The foodie’s guide to Europe’s Christmas markets

There are loads of reasons to visit Europe’s Christmas markets. Supersized Christmas trees. Insane light shows. Market stalls stacked with stocking fillers. But let’s be honest, when it comes down to it, most of us are here for two things: food and drink. After all, mulled wine tastes sweeter when there’s actual snow on the ground, and nowhere serves a bratwurst like Berlin.  

From cone-shaped chimney cakes in Budapest, to spiced gluhwein served in mugs the size of your head in Prague, there’s a long list of reasons to eat your way around the Continent at Christmas. Here’s a taster of what to fill your plate with at some of the best European Christmas markets.  

Eat chimney cake in Budapest, Hungary 

A big deal in both Hungary and Romania, chimney cake is a staple sight at Budapest’s Christmas markets. This conical cake – the proper name is Kürtőskalács – is cooked on a sort of spit above open coals. But not before it’s been rolled in sugar to give it its signature crunchy coating. The cakes are delicious as they are, but you can also buy them filled with cream or ice cream. And while you can pick one up that’s packaged and ready to go, we’d recommend waiting for one straight off the spit – that way it’s still nice and warm. 

Drink glühwein in Berlin, Germany 

If Europe’s Christmas markets had a signature scent, it’d be glühwein. This hot, sweet and spiced red wine-based drink translates to ‘glow wine’, and it’s served up at any Christmas market worth its salt. Gently spiced with cinnamon, cloves and star anise, it’s sometimes called vin chaud – that’s the French recipe, or glogg, which is Danish – or just good old-fashioned mulled wine. In Berlin, it’s served in giant – and often slightly grotesque – mugs. You’ll pay a deposit for one, which you can refill until you’re done, then return to get your money back. That’s if you don’t fancy keeping it as a souvenir, of course. 

Eat soup from a bread bowl in Vienna, Austria 

You heard us right. The bowl. Is made. From bread. While the soup-in-a-bread-bowl idea isn’t exclusive to Austria, it’s a favourite at Vienna’s Christmas market. Try it at Stephansplatz surrounded by traditional wooden market stalls – it’s the ultimate winter warmer. Classic flavours include pumpkin and garlic. 

Eat smoked ham in Prague, Czech Republic 

You’ll smell this local speciality before you see it – the scent wafts high above Prague’s Christmas market stalls and it’ll instantly make you hungry. And while cooked ham is a staple in plenty of places, Praska Sunka – or Prague Ham – is something else entirely. It’s cured in brine, stewed, then double-smoked in Beechwood, which is what gives it its distinct taste. You’ll spot great slabs of it roasting on stalls around the market, but bear in mind it’s priced by weight – so go easy. 

Eat Belgian chocolate in Brussels, Belgium 

From tiny artisan squares to giant slabs, chocolate is a must-eat in Belgium. Whether you’re at a Christmas market in Brussels or Bruges, there’ll be plenty of it around – this country is famed for its chocolate after all. Stock up on delicate bags of praline to take home, tuck in to a giant waffle smothered in it, or sip a hot chocolate – you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere that serves it better. There are lots of gorgeous chocolate shops around the markets, too. 

Eat Danish hot dogs in Copenhagen, Denmark 

t dog stands are a big deal in Denmark. But we’re not just talking any old sausage-in-a-bun here. The røde pølser – or red sausage – is a tomato-hued, skinny pork sausage so long the bun barely covers it. Served up at Copenhagen’s Christmas markets, they make a great quick fix when hunger strikes between rounds of the Ferris wheel. Make sure you say yes to all the trimmings – that’s ketchup, mayo, remoulade – a classic Danish condiment – and crispy onions and gherkins on top. 

All that talk of food whet your appetite? 

Check out all our holidays to Europe. For more inspo, take a look at the best Christmas markets in Vienna or the best Christmas markets in Brussels. 

Looking for more articles? You’ll find them on the Inspire homepage.  

Author: Katie Gregory 
Last updated: 23/10/23