‘Tis the season for German-inspired holiday markets, and the only thing better than the unique artisan vendors are the specialty food merchants dishing out everything from bratwurst to mini donuts. Here’s what to eat at the top holiday markets across the country.
1. Chimney cake at the Atlanta Christkindl Market.
A Hungarian sweet, this cylindrical cake is crispy (and cinnamon-y and sugary) on the outside and soft on the inside. Top it with your dressing of choice, like fruit, Nutella, or ice cream. There are no wrong answers here.
Where to go: Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, Georgia
When: Now through Monday, December 23
2. Glühwein at the Christmas Village in Baltimore.
The Christmas Village in Baltimore is home to the widest assortment of Glühwein, or mulled wine, including a non-alcoholic version. Brand new for this year is a 35-foot Christmas pyramid, which has devoted its entire first floor to mulled wine.
Where to go: 501 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland
When: Now through Tuesday, December 24
3. Bavarian fare at the Belleville Christkindlmarkt.
Local eatery Roemer Topf serves up family recipes for traditional dishes like Jagerschnitzel, spaetzle, red cabbage, roasted ham hock, wiener schnitzel and other meaty, gravy-doused delicacies.
Where to go: 30 Public Square, Belleville, Illinois
When: Saturday, November 30 to Monday, December 23
4. Poutine at the Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt.
Nothing warms the heart and soul like french fries covered in cheese curds and gravy. Or if you’re feeling really sassy, add beef short ribs, buffalo chicken, or bacon. Food truck The Flying V will have it all.
Where to go: PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
When: Now through Sunday, December 22
5. Flammkuchen at Carmel Christkindlmarkt.
Indiana popcorn makers Groomsville are covering all the bases at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt: Not only are they doling out popcorn, roasted nuts, chocolate, and German Christmas cookies, they’re offering a special German flatbread topped with creamy cheese and onions.
Where to go: 10 Center Green, Carmel, Indiana
When: Now through Tuesday, December 24
6. Currywurst at Christkindlmarket Chicago.
Chicago-based German street food purveyors DönerMen serve up platters of currywurst, a dish combining Indian spices and German sausage. (They’ve also got a vegan option!)
Where to go: Daley Plaza, Chicago, Illinois
When: Now through Tuesday, December 24
7. Danish kringle at Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
This Danish pastry is made with light, buttery dough and filled with white almond and fruit paste, making it a dessert that won’t weigh you down.
Where to go: Principal Park, Des Moines, Iowa
When: Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8
8. Stroopwafels at Christkindlmarkt SLC.
These super-thin Dutch wafer cookie sandwiches — filled with gooey caramel and topped with powdered sugar — are made fresh by Utah-based Got Stroop and are perfect for eating while shopping.
Where to go: This Is The Place Heritage Park, Salt Lake City, Utah
When: Wednesday, December 4 to Sunday, December 8
9. Bratwurst at the Denver Christkindl Market.
A German staple, what would a visit to a Christmas Market be without bratwurst? Austrian chef Walter Neuhold runs the Brat House, serving up freshly grilled sausages and sauerkraut.
Where to go: 1515 Arapahoe Street, Denver, Colorado
When: Now through Monday, December 23
10. Mini donuts at the Downtown Holiday Market.
The only thing better than regular-sized donuts is little baby ones. Migues Mini Donuts will pile your plate high with freshly made mini donuts, complete with toppings like marshmallow, Nutella, and maple glaze.
Where to go: 8th Street and F Street NW, Washington, D.C.
When: Now through Monday, December 23
11. Bangers and mash at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair.
Nothing embodies Victorian England at Christmastime like Charles Dickens and bangers and mash. The traditional dish of sausages and mashed potatoes will sustain you through a whole day of period entertainment. (Don’t spill on your era-appropriate garb.)
Where to go: Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, San Francisco, California
When: Now through Sunday, December 22
12. Swiss raclette sammies at the Christmas Village in Philadelphia.
No lie: You can smell the melted cheese as you approach the grounds of the Christmas Village in Philadelphia. This crowd-favorite sandwich is made when a wheel of semi-hard Swiss cheese is heated and the gooey warm part is unloaded onto fresh bread.
Where to go: LOVE Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
When: Now through Tuesday, December 24
13. Savory potato pancakes at the Saint Paul European Christmas Market.
The husband and wife duo behind Burbach's European Pancakes knows their stuff: She’s from Germany and he’s a chef. Their crispy potato medallions are served with applesauce, sour cream, and green onions. No one will blame you if you pair it with some hot chocolate, either.
Where to go: Union Depot, East Plaza, Saint Paul, Minnesota
When: Friday, December 6 to Saturday, December 22
14. French macarons at the Texas Christkindl Markt.
Sure, Christmas is a time for many types of cookies, but everyone has a weak spot for macarons. Texas macaron shop Savor Patisserie brings their handmade treats in flavors like candy cane, hot cocoa, eggnog, gingerbread, and Christmas cookie.
Where to go: North Plaza at Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas
When: Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 22
15. Loaded waffles at the Union Square Holiday Market.
There’s nothing like shopping in the open air amid the bustle of Manhattan. Belgian waffle truck Wafels & Dinges will serve their world-class waffle sandwiches (filled with fruit and Nutella) and loaded waffles, topped high with ice cream, nuts, chocolate, or whatever else your heart desires.
Where to go: Union Square Park, New York City, New York
When: Now through Tuesday, December 24
