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Taste Your Way Through the Best Christmas Markets in Europe

17 December 2025
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If your idea of holiday cheer involves a mug of mulled wine in one hand and a warm, cheesy pretzel in the other, you’re not alone. Europe’s Christmas markets offer a feast for all the senses – twinkling lights, festive music, and, best of all, mouth-watering food stalls serving up all your seasonal favourites. 

Whether you want to explore with a guided tour or glide from one festive town to the next on a Uniworld river cruise, these are the best Christmas markets in Europe for food lovers. Let’s take a tasty tour through Germany, France, Vienna, and Prague to find out what makes these markets so special. 

Vienna, Austria: Elegant and Edible 

Wondering what the most beautiful Christmas market is? Many travellers agree it’s Vienna’s Christmas Dream Market at Rathausplatz. 

Picture grand City Hall, a huge Christmas tree, and rows of charming stalls filled with traditional Austrian treats like: 

  • Kaiserschmarrn: fluffy, shredded pancakes dusted with sugar 
  • Bratkartoffeln: crispy pan-fried potatoes with garlic and herbs
  • Maroni: warm roasted chestnuts that smell like the holidays 

Vienna’s market blends elegance with comfort, making it a must-visit on your foodie holidays.  

Browse our Austria holiday packages to kickstart your holiday planning! 

Nuremberg, Germany: The Classic Favourite 

Ask around, and many will say Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is the best Christmas market you can visit – it’s one of the best German Christmas markets with over 400 years of history. 

Get ready for: 

  • Nuremberg bratwurst: served three to a bun (don’t question it, just enjoy!) 
  • Lebkuchen: spicy gingerbread cookies made with nuts and honey 
  • Feuerzangenbowle: mulled wine with a flaming sugar cube on top 

Alongside the delicious food, you’ll find stalls selling handmade decorations, candles, and toys – perfect for picking up gifts. 

For a truly immersive experience, consider a Uniworld river cruise that stops in several German cities, letting you sample regional treats without the hassle of packing and unpacking. 

We’ve got the tastiest German holiday packages for you! 

Strasbourg, France: Cheese, Wine, and All Things Nice 

Strasbourg is often called the Capital of Christmas, and for good reason. With over 300 stalls across the city, it offers a wonderful blend of French and German festive traditions. 

Here, foodies should look out for: 

  • Tarte flambée: Alsatian flatbread topped with cream, onions, and bacon 
  • Bretzels: soft pretzels that perfectly balance salty and chewy 
  • Vin chaud: French mulled wine often infused with orange and cinnamon 

This market mixes gourmet food, handcrafted gifts, and local wines, all wrapped up in twinkling lights and festive cheer. Uniworld’s cruises often include Strasbourg, making it easy to add to your itinerary. 

Book a holiday package to France today! 

Prague, Czech Republic: Sweet Treats and Historic Charm 

Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas Market may be smaller than others, but it offers some of the best festive treats you’ll find in Central Europe. 

Don’t miss: 

  • Trdelník: a warm, cinnamon-sugar coated chimney cake, often filled with Nutella or ice cream 
  • Grilled Prague ham: slow-roasted and juicy 
  • Svařák: the Czech take on mulled wine, a little stronger and citrusy  

Alongside food, stalls offer handmade glass ornaments, wooden crafts, and other traditional souvenirs. Pair Prague with Vienna on a guided holiday for a festive Central European adventure. 

What Food Can You Expect at Christmas Markets? 

Wondering what you’ll actually eat? Christmas markets are food lover’s heaven. Expect: 

  • Sausages, pretzels, and potato pancakes 
  • Melted cheese dishes like raclette and fondue 
  • Gingerbread, roasted nuts, crepes, waffles, and pastries 
  • Hot chocolate, mulled wine, cider, and festive punches 

The food is local, seasonal, and designed to warm you up from the inside out. 

What Stalls Can You Find at Christmas Markets? 

Besides food, stalls often sell: 

  • Handmade decorations and ornaments 
  • Candles, toys, scarves, and gloves 
  • Local wines, jams, preserves, and sweets
  • Live music and festive entertainment 

Each market has its own unique mix, reflecting local traditions and styles. 

Ready to Book Your Christmas Market Holiday? 

From the lights of Vienna to the spicy sausages of Nuremberg, the rich cheeses of Strasbourg, and the sweet treats of Prague – Christmas markets are a feast for foodies and festive fun-lovers. 

Not sure where to start? That’s where Pentravel steps in. We’ll recommend the best packages for you, whether you want a guided tour or a Uniworld river cruise

From start to finish, Pentravel takes care of all your bookings and holiday arrangements, providing expert advice and hassle-free planning every step of the way. 

Contact Pentravel today and get ready to taste your way through Europe’s best Christmas markets! 

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