Christmas markets are a holiday tradition in the German-speaking part of Europe that date back to the Middle Ages. So the best Christmas markets, known locally as Christkindlmarkt or Weihnachtsmarkt, are definitely in Germany. While the markets originated in Germany, they can now be found in many other regions of Europe and among German communities in North America. I got to visit the one in Chicago when I was at Purdue.
During the pandemic, I got to visit several in Germany including the Weihnachtszauber in Gendarmenmarkt and the City-Weihnachtsmärkt at Gedächtniskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church), both in Berlin.
Of course, I went there for the food and the Glühwein (mulled wine), especially Feuerzangenbowle (rum-soaked sugarloaf set on fire and dripped into mulled wine).
At one of the markets, I had Lángos, a deep-fried flatbread that originated from Hungary. I had a simple one topped with butter and garlic. Others are topped with cheese and vegetables.
I also had Handbrot (hand-rolled flatbread) topped with sour cream, bacon, and spring onions.
The Handbrot is baked in a wood-fired oven.
Of course, there are pretzels and sausages. I had a Rostbratwurst.
I also got to visit two Christmas markets in Köln (Cologne). Super crowded despite the pandemic!
At the Weihnachtsmarkt in Aachen, I got to try Reibekuchen (potato pancakes).
Aside from food, you can also get Christmas arts and crafts at the markets.
In Hamburg, we dropped by the Santa Pauli Hamburgs Geilster Weihnachtsmarkt, the Christmas market of Hamburg's red light district.
I got to try Grünkohl (kale) with Kohlwurst, Bärlauch-Hacksteak (hamburger steak), Currywurst, and Flammkuchen (tarte flambée).
And since it was Christmas, we got some Plätzchen (Christmas cookies) from one of the bakeries in Ulm!
What's your favorite food at German Christmas markets?
