It’s the most wonderful time of the year and nobody does Christmas in Europe like the Germanic countries.
While the German and Austrian Christmas markets are famed for their wooden decorations and glass baubles, the Christmas markets are also time to overindulge in seasonal Christmas food and drink. If you are visiting the Christmas Markets this December, make sure you don’t leave without trying these…
Glühwein
A German Christmas markets visit is not complete until you have huddled under a gas burner, nestled in close with friends, nursing a steaming hot mug of Glühwein (mulled wine). A mixture of wine, fruits and spices, Glühwein is supposed to help cut through the effects of the cold and give you a nice glow on the inside. Most markets have specialised and specific mugs for their Glühwein for which you pay a deposit (between 2.50/3.00€). When you have finished your wine you can either return your mug and receive your deposit back, or you can keep the mug as a cheap souvenir. Our tip; take your used mug back and get a clean one if you are going to keep it! You can also upgrade or turbo boost your Glühwein by adding a shot of schnapps, brandy, amaretto or a multitude of other liqueurs into it. Prost!
Enjoying a mug with my Dad in Cologne
Bratwurst.
Ok, so you can try bratwurst anytime you visit Germany and Austria, however if one hand is occupied with Glühwein then your spare hand can easy handle a sausage! You will find all different varieties, from your stock standard bratwurst, to smoked sausage and our personal favourite found in Austria, käsekrainer. A pork sausage with melted cheese running through the middle. This bad boy is a heart attack in a hot dog roll, but be warned, it will repeat on you all day. What better way to explore the Christmas Markets than with a meal that keeps on giving.
And this is a small one!
Reibekuchen
Grated potato made into a pancake which is fried and covered in apple sauce. Only Germany could make something relatively healthy unhealthy!
Deep fried potato cakes, yum!
Chocolate Coated Fruit sticks.
Another Christmas treat, skewers of various fruits such as cherries, strawberries, banana and mandarins dipped in chocolate. We even managed to find fruit dipped in chocolate and covers in crushed Oreo biscuits – however for copyright purposes they were not called Oreo!
Does Christmas food get any better than chocolate covered fruit?
Lebkuchen
Traditional gingerbread comes in all shapes and sizes at Christmas time from heart shapes, blocks and even Santa inspired designs. For those with alergies it is also possible to hunt down gluten free lebkuchen.
Traditional Lebkuchen stall in the Vienna Christmas Markets
Kaiser Schmarrn
A form of rather heavy and gluggy pieces of pancake, sometimes mixed with raisens and accompanied by fruit sauce, sugar or our favourite, vanilla sauce!
Kaiserschmarren will stick to your insides and insulate you against the cold
Oh and did we mention Glühwein?!
Merry Christmas everyone
N&D
The Smart Way Round 
Ah Gluehwein and bratwurst, I must return to Cologne one day for some more. Wonderful time.
Jealous much!!! Shouldn’t have read this on the train to work!
Your holiday to German was wonderful for many reasons – for the natural beauty of the countryside, for the fact that you actually got to relax, because everyone you met was lovely and because of all the brilliant things you did…