Europe's Christmas Markets for Foodies
4 Europe Christmas Markets to Inspire Your Culinary Spirit
According to the Smithsonian Magazine, most historians agree that Christmas Markets began in Germany. Over time, Christmas Markets spread across Europe in cities like Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and Prague. Today, traditional Christmas Markets are celebrated in these cities… in their quaint squares aglow with cheerful lights that are dotted with colorful chalet-style roofed vendor stalls filled to the brim with intricate decorations, arts and crafts, and holiday culinary treats. Seasonal holiday food is a major component of every European Christmas Market, each has its own specialty sure to get you into the holiday spirit… and your tummy rumbling for all that deliciousness. Here are our top picks for edible delights at Christmas Markets in Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and Prague.
Vienna
Vienna’s beautiful blend of modern and baroque architecture is the backdrop for the city’s traditional Christmas Market or “Krippenmarkt” that dates back to 1298. In addition to amazing high-end handcrafted gifts, several culinary delights for foodies should not be missed. If you don’t mind standing in line, head to the stall that sells raclette, a tangy Swiss cheese sandwich that is embellished with onions, pepper, ham, or bacon. Another traditional taste of Vienna is a scrumptious cheesy sausage roll. Hot, steaming kartoffelpuffers or potato pancakes are popular with residents and visitors alike and offer a variety of toppings. If you have a sweet tooth, look for the stand that sells schaumrolle, a delicious pastry that is filled with whipped creme or meringue. Several popular cookies include Linser Augen, cookies that are dusted with iced sugar and filled with delicious jam, and Zimtsterne, star-shaped delicacies made from almonds and cinnamon and topped with sugar icing. If you have worked up a thirst, try Austria’s famous Gluhwein also known as Mozart Punch, which is a hot red mulled wine spiced with cloves, cinnamon sticks, and orange peel. Another popular beverage is Punsch, a drink made of fruit juice, spices, and rum or wine, sometimes served in a collectible mug.
Budapest
The City Center, listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO sets the scene for the Christmas Market at Vorosmarty Square, which is adjacent to St. Stephen’s Basilica where wooden lodges of local craftsmen and numerous culinary booths await. A visit to Hungary isn’t complete without trying goulash. This National dish, a hearty beef soup made with carrots, garlic, green peppers, onions, and plenty of paprika is sure to keep you warm while exploring the market. An end-of-the-year holiday favorite is toltott kaposzta or stuffed cabbage often served with a pork chop, fresh cream, and vegetables. Kurtoskalacs or Chimney Cakes are perfect if you have a sweet tooth. This delicate pastry, wrapped like a chimney, is cooked over a charcoal fire and dusted with cinnamon, sugar, or chocolate sprinkles. Another sweet favorite is retes or strudel, made from a flaky dough and filled with apples and cinnamon, sweet cottage cheese, or sour cherry. Bejgli is a traditional Christmas roll cake that is prepared with walnuts and poppy seeds is popular with young and old alike. To wash all this goodness down, try Forralt Bor, the Hungarian version of mulled wine made from Bull’s Blood wine from the Eger wine region.
Bratislava
In the romantic fairy tale city of Bratislava, visitors are greeted with festively decorated red and white stalls at the Christmas Market located at the Main Square and at Hviezdoslav Square. In addition to an assortment of beautiful handcrafted items, tantalizing aromas scent the air… cinnamon, sizzling sausages, and roasted chestnuts all coming from the many food stands that dot the area. Some of the stalls sell traditional dishes like cabbage soup and barbecued meat that slowly roasts on a spit before your eyes. A popular must-try is the Ciganska Pecienka, a marinated fried pork or chicken cutlet that is served on a bun with caramelized onions, mustard, and hot peppers. If you are a vegetarian, try the Hermelin cheese sandwich which is loaded with sautéed onions and spicy peppers. Lokse, a potato dough that is fried in a hot pan and loaded with a variety of toppings from duck, goose, or chicken liver pate and sauerkraut to poppy seed, and chocolate syrup are a decadent delight to eat warm. For a traditional drink, try a Hriato, named after the village where it originated. This drink is sure to warm your insides because it is made with a shot of homemade alcohol, usually plum brandy, with a layer of melted bacon grease on top and dusted with caramelized sugar. It tastes a lot better than it sounds! Another holiday favorite is Medovina, a wine made from honey that is served warm.
Prague
Prague’s Old Town Square is the unforgettable backdrop to one of the most enchanting Christmas Markets in Europe. Time seems to stand still here with every building a work of medieval architecture that makes this Christmas Market very special. Visitors are greeted with brightly decorated wooden huts that are a treasure trove of amazing local handcrafted items. While you can take home some amazing Christmas crafts, this market is more than shopping… it is a foodie delight. Watch mouth-watering Prazska Sunka or large hams roasted on spits and tasty klobasa (sausages) sizzling on numerous grills. For something not too sweet try sladke knediky or fruit dumplings that are made from sourdough and stuffed with apricots, blueberries, or strawberries. If you like cookies, don’t miss Pernicky or gingerbread soft cookies laced with icing and made with honey (instead of molasses), ginger, and cloves. To warm up try hot chocolate or grog, a mixture of rum, water, lemon, and sugar.
Tips for Europe’s Christmas Markets
Indulge & Enjoy
European Christmas Markets remind us of heartfelt family traditions and the joy of friends, old and new coming together in the spirit of the season. European Christmas Markets are so much more authentic and fun than shopping at a mall where everything is cookie-cutter. One of the most important things to keep in mind when exploring a Christmas Market, wherever you go… is to leave the calorie counting at home!
On this tour, you will join the festivities, see amazing sites, shop, connect with the local people, and try the many culinary delights of the season that just might turn out to be your new family tradition.