Half the magic of a Christmas market is the food. Every region has its specialties, and the same hot drink goes by different names. Here's your field guide.
Glühwein (and its cousins)
- Glühwein (Germany/Austria): mulled red wine with cinnamon, cloves, citrus
- Vin chaud (France): lighter, often made with local Riesling or Syrah
- Vinho quente (Portugal): Portuguese glühwein, sometimes with port
- Varené víno (Slovakia/Hungary): spiced, sometimes with a shot of pálinka
- Glögg (Scandinavia): richer, with almonds and raisins
The must-try foods by region
Germany
- Bratwurst (grilled sausage in a roll)
- Reibekuchen (potato pancakes with applesauce)
- Lebkuchen (Nuremberg gingerbread)
- Schupfnudeln (potato noodles with sauerkraut)
- Feuerzangenbowle (flaming rum punch — Nuremberg)
Austria
- Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake with plum compote)
- Lángos (fried dough with garlic — Hungarian-influenced)
- Roasted chestnuts
- Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescent cookies)
France (Alsace)
- Tarte flambée (thin flatbread with crème fraîche, onion, bacon)
- Bredele (Alsatian spiced Christmas cookies)
- Choucroute (sauerkraut with sausages)
- Foie gras on toast
Hungary
- Kürtőskalács (chimney cake, roasted over coal)
- Lángos (fried dough with sour cream and cheese)
- Goulash in a bread bowl
Tip
Most markets use a deposit system for glühwein mugs — you pay a few euros for the mug, drink your wine, and either return it or keep it as a souvenir. The mugs are different at every market and make great keepsakes.
Put this into action
Turn this guide into your sailing
A VPC cruise expert will match what you've just read to the right ship, departure, and cabin — at the same price as booking direct, with no fees.