Christmas markets in Germany – the most magical time
1. MULLED WINE
Mulled wine (Glühwein) is a traditional alcoholic drink of the winter season. It is made by heating red wine to 70-80 degrees Celsius and adding sugar and spices. In recent years, mulled wine made with white wine has also become popular. If desired, a little schnapps can be added to the mug or glass. Prost!
2. SAUSAGES
Grilled sausages (Bratwurst) are sold in Germany all year round. Christmas markets are no exception. Nuremberg and Thuringian sausages are considered special delicacies. Guten Appetit!
3. POTATO PANCAKES
Reibekuchen are German potato pancakes. They make a more than substantial contribution to the total calorie count consumed in the pre-holiday weeks, but it is hard to imagine visiting a Christmas market without them. The classic accompaniment to German potato pancakes is applesauce, but you can choose a more expensive option – smoked salmon.
4. CANDLES
During short dashes between food and drink stalls, take care of souvenirs and items to create a festive atmosphere at home. Christmas is the time to buy candles. The selection at the markets is huge, and they look like real works of art – so much so that you don't even want to light them.
5. CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENTS
In many German families, Christmas tree ornaments are passed down from generation to generation, but this does not reduce the demand for new decorations. At Christmas markets in Germany, small art and craft workshops offer their products, which explains their enormous variety.
6. MUSIC
Christmas songs and melodies greatly contribute to the festive mood. Try to visit the market during one of the open-air concerts. The schedule can be found on site or online, where every more or less large market has its own website.
7. STOLLEN
Christmas markets are a sweet paradise. Visitors are greeted with candies, cookies, gingerbread, spiced cakes, stollen, and other choices that torment the indecisive. All of this can and should be tasted on the spot, as well as taken away. We have included Dresden Christmas stollen – Dresdner Christstollen – in our checklist as a must. No self-respecting German Christmas market is without them.
8. GINGERBREAD
Germany produces a lot of gingerbread. Among the most famous are Nuremberg gingerbread (Nürnberger Lebkuchen) and Aachen gingerbread (Aachener Printen). They are sold everywhere, of course, not only in those cities.
9. PHOTOGRAPHS
Gingerbread and stollen will eventually be eaten, but for a lasting digital memory of visiting a Christmas market, you must take many photos of various genres and angles, including striking selfies. Post them promptly on social media and mark every like with a sip of mulled wine.
10. FRENCH CREPES
Christmas markets in Germany have long become culinary cosmopolitan markets. The most common proof of this thesis can be considered French thin pancakes – Crêpes, which Germans have taken a particular liking to. There are many filling options to choose from – chocolate cream, grated cheese, whipped cream, banana slices, but the most common option is a crepe sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
11. BELGIAN WAFFLES
Neighbors of French crepes are hot Belgian waffles. They don't need special advertising either. Straight from the heat – they don't have time to cool down!
12. SALMON OVER AN OPEN FIRE
The method of preparing this dish – Flammlachs, which has become a favorite of visitors to German markets, was borrowed from Finland. Salmon fillets are attached to pine planks and cooked over an open fire – tasty and spectacular.
13. CHARITY
Christmas is a time for charity. At some markets, in the pre-holiday weeks, there are stands of various organizations that help those in need. For example, UNICEF issues special Christmas cards, the proceeds from which go to children's projects in different countries around the world. Don't pass them by.
14. GIFTS
Christmas markets sell many different things – from quite useful and suitable for household use to amusing trinkets. Don't forget about gifts for family and friends. By the way, Germans most often give books, toys, clothing and accessories, cosmetics and perfumes, gift certificates, delicacies and alcohol, DVDs of films and music, concert tickets, as well as watches and jewelry for Christmas.
15. RIDES
Children at Christmas markets are greeted by carousels. In some cities, adults also have something to ride on. For example, this Ferris wheel in Düsseldorf is a good reason to take a break between pre-Christmas shopping and eating all sorts of goodies, as well as to think over a plan for further action.
16. ROASTED CHESTNUTS
What Christmas market would be complete without roasted chestnuts – Maronen? Grab a bag and continue your walk.
17. ROASTED ALMONDS
Those who don't like chestnuts can, as an alternative, buy some roasted almonds (Gebrannte Mandeln). True, some wags claim that this sweet treat is very popular with dentists. It consistently keeps them busy, so crunch them carefully.
18. CANDIED APPLES
With all the wealth of choice, it can be difficult to pass by candied apples (Kandierte Äpfel) at Christmas markets, not only for the youngest visitors. But why deny yourself the pleasure?
19. ICE RINK
In recent years, Christmas ice rinks have become popular in Germany. Since the weather in December is usually warm, the ice is artificial, but the joy of skating is real. In many places, they operate for some time after Christmas – until the New Year. A bit cold?
20. PUNCH
We started with mulled wine – we'll finish with punch. German Punsch is made from a mixture of various juices with spices, adding wine or liqueur – for example, egg liqueur. At Christmas, it is also customary to prepare flaming punch – Feuerzangenbowle. Cheers!