Viking Cruises

Hygge style Christmas, Norway Italian Christmas panettone RACLETTE Basel, Switzerland A Swiss classic that's found its way into Christmas markets across Europe, raclette is both a dish and a spectacle. A wheel of semi-hard cheese is heated until bubbling, then scraped over boiled potatoes, pickles and cured meats. The result is a rich, gooey indulgence that's perfect for chilly evenings. KÜRTŐSKALÁCS Budapest, Hungary There's nothing quite like the smell of Kürtőskalács—or chimney cake—wafting through Budapest's Christmas markets. This golden, spiralled pastry is rolled in cinnamon sugar, grilled over open flame, and served piping hot. Crispy on the outside and pillowy soft within, it's a sweet street-side indulgence best enjoyed while admiring the twinkling lights of Vörösmarty Square. GLÜHWEIN Germany No visit to a German Christmas market is complete without a steaming mug of glühwein. Infused with cloves, citrus, and cinnamon, this mulled red wine is the season's signature scent. Each market has its own variation of bold flavours. Hot tip: Purchase a charming collectible mug at your first Christmas market and do as the locals do, and turn up with your own mug ready for refills. Kürtőskalács Raclette Glühwein From bubbling raclette scraped over potatoes to golden chimney cakes spun in cinnamon sugar, Europe's Christmas markets are a feast of festive flavours worth travelling for. A taste of tradition from EUROPE'S CHRISTMAS MARKETS 10 | Viking Explorer Society News Europe's Christmas markets are a culinary celebration of the season. Beneath twinkling lights and festive garlands, market stalls brim with regional specialties that warm the soul and delight the senses. Whether it's a centuries-old pastry recipe or a theatrical mulled wine ritual, these beloved treats are as much a part of the holiday tradition as the markets themselves. Here's our guide to the must-try flavours of the festive season.

• Cover