Top 3 foods from the best Christmas markets in Europe
Snow is gently falling, aromas of cloves and cinnamon are filling the air, and carollers are signing in beautiful harmonies. The Christmas market season is in full swing! Here are the top 3 foods you must eat when visiting Europe’s most festive markets.
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
There are many Christmas Markets in Cologne, but this one is our favourite. With its twinkling lights, festive performances, and endless food and craft booths, this market is a true winter wonderland. Feel the magic when standing in front of its dazzling 25-metre fir tree, the biggest in the Rhineland.
What to eat here: Reibekuchen (German potato pancakes)
What’s more German than potatoes? Made with onion, egg, flour, and salt, they’re fried in oil and topped with applesauce for a festive touch. Simple, but unbelievable.
Reibekuchen may be served with apple sauce, pumpernickel bread, treacle, or with Maggi-brand seasoning sauce.
Budapest Christmas Market on Vorosmarty Square
At Vorosmarty Square, the dazzling lights and elaborate decor give place to a much cosier, nostalgic vibe. Cottage-style wooden stalls and local handicrafts fill the stunning square, as traditional musicians, dancers, and puppeteers draw you into a world of old-time charm and imagination.
What to eat here: Kürtőskalács (chimney cakes)
Have you ever seen a chimney cake being made? Raw dough is wrapped around a spit, held above an open fire, and then rolled in all kinds of toppings. Try it with sugar, cinnamon, cocoa, walnut, or almond (or get one of each for the group).
And yes, there are many benches and tables at the Christmas market at Vörösmarty square to sit and enjoy the delicious food.
Tallinn Christmas Market
This market is small, but it’s also one of the most traditional—legend says the very first decorated Christmas tree was displayed in Tallinn’s Town Hall in 1441. As the snow crunches under your feet and snowflakes swirl around your head, let Yuletide cheer warm your heart (and stomach). With its quirky pastel houses and medieval charm, Old Tallinn is sure to enchant you.
What to eat here: Verivorstid ja hapukapsad (Blood sausages and sauerkraut)
While in Estonia, you must try the classics. If blood sausage isn’t really your thing, don’t worry. You can always stuff your face with traditional gingerbread cookies!
Tallinn Christmas Market is well known for its fairy tale like scenery decorated with trees, Christmas decorations, and Christmas lights.
BONUS: Québec City’s German Christmas Market
For a taste of Europe closer to home, step into the heart of Old Québec. With historic buildings, French speakers and wooden kiosks all around you, you might even forget you haven’t left the country. Try to budget your stomach space so that you can try both local products and European specialities.
What to eat here: Deutsche brezel with moutarde au sirop d’érable (German pretzel with maple syrup mustard)
You can (and definitely should) have the best of both worlds. Grab a warm, golden pretzel and dip it in sweet mustard. This savoury-sweet combo is sure to satisfy any cravings!
This German Christmas Market is a magical place that comes to life in the heart of Old Québec with a unique and warm atmosphere, wonderful decorations, a terrific selection of tasty German treats.