Look, as a South African from Cape Town, I was used to heat, sunshine, and beaches—not snow. When I arrived in Germany back in September 2015, the cold of a German winter was honestly a massive shock. I actually remember thinking that walking outside while snow was falling was genuinely dangerous! But then the Christmas markets arrived.

I quickly learned the real magic wasn’t just the twinkling lights or the shopping (though that’s another story!). It was the instant comfort found in a steaming, spiced mug. These drinks are what keep you going. These are the four essential warming beverages that every local relies on. These are key to truly getting into the holiday spirit. Plus, there is one spectacular fire-lit ritual you absolutely can’t miss.

Ready to get cozy? Here are the must-try drinks to add to your German Christmas market bucket list.

1. Glühwein: The Undisputed Classic (My Favourite!)

You simply can’t visit a German Christmas market without having a cup of Glühwein (Mulled Wine). Seriously, it’s the quintessential festive drink. It’s the heartbeat of the market atmosphere. And yep, it was the one I liked the most! It’s red wine heated with spices and sweetened. The spices include cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange peel. You can get it mit Schuss (with a shot) of rum or amaretto.

My Personal Take: My very first Glühwein was a memorable one and free! I had it at the university of Essen-Duisburg, where students were handing it out on campus. They used a cheaper quality wine. Nonetheless, the warmth and spices were delicious. It instantly cemented the drink as a Christmas staple for me. It is now sold in Cape Town and I made it myself as well from scratch.

2. Eierpunsch (German Eggnog)

If you love the creamy sweetness of eggnog, you need to seek out Eierpunsch (German Egg Punch). As someone from South Africa, where eggnog isn’t a traditional thing, I had never tried anything like it before!

Eierpunsch is a smooth, creamy, and spiced beverage, with a unique German twist. It’s made with egg yolks, sugar, and rum, then mixed with either warm water or white wine. It’s flavoured with cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes lemon zest. The result is just as comforting, but lighter and brighter than its heavy cream-based cousin.

3. Heiße Schokolade (Hot Chocolate)

Heiße Schokolade (Hot Chocolate) is pure decadence in a mug. For the adults, the true indulgence is ordering it mit Schuss (with a shot) of Baileys, Amaretto, or Rum. It’s often topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream, making it a perfect dessert in a cup.

4. Feuerzangenbowle

While the first three drinks warm you up, Feuerzangenbowle (Fire Tongs Punch) is the drink that delivers a true spectacle. This punch is made by placing a large, rum-soaked sugarloaf (Zuckerhut) over a bowl of mulled wine. The sugarloaf is then dramatically set on fire, dripping caramelized sugar and rum into the wine below. It is a true crowd-pleaser and usually served from a large, communal cauldron.

5.Glühbier (Mulled Beer)

To round out your list of five, keep an eye out for Glühbier, or mulled beer. It is a regional specialty, especially popular in northern markets, that proves not all festive drinks have to be wine-based! To make it, vendors usually start with a dark and malty beer, like a stout or a bock. They mull it with those classic festive spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. They add brown sugar or honey for sweetness and a touch of orange or lemon peel for zest. Sometimes, you can even get a shot of rum or brandy added! I’m not a major fan of beer but I think I’m going to make this at home during winter.

Pro-Tips for the Perfect German Market Trip

Here are three crucial tips, informed by my own cultural adjustments, to make your market visit seamless, authentic, and fun.

1. Collect the Mugs: Understanding the Pfand System

Most markets sell their drinks in beautiful, decorative mugs. To get one, you pay a small deposit—called Pfand—when you buy your drink. You can return the mug for the Pfand back, or keep it as a souvenir!

• Collector’s Choice: I chose to only keep one special mug. It is the one from the Essen-Steele Christmas market. It is the neighbourhood where I lived. My close friend gave it to me as a gift. We met for the first time at the market. Over the years, you can build a truly lovely collection of unique Christmas mugs!

2. Stay Warm and Dress Smartly

If you’re from a warm climate, the cold can be shocking. Layer up! Thermal undershirts, a warm coat, thick socks, and waterproof boots are non-negotiable.

(P.S. Need more tips? Find out more on my previous post: [How can I stay warm at outdoor Christmas markets?])

3. Crucial Etiquette: Drinking Safely & Legally

As someone who comes from South Africa, where public drinking is restricted, I found the laws in Germany quite surprising. You are legally allowed to drink in public spaces, including parks and markets. Drinking is legal. But, being disorderly or publicly drunk is heavily frowned upon. This can lead to trouble. You can be fined or even arrested. Do not over do it. Pace yourself and eat the incredible Christmas market food! The delicious Bratwurst and Kartoffelpuffer are the perfect antidote to too much Glühwein.

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm, spiced drink at a German Christmas market.

Thanks for reading and please feel free to comment.