German Food Guide - Christmas

Christmas Markets

In the weeks before Christmas, many cities throughout Germany offer an open-air Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt, Christkindelsmarkt, Christkindelmarkt, Christkindlmarkt or Adventmarkt ). Historically, these markets used to be "Winter Markets," where visitors could take care of winter necessities. But over time, these changed from Winter Markets to Christmas Markets and are now a major part of German Christmas tradition.

A typical Christmas Market consists of tents and booths often situated in front of historical and/or a scenic backdop. Here, vendors sell their Christmas related goods, such as Christmas tree ornaments, wreaths, candles, and Nativity sets.

Visitors are also offered baked goods, such as Aachener Printen, Lebkuchen, Spekulatius, Christstollen, as well as other foods, such as chocolate figures, cotton candy, roasted chestnuts, toasted almonds, and baked potatoes. To keep the visitors warm as they stroll through the market, warm drinks have become an important part of the market. Particularly popular are Glühwein, Glühmost, and Punsch. Other beverages, such as Weihnachtsbier, are also available.

Christmas markets, also known as "German Christmas Markets" or "Christkindlmarket," can also be found here in the U.S. See our list of Christmas Markets in the U.S. (right).