By Candice Smith 
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world—and it’s an absolute paradise for food lovers. As you stroll past wooden stalls dusted with snow, the smell of roasting sausages and spiced gingerbread fills the air. Their Nürnberger Rostbratwurst is a must-try—tiny, flavorful sausages served in a bun with a bit of mustard.
No visit is complete without a bite of the city’s beloved Lebkuchen, a soft and spiced gingerbread that comes in all shapes and sizes. Pair it with a warm mug of glühwein (German mulled wine), and you’ve got yourself the perfect holiday treat. The cozy atmosphere, glowing lights, and traditional music make it a magical place to indulge in holiday flavors.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna during the holidays feels like a fairy tale, especially around the Rathausplatz where the city’s largest Christmas market takes place. The air is filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts, sizzling sausages, and cinnamon-dusted pastries. Food stalls here are known for their elegance and rich flavors, just like the city itself.
Austrian Christmas specialties like Kaiserschmarrn (shredded sweet pancakes), Maroni (roasted chestnuts), and hearty goulash soup are perfect for warming up on a chilly night. Wash it down with a steaming mug of Weihnachtspunsch a fruity, spiced punch served in adorable collectible mugs. You’ll leave full, happy, and maybe just a little jolly.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg proudly calls itself the “Capital of Christmas,” and it lives up to the title with a market that combines French finesse and German tradition. Located near the German border, this market blends the best of both cultures, especially when it comes to festive food. Think buttery bredele cookies, fresh-baked pretzels, and crispy tarte flambée.
One of the highlights is the regional take on mulled wine, vin chaud, often made with white wine and delicate spices. The food here feels homemade and comforting, with vendors offering traditional Alsatian dishes that warm your heart as much as your belly. It’s a perfect stop for anyone who loves a cozy, festive feel with top-notch bites.
Cologne, Germany
Cologne transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays, with several Christmas markets spread across the city. The one in front of the Cologne Cathedral is the most famous, and it’s packed with stalls offering everything from cheesy spaetzle to sugary reibekuchen (potato pancakes). There’s something warm and tasty at every turn.
The locals also love their mulled wine, but in Cologne, you can also try “Feuerzangenbowle,” which involves setting a rum-soaked sugarloaf on fire above the wine yes, it’s as fun as it sounds! The festive food in Cologne is comforting and rich, perfect for keeping you warm as you wander through the twinkling market paths.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square is a feast for all the senses. The Hungarian cuisine here is bold and full of flavor, with street food favorites like chimney cake (kürtőskalács), a sweet, hollow pastry coated in cinnamon sugar, and lángos, a deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream and cheese.
Don’t miss the Hungarian sausages, goulash served in bread bowls, and mulled wine infused with local spices. It’s a great mix of hearty, homestyle dishes and fun holiday treats. Plus, the market itself is beautifully lit and often features live music, making it the perfect place to enjoy a festive meal in a magical setting.
Brussels, Belgium
Winter Wonders in Brussels brings together everything you’d want in a European Christmas market twinkling lights, an ice skating rink, and plenty of delicious bites. Belgian waffles are the obvious favorite, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served hot with chocolate, whipped cream, or strawberries.
But don’t overlook other goodies like fries with mayonnaise, juicy sausages, and stoofvlees (a rich Belgian beef stew). And of course, this is Belgium, so there’s no shortage of incredible chocolate and local beers to sample. The food here feels indulgent in the best way, perfect for a treat-yourself holiday moment.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s Christmas markets bring that cozy Scandinavian “hygge” vibe to life. The Tivoli Gardens market is especially magical, with snow-dusted trees, fairy lights, and traditional Danish food that warms you from the inside out. Try æbleskiver, little round pancake puffs dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam.
There are also delicious sausages, warm gløgg (the Nordic version of mulled wine), and roasted almonds that smell incredible as you pass by the stalls. The market’s charming atmosphere, combined with hearty food and friendly people, makes Copenhagen a fantastic place to enjoy the holiday spirit.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is known for its beautiful old-world architecture, and during Christmas, the markets in the Old Town Square become truly enchanting. The food here is comforting and filling—think grilled sausages, garlicky potato pancakes, and warm pastries. You’ll also find “trdelník,” a rolled pastry cooked over open flames and dusted with sugar and nuts.
For drinks, there’s plenty of mulled wine, honey wine, and hot mead to keep you warm. Prague’s markets feel a bit more low-key than some of the more touristy ones, which makes the experience more authentic. It’s a great spot to try traditional Czech flavors while soaking in the festive vibes.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s Christmas market is set in the heart of the city, with views of the castle and cobbled streets adding to the charm. The food here is a fun blend of Scottish classics and festive favorites. You’ll find stalls selling haggis (yes, really!), hearty meat pies, and sticky toffee pudding to satisfy your sweet tooth.
There’s also an international flair, with German sausages, Belgian waffles, and spiced wine being just as popular. Scottish whisky tastings and mulled cider are easy to find too, perfect for sipping while wandering under the lights. With all the flavors and the backdrop of historic Edinburgh, this market is full of holiday magic.