From sweet treats to hearty street food, there’s something to tempt every tastebud at Cologne’s Christmas markets. You’ll find roasted chestnuts, candied nuts, gingerbread hearts, raclette and even roasted almonds among the many stalls.
We did plenty of eating and drinking beyond the markets too, so if you’re looking for more year-round or non-market foodie inspiration, don’t miss my Beer, Bites, and Coffee Guide to Cologne. But for now, let’s check out some of my favourite foodie finds so you can get a real taste of Cologne’s Christmas markets.
Glühwein
Multiple Markets
Cologne goes all out at Christmas with not one, not two, but seven different Christmas markets and every single one has its own signature Glühwein mug. The best part? Each mug is totally unique to that market and the year. When you order your Glühwein, you pay a little deposit (called a pfand), which you can either get back when you return the mug or, if you’re anything like me, you just keep it to add to your growing Glühwein mug collection.
Honestly, people take these mugs pretty seriously – there are Facebook threads dedicated to them, they pop up on eBay – but personally, I think they make the cutest gifts or souvenirs. Oh, and yes, let’s not forget the Glühwein itself? Absolutely delicious!
On my trip, I managed to collect mugs from six Cologne markets plus the one in Bonn. But my hands-down favorite has to be my little boot-shaped mug from Nikolausdorf (Nicholas Village). It’s just bootiful! Ha! See what I did there?
Handbrot (Hand Held Bread)
Engelsmarkt (Market of Angels)
Of course, you can’t wander a Christmas market without something to snack on. Enter Hanbrot. These delicious bread rolls are the ultimate Christmas street food – warm bread stuffed with delicious cheesy fillings. We went for the ham and cheese (because, really, what’s better?), and it ticked all the Christmas market snack boxes – it’s hearty, easy to carry, and ridiculously cheesy. I highly recommend pairing it with a mug of Gluhwein!
Pretzels
Multiple Markets
If Handbrot isn’t enough to satisfy your carb cravings, don’t worry, there are pretzels everywhere. You’d be hard-pressed not to spot a stall at every market but the real challenge is deciding which pretzel to try. We went for a cheesy pretzel because well, more cheese please! These savoury treats are perfect to enjoy on the go while wandering the markets.
Wurst
Multiple Markets
Despite it’s name, wurst is not the worst, on the contrary, it’s actually one of the best foods to enjoy at the Christmas markets. From classic bratwurst to spicy currywurst, these sizzling sausages appear on stalls at nearly every one of Cologne’s Christmas markets. What can be better than sausages sizzling on the grill, wrapped in a fresh bun, and topped however you like with mustard, ketchup and maybe even a little sauerkraut if you’re feeling fancy. Wurst is warm, hearty, and the ultimate Christmas market street food.
Cathedral waffles
Engelsmarkt (Market of Angels)
Let’s not forget the Cathedral waffles. Have you even been to the Cologne Christmas markets if you haven’t had one? I don’t think so! This stall is always buzzing, and for good reason, it’s serving up waffles in the shape of Cologne’s most famous landmark. Was it the best waffle I’ve ever eaten? Honestly, no. But was it the cutest? Absolutely. Edible souvenirs don’t get more delicious than this!
Cream puffs
Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom (Cathedral Market)
Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly fit in another treat, I discovered the cream puffs at the Cathedral Markets – they were just what I needed to go with my mug of Glühwein. These little clouds of joy are filled with cream and dusted with sugar, and impossible to resist. Pro tip: grab extra napkins because cream puff eating is a messy business… Totally, absolutely worth it though!
As you can see the food stalls at Cologne’s Christmas markets have something for everyone. From warming Glühwein to cheesy Handbrot and warm pretzels to sizzling – it’s a veritable festive feast!
What market treat would you try first? Are you a sweet or a savoury person?
As always, all food and drink was independently paid for and all opinions are my own.
