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written by Paige Ringelberg

The Atlanta Christkindl Market is a beloved annual holiday tradition held in Buckhead Village District and Galleria on the Park. Brought to the southeast by the German American Cultural Foundation, the market is described as a “unique fusion of traditional German festivities and the vibrant spirit of Atlanta” (An Atlanta Tradition | Atlanta Christkindl Market). Attendees enjoy traditional German cuisine---such as schnitzel and brats---and the gorgeous holiday decorations. Santa Claus himself also makes an appearance, taking photos with everyone (only if you’re on the nice list, of course!).

While there is plenty to see and do at the Atlanta Christkindl Market, today we’ll be focusing solely on the food. Make sure you arrive at the market with an empty stomach because you’ll fill up in no time at all!

History

The makers behind our beloved holiday market are none other than the German American Cultural Foundation (GAC Foundation), who strive to promote the  “German language and culture in the southeastern United States…[and] strengthen the transatlantic relationship by advancing intercultural awareness and know-how between German speaking countries and the United States, through the support of educational activities, community events, and the arts” (About | The German American Cultural Foundation). The Foundation was established in 2008 and brought the Atlanta Christkindl Market to Buckhead Village in 2021. Since 2008, the GAC Foundation has partnered with multiple organizations, including Georgia Tech, to celebrate and bring awareness to the German population in the U.S. southeast.

Ready to Serve

Where to begin? With over forty vendors, there is a ton to see at the Atlanta Christkindl Market. Let’s start with the food made and served on site.

First, there’s Delicious Belgian, based out of Dallas, GA, that serves mouthwatering Belgian waffles. According to their profile on MarketSpread, their “Liege Waffles are made from a brioche type dough with added pearl sugar to give the waffle a caramelized crust and a soft delicious taste” (Delicious Belgian - Marketspread). The manager, Tom Leroy, is originally from the Belgian Coast and is a French Cuisine Chef, so you know those waffles are legit. You can choose from a variety of fruity, sweet, and savory toppings to take the already delicious waffle to the next level.

Next up is Dre Dilla Quesadillas, who serves quesadillas (who could’ve guessed, right?) with a wide variety of flavor combinations, from BBQ Chicken to Banh Mi Style. In addition, they serve adorable and tasty cake jars that are perfect for a treat on the go.

In the mood for some baked treats? Flaky Not Flaky is the place to be. This bake shoppe and “chocolatarium” sells fresh “Sconuts” (scone + donut), flatbreads, savory pastries, chocolates, gelato, milkshakes, floats, and coffee (Flaky Not Flaky - Bake Shoppe and Chocolatarium). At the market, they’ll also be serving toasted marshmallow hot chocolate, the perfect beverage to keep you warm as you wander through the many vendors. They also sell gorgeous and tasty bonbons, chocolate bars, and so many more unique treats. Just look at the creativity and imagination they deliver in a single bonbon!

Next on the list is Baked Cheese Haus LLC, an artisanal cheesemaker based in Mineral Point, WI. They have the famous Raclette, a baked cheese sandwich and crowd favorite. They offer at least three types of Raclettes, but they each share one eye-catching thing in common: they melt and scrape the cheese right off the wheel and onto your sandwich! Now that is a deal-breaker. Yum!

You’ll also find:

- Latin Stove LLC, a “specialty empanada company that puts a new spin on old traditions” and serves sweet, savory, and vegan empanadas. You also have the option to buy them frozen so you can stock up for a delicious meal at home. The owners of Latin Stove LLC, Christine and Anderson Marshall, bring their distinctive cuisine all the way from the islands of Azores and Barbados.

- Lucia Crepes, hailing from Auburn, WA, have been making crepes at the Atlanta Christkindl Market for several years. They’re a business with German roots that helps bring the intercultural flair that the market is well known for.

- You wouldn’t be at a German influenced market if there weren’t any soft pretzels! At Different Twist ATL Pretzel Co., you’ll find both wholesale and retail original salted pretzels, pretzel bites, and breadsticks.

- And last but certainly not least, you can find Sweet Auburn BBQ serving “traditional style barbecue with an Asian twist” (Sweet Auburn BBQ | Best BBQ in Atlanta and McDonough). If you’re craving barbeque, Sweet Auburn is the place to be. You cand find a variety of chicken, pork, and brisket sandwiches, wings, ribs, curry, wok-fried rice, and so, so much more.

You can also purchase glühwein (otherwise known as mulled wine), crepes, hot chocolate, chimney cakes and cones, hot cider, and so many more delicious options.

Any of the above options are perfect to eat while exploring the rest of the market. You can find people settling at tables to share treats with their friends and family. But if you’re not up for the hassle of eating while mobile or standing, let’s talk about packaged items you can purchase for yourself or as a gift.

Take It to Go

Along with food that’s served hot and fresh, you can find pre-packaged items that will tempt you to eat them right then and there. At the market you’ll find Buckin’ Nuts, a family-owned company based out of Ashland City, TN. Their peanuts are fried in peanut oil and come in many flavors, including salt, Cajun, buffalo, Nashville hot, and chili lime; they also sell boiled peanuts and delicious, organic nut butters. Buckin’ Nuts are Southern through and through, as they also offer “containers of southern chicken salad, pimento cheese dip, spinach dip, banana pudding, [and] more” (Buckin' Nuts - Marketspread).

Alongside Buckin’ Nuts, you’ll find Evergreen and Market, where they do one thing and do it well: pickles! Okay, they don’t just sell pickles, but boy, do they change the pickle game. They offer over 35 different flavors of pickles, from Banana Pickle to Ghost Pickle, as well as mixers for drinks, peppers, merchandise, and other pickled things, like red onions. If you’re a pickle fanatic, this must be your first stop.

There’s also a locally owned and managed small business called the Powerful Pepper Company, where you can find hot sauces, salsas, spices, rubs, and so much more. Their bestsellers’ list includes jalapeño candy (we highly recommend giving this one a try!), hot pickled okra, and smoked mango habanero hot sauce. If you’ve got a taste for the hot, hotter, and extra hot, we’re sure the Powerful Pepper Company has something you’ll love.

You’ll also find Transcending Tea, Sabor Provisions (empanadas, tarts, and natural juices), Country Sweets Honey, Der Biergarten (traditional German eats), and so many more options.

So… Are you hungry yet?

We’re Hungry…

If you’re not starving by now…we don’t even know what to say. There is plenty to choose from at the Atlanta Christkindl Market, from sweet treats to savory sandwiches to invigorating hot beverages. So, now that you know what to expect when it comes to food, now’s the time to attend the Atlanta Christkindl Market and experience the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of one of Atlanta’s favorite annual holiday traditions in person. But don’t wait too long! The market ends this Christmas Eve. Between now and then, you can visit the market anytime between 3pm–8pm on Mondays through Thursdays, and anytime between 11am–9pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

We’ll see you there!

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