With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, markets were a way for people in German-speaking parts of Europe to obtain the food they needed for the long winter. Travelers returning from Nuremberg or Munich brought the Wintermärkte tradition to their towns, and gradually the markets expanded to host, alongside meat stalls, toys, crafts, and wood carvings.

Today, with the sharp lines of a cathedral as a backdrop, people gather after work to continue the tradition, shopping for ornaments for the tree and relaxing with mulled wine in a brightly lit, cozy setting. The following markets are renowned for the food experiences they offer and are consistently on foodies’ lists.

Strasbourg

With over ten markets and the tallest and brightest tree in Europe, this fairytale town in Alsace promotes itself as the ‘Christmas capital’. A stroll through the markets is an opportunity to get acquainted with Alsatian specialties, such as the famously thin and crispy tarte flambee with fromage blanc, onion, and bacon, the Alsatian version of pretzel with melted cheese, the emblem of Alsatian gastronomy, the choucroute garni (cabbage cooked with wine and goose fat and served with charcuterie or even potatoes) and the bridle biscuits, a centuries-old Christmas tradition in various versions – with butter, cinnamon and almonds or aniseed.