that are rolled into balls and filled with a variety of fillings, then covered in icing sugar, making them look like snowballs! These treats are filled with a variety of fillings like chocolate mousse, orange, and Bailey’s!
4. North Germany Gruenkohl
Gruenkohl is one of the most delicious kale dishes you will ever eat. Ever. Specific to Northern Germany, Gruenkohl is a stew like dish, with kale as the staple, loaded with garlic and onions, and served with bratwurst and potatoes. It’s warm and full of flavor - the perfect dish to warm you up while the snow is falling around you.
5. Glühwein
Glühwein is a staple German Christmas Market drink. While it is not specific to one location or market, it still deserves a mention. The mulled wine comes in a ceramic mug that is special to every market. You will pay a small deposit on the mug, which you can return after you’ve had your glühwein, or you can keep the mug as a souvenir! If you wish for a warm drink that isn’t alcoholic, the markets also have hot punch, which has all the same flavors just without the wine!
Written by: Sarah Cournay
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