23 Best Things to Eat at Cologne Christmas Market [Locals Pick]

WONDERING WHAT TO EAT AT COLOGNE CHRISTMAS MARKET?

You’ve landed on the right article. I’m from Cologne and I absolutely enjoy Christmas Markets.

In this post, I’ll take you on a culinary journey through the Christmas markets of Cologne.

You’ll discover which snacks are typical of Cologne’s Christmas markets and what to watch out for. Additionally, I’ll provide you with insider knowledge about the whereabouts of the best market stalls.

So why wait any longer? Let’s discover the best things to eat at Cologne Christmas market together.

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23 BEST THINGS TO EAT AT COLOGNE CHRISTMAS MARKET

At the Cologne Christmas markets, you’ll find a wide variety of food and drinks. From the classic Glühwein to crispy Reibekuchen and even Korean Bulgogi, there’s an abundance of flavors to explore.

You won’t go hungry with so much to try!

These are the 23 best things to eat at Cologne Christmas market.

1. Glühwein – Mulled Wine

If you visit a Christmas market in Cologne, you can hardly avoid Glühwein, as every Christmas market has at least one Glühwein stand.

Glühwein is a traditional German warm, spiced red wine beverage that is particularly popular during the winter months, especially around the Christmas season.

The name “Glühwein” can be translated as “glowing wine” or “glowing hot wine,” which refers to the warmth and spices associated with this beverage.

To make Glühwein, red wine is typically heated gently with various spices and ingredients, which may include cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, citrus zest, sugar, and sometimes other flavorings like vanilla or cardamom.

The mixture is heated without boiling to allow the flavors to infuse into the wine. The result is a warm and aromatic drink with a balance of fruity wine notes and spices.

On many Christmas markets, you can also find Glühwein that is made using white wine as its base.

Glühwein is often served in mugs or glasses, and it is a popular treat at Christmas markets.

When you order a Glühwein at the Christmas market, you typically have to pay a deposit for the mug you receive, which is usually around 3 euros.You have the choice of either keeping the often beautifully designed mug or returning it after you’ve finished your drink to get your deposit back.

Many Christmas market visitors collect Glühwein mugs and choose not to reclaim their deposit.

Most Glühwein stands also offer a non-alcoholic version of Glühwein. This drink is often referred to as “Punsch.”

2. Hot Chocolate

Where there’s Glühwein, there’s usually hot chocolate too, providing another non-alcoholic option at the Christmas market.

In addition to the classic hot chocolate, many Cologne Christmas market stalls offer hot white chocolate. They also often provide the option to enjoy cocoa with a shot of rum or Baileys.

3. Reibekuchen (Rievkooche)

Reibekuchen is a popular Cologne dish that can also be found at Cologne’s Christmas markets.

These delightful potato pancakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a true culinary delight.

Typically served with applesauce and sometimes sugar beet syrup, they offer a delightful sweet taste that perfectly complements their earthy flavor. Additionally, there’s even a variation featuring salmon.

LOCALS TIP: Reibekuchen are fried in oil. Therefore, it’s advisable to blot them with a napkin before eating. If you have difficulty digesting greasy foods, it’s best to avoid Reibekuchen.

4. Bratwurst

At every Christmas market, you’ll find a bratwurst stand.

Bratwursts are easy to eat on the go as they are typically served in white rolls. They are commonly enjoyed with mustard, ketchup, and sometimes even roasted onions.

5. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread, a beloved savory treat, is a staple at most Cologne Christmas markets.

It’s a simple yet irresistible delicacy, featuring warm, toasted bread generously slathered with aromatic garlic butter. The perfect comfort food for a chilly winter’s day.

As you stroll through the festive stalls of Cologne’s Christmas markets, be sure to keep an eye out for the stand serving this delicious garlic bread.

6. Flame-grilles Salmon

On most Cologne Christmas markets, you’ll find stalls selling flame-grilled salmon, a delectable treat.

If you’re a fish lover or in the mood for a non-sweet snack, flame-grilled salmon might be just right for you when you visit a Cologne Christmas market.

7. Käsespätzle – Cheese Spaetzle

While spaetzle isn’t a typical Cologne dish, you can still find a booth at the Heumarkt Christmas Market where you can enjoy cheese spaetzle (Käsespätzle).

Cheese spaetzle are a delightful dish, originating from the Swabian region in Germany. They consist of soft, egg-based noodles mixed with melted cheese and often topped with crispy fried onions.

These cheesy spaetzle are known for their rich and hearty nature, making them a comforting and satisfying treat.

Cheese spaetzle is a dish that is commonly enjoyed in the Swabian region of Germany.

8. Raclette Cheese

Raclette cheese is a creamy Swiss cheese traditionally used for a popular Swiss dish known as “Raclette.”

This cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a distinctive melt-in-your-mouth quality. It is perfect for melting and scraping onto various accompaniments like potatoes, vegetables, and charcuterie.

Would you like to try Raclette cheese?

Then head straight to the Heinzelmännchen Christmas Market at Heumarkt.

There, you’ll find a delightful stand serving Raclette cheese, allowing you to savor this delectable Swiss specialty amidst the festive atmosphere of the market.

9. Bulgogi

In recent years, at the Stadtgarten Christmas market, there has consistently been a stall offering Bulgogi sandwiches.

Bulgogi is a classic of Korean cuisine, and the word translates to “fire meat,” which is precisely how it tastes – hot and spicy.

As Bulgogi continues to gain popularity in Germany, you’ll now find a stall at the Stadtgarten Christmas market where you can savor this beloved meat neatly packed within a bun.

The stall is conveniently located near the main entrance of Stadtgarten, at the corner of Venloerstraße and Spichernstraße, on the left side, amidst a row of various other food stalls.

10. Maronen

Hot chestnuts, known as “heiße Maronen” in German, is a beloved snack that can be found at nearly every Christmas market in Cologne.

These roasted chestnuts are not only a delicious treat but also a healthier alternative for those looking to avoid the overly sweet and fatty dishes often associated with Christmas markets.

11. Crepes

What would a visit to the Christmas market be without indulging in a crepe? After all, crepe stalls can be found on nearly every Christmas market in Cologne.

A crepe is an incredibly thin pancake that is cooked on a flat crepe plate. Crepes come in both sweet and savory varieties. While crepes with cinnamon and sugar, Nutella, or jam are popular among children and those with a sweet tooth, others may prefer the version with cheese or ham.

Whatever you choose, don’t miss the opportunity to savor a crepe at the Cologne Christmas market.

14. Dom Spekulatius

One of the must-try treats at the Cologne Christmas market is undoubtedly Dom Spekulatius.

Spekulatius is a flat, spiced shortcrust pastry that comes in the form of figurative representations. At the Heinzelmännchen Christmas market on Heumarkt, you’ll find a stall selling these popular cookies shaped like the Cologne Cathedral.

Since cookies can also be purchased in packaged form at the Cologne Christmas markets, Dom Spekulatius make for a lovely souvenir for those who stayed back at home.

15. Schokoladen-Banane

At the sweet stalls of Cologne’s Christmas markets, you’ll always find chocolate-covered fruits. These are fruits skewered and completely glazed with chocolate. Typically, you’ll find options like bananas, apples, strawberries, pineapples, or grapes, coated in your choice of dark, milk, or white chocolate. They are often garnished with chocolate sprinkles or marshmallows for extra flavor.

16. Candied Apples

Right next to the chocolate-covered apples, you’re likely to find candied apples.

Candied apples are apples coated with a thin layer of caramel. This caramel coating is often tinted reddish with food coloring, giving the candied apple that enchanting Snow White apple appearance.

Candied apples are typically served on wooden sticks, making them easy to enjoy.

17. Cotton Candy

Almost every child probably loves cotton candy. It’s no wonder that you can find cotton candy for sale at Christmas markets as well.

Whether it’s the classic white or delicately tinted pink with food coloring, cotton candy is not only a sweet treat but also visually delightful.

18. Popcorn

I love popcorn, and for me, Popcorn is one of the best things to eat at cologne christmas market.

Popcorn can be found at the candy stalls, usually packaged in various sizes in clear bags.

19. Haribo

Cologne is close to Bonn, and Bonn is the hometown of Haribo.

The colorful gummy candies are known and loved worldwide. That’s why they are a must-have at the Christmas markets in Cologne.

On most Christmas markets, you can create your own colorful bag of Haribo candies.

20. Licorice

Where there’s Haribo, there’s always licorice to be found as well.

So, for those who find Haribo too colorful and sweet, you can also put together a bag of licorice at the Christmas market.

21. Christstollen

Have you ever tried Christstollen?

Christstollen is a traditional German Christmas cake, rich in history and flavor. You can find this delectable treat available for both tasting and purchase at the Christmas market.

Christstollen is not only delicious but also practical, as it has a long shelf life, making it a great gift for loved ones back home.

However, a word of caution: Christstollen is incredibly calorie-rich, so indulging in moderation might be the wisest course of action.

22. Lebkuchenherzen – Gingerbread Hearts

Lebkuchenherzen, or gingerbread hearts, are a charming and iconic sight at the Cologne Christmas market.

These decorated gingerbread cookies are often more of a symbol of affection and tradition than a treat for immediate consumption. People frequently purchase Lebkuchenherzen as gifts, often adorned with sweet messages or designs.

23. Zimtschnecken – Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls, or ‘Zimtschnecken’ in German, are a delectable pastry treat that can be found at Cologne’s Christmas markets.

These pastries are made from a soft, sweet dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar. Tthere are a couple of notable spots to enjoy cinnamon rolls on Cologne Christmas markets.

At the Christmas market near the Cologne Cathedral (Dom), you can satisfy your cravings for cinnamon rolls at the ‘Törtchen Törtchen’ stand. Moreover, at the Stadtgarten Christmas market, you’ll also find opportunities to savor these treats.

FINAL THOUGHTS: 23 BEST THINGS TO EAT AT COLOGNE CHRISTMAS MARKETS

There are so many delightful options to choose from when it comes to snacks at the Cologne Christmas markets.

Personally, I have a soft spot for Reibekuchen, popcorn, and chocolate-covered fruits, which I believe are among the best things to eat at Cologne Christmas markets.

However, Cologne Christmas markets are a culinary wonderland filled with sweet and savory temptations, and each snack is worth trying.

Whether you’re a fan of hearty cuisine or have a sweet tooth, the Christmas markets in Cologne have something to satisfy your craving.

So, don’t miss the opportunity to savor some of the best things to eat at the Cologne Christmas market.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do you drink at German Christmas Markets?

At German Christmas markets, one of the most popular and traditional drinks is Glühwein.

Glühwein is a hot, spiced mulled wine that is typically made from red wine, various spices like cloves, cinnamon, and star anise, along with citrus zest, sugar, and sometimes a shot of spirits like rum or brandy.

Glühwein is often served in festive, specially designed mugs and is a favorite among visitors who want to enjoy a warm, aromatic drink while strolling through the Christmas market.

In addition to Glühwein, you can also find other warm beverages at German Christmas markets, such as hot chocolate and Groc (or Grog), which is a warm alcoholic beverage usually made with rum, water, sugar, and spices.

What is the hot drink at German Christmas Markets?

The hot drink typically associated with the German Christmas Markets is Glühwein.

Glühwein is a warm, spiced mulled wine, and it’s a popular choice among visitors to the market. It’s prepared by heating red wine with a mixture of spices like cloves, cinnamon, star anise, citrus zest, and sugar.

Sometimes, a shot of spirits like rum or brandy is added for an extra kick.

This delightful beverage is served in festive mugs and is a quintessential part of the Christmas market experience.

What non alcoholic drinks are at German Christmas Markets?

At German Christmas markets, you can find several non-alcoholic drink options in addition to the traditional Glühwein. Some of the common non-alcoholic beverages include:

1. Hot Chocolate (Heiße Schokolade): Hot chocolate is a popular choice, especially among children and those who prefer a sweet, chocolatey treat. It’s typically served with whipped cream or marshmallows.
2. Fruchtpunsch: This is a fruit punch made from a variety of fruit juices, often mixed with spices to create a warm and fruity beverage. It’s a non-alcoholic alternative to mulled wine.
3. Soft Drinks: You can usually find a selection of soft drinks like cola, lemon-lime soda, and other carbonated beverages to quench your thirst.
4. Water: For those who prefer a simple and refreshing option, bottled water is typically available at the Christmas markets.

What is the most popular German Christmas Food?

One of the most popular German Christmas foods is roast goose served with red cabbage and potato dumplings. It’s a traditional and hearty choice that many families enjoy.

In my family as well, we used to have roast goose on the first Christmas Day.

However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Some families prefer a more modern twist on their Christmas meal and opt for dishes like Raclette or Fondue, where everyone can participate in the cooking process and customize their meal.

Additionally, there are those who like to switch up their Christmas dinner every year, embracing variety and exploring different culinary traditions.

So, while roast goose is a classic favorite, German Christmas cuisine offers a diverse range of options to suit various tastes and traditions.

Do you need cash or card for Cologne Christmas Markets?

It’s advisable to have cash with you when visiting the Cologne Christmas Markets, but be cautious not to carry too much. Christmas markets can be crowded, and there’s a risk of pickpockets, so it’s a good idea to keep your money safe.

IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN COLOGNE DURING CHRISTMAS…

…then the following posts might be of interest to you:

• 15 Things to Do in Cologne at Christmas