Upon my visit to Nuremberg during the festive holiday season, I was instantly captivated by the city’s renowned Christmas Market, a bustling hub of tradition and cheer.
Strolling among the vibrant red and white stalls, it felt like each of the Christmas Market treats – from the famous Lebkuchen to the cozy, spiced Gluhwein – was a celebration of Nuremberg’s festive spirit and culinary pride.
Here are a few of the delicious treats that made my experience at the Nuremberg Christmas Market truly memorable.
My favorite of the Christmas Market Treats: Lebkuchen Schmidt
The Nuremberg Christmas Market is one of Germany‘s most festive places to visit during the holidays. While it’s a great place to purchase unique holiday gifts, what I love most about this Market are the delicious drinks like hot mulled wine and the delectable holiday foods for sale. It’s a perfect place to sample European holiday treats and get into the spirit of the season.
The Nurembergers, always a step ahead of things, begin their pre-Christmas period in mid-August, when Lebkuchen Schmidt, one of the most famous Nuremberg traditional gingerbread makers begins running its production lines at full speed.
The citizens of Nuremberg are strict about what can and can’t be sold at the Market. They have always been very protective of their Market, hence, in December of 1610, a decree from the town council ordered the confiscation of “indecent joke articles” that a woodturner had made as children’s gifts.
Again, in 1729, the council suppressed the less-than-Christmasy idea a goldsmith had of running a lottery at the Market.
More Christmas Market treats: Gingerbread, fruitcake, and Gluhwein
Being allowed to operate a sales stand at the Market is an honor for the dealers — the selection of wares at the market is consciously traditional.
Gingerbread, fruitcake, bakery, and confectionery goods rank first, followed by gold foil Christmas tree angels, Christmas tree decorations, and candles.
Toys and arts and crafts are a must, including the famous Prune People.
To keep warm, having a mug or two of hot-mulled wine, or Gluhwein, is a good idea. If you haven’t experienced this drink, Viking Cruises, which offers river cruises that visit various Christmas Markets, offers this delicious recipe.
Grilled sausages
Another must: The Nuremberg grilled sausages. These small, thumb-sized sausages made out of minced pork are grilled crunchy on the griddle and consumed by the dozens.
Even the Renaissance master draughtsman Nuremberger Albrecht Dürer loved them (you can read about visiting his house here). These sausages are so small, a tale says that they could still be sold at the pub through the keyhole after closing time.
Beyond the heavenly Lebkuchen, the gilled sausages, and the soul-warming Gluhwein, Nuremberg’s Christmas Market is a treasure trove of festive treats. From the sizzling Bratwurst to the sweet, dusted Schneeballen, each stall offers a taste of holiday joy.
Schneeballen: Nuremberg’s Unique Holiday Pastry
Another culinary highlight at the Nuremberg Christmas Market is the delightful Schneeballen, or ‘snowballs,’ a unique and traditional German pastry. They are especially popular in the area of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
These delectable treats are crafted from shortcrust pastry, formed into their characteristic round shape, and then deep-fried to a golden crisp. Typically dusted with powdered sugar, they are also available dipped in chocolate or decorated with nuts, pleasing diverse tastes.
Schneeballen, with its quirky appearance and scrumptious flavor, has long been a festive favorite, inviting both locals and visitors to savor a piece of Nuremberg’s sweet holiday tradition.
There’s a lot to do and discover in Nuremberg during the holidays. If you’re thinking of visiting the Nuremberg Market, I can’t recommend it enough – it’s not just a market, it’s a vibrant, festive celebration.
