As awareness grows around the environmental impact of factory farming, more of us are embracing a meat-free lifestyle. But when the festive season rolls around, it can be difficult to find tasty veggie options at Christmas markets, which is why we’ve rounded up ten of the best festive treats to try on your travels. Whether you’re wandering through fairy-lit streets of Prague, or sipping glühwein in Salzburg- all are guaranteed to be delicious and look great on your Instagram feed.
Fried potatoes: When in doubt, trust the humble potato. A staple across many countries, this ultimate comfort food never disappoints. In Germany, look out for reibekuchen or kartoffelpuffer- golden, crispy potato cakes (like hashbrowns) usually served with a side of apple sauce.
Mulled wine/ cider: No matter what Christmas market you’re going to, you’ll likely find a cup or two or mulled wine or cider. Best described as a hug in a cup, these drinks are always meat-free and guaranteed to keep you warm when it gets chilly.
Crepes: Of French origin, you’ll probably find the most amazing crepes at popular market- Jardin des Tuileries. Whether you want yours covered in Nutella and topped with banana, strawberries, or raspberries (or all three- it’s Christmas after all.) However, if you’re craving something savoury, crepes can come stuffed with mozzarella, basil and tomato, and even an option of extra cheese!
Pretzels: Much like crepes, pretzels can be enjoyed either sweet or savoury — and they’re as photogenic as they are delicious. You’ll find some of the best in the Baroque streets of Vienna, where the Christmas markets date back to the Middle Ages. A simple yet satisfying veggie option that never disappoints.
Kürtőskalács: Originally from Transylvania, these glorious chimney cakes- usually filled with Nutella or dusted with cinnamon sugar- are a Hungarian festive favourite and a veggie delicacy- and it’s easy to see why.
Gingerbread: Dating back to 1628, Nuremburg Christmas Market is the place to go for an ultimate Christmas experience with authentic elisenlebkuchen. These traditional German treats are like a more indulgent version of gingerbread, and is topped with chocolate and spiced with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
Pizza: Though they’re consumed all year round, Austrian pizza known as flammkuchen normally comes with bacon, but veggie versions topped with mushrooms, onions or olives are now easy to find- meaning more people can enjoy them!
Blini: These thick, fried pancakes are a popular wintertime speciality in Finland, and are often recommended. They’re a wintertime speciality in Helsinki, which are best enjoyed fresh off the pan at the Christmas market.
Jamaican Christmas cake: Even if you’ve escaped the drizzle for some winter sun in Jamaica, you can still enjoy festive flavours. Try out the traditional Jamaican Christmas cake at the Gran market, it’s a spiced, rich fruit cake that’s usually alcohol-free and vegetarian!
Pitha: Not just a Christmas market classic, but if you find yourself in India over the festive season, sweet treats like pitha and semai are absolute must-tries. Pitha is made with rice flour, coconut, milk and molasses, while semai is a rich, creamy rice pudding that’s perfect for satisfying your festive sweet tooth.
Wherever your winter adventures take you - and whether you're all about savoury bites or have a sweet tooth, don't miss out on the magic of Christmas markets. Just remember to sort out your travel insurance before you go, so you can enjoy every moment worry-free!
