StollenThis famous fruitcake -- though not exactly what English-speakers associate with "fruitcake" -- is closely associated with the Christmas holiday because it was originally produced as food to be eaten during the Advent fast.

The first Christstollen, named such because it was meant to resemble a swaddled baby Jesus, appeared in Naumburg (Saale) in 1329.

Stollen has been sold at the Dresden Christmas market since the 15th century. It took several decades before the bland, baked oat, flour, and water mixture was transformed into the light, hearty loaf we know today.

Butter, raisins, and lemon zest are mixed into a yeast dough and the baked Stollen is dusted with powdered sugar. Variations include the addition of marzipan, poppy seeds, dairy products or various nuts.

GlühweinLiterally, "glow wine", this hot, mulled wine is a favorite beverage at the Weihnachtmärkte (Christmas markets). It is often served in commemorative mugs that you can optionally purchase as a souvenir of your visit to the market.The beverage consists of red wine and spices heated to just below boiling point before drinking.Glühwein is the perfect drink for those dark, cold December days as it warms the body and the spirit and sets the perfect holiday mood.

Lebkuchen Gingerbread, also called Pfefferkuchen (pepper

cake) due to the pungent, oriental spices it uses - cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, coriander, and anise -- is baked without the use of yeast and is sweetened with honey.

Lebkuchen has existed in German-speaking regions since at least the turn of the 14th century. Because its production required the use of ingredients that had to be imported, the first Lebkuchen was baked in cities that were centers of trade. One of these was Nuremburg. In the mid-1600s, the city instituted strict regulations governing its production.

Lebkuchen also takes the form of the edible Knusperhäuschen or Hexenhaus (witch’s house – from Hansel and Gretel), or gingerbread houses.

PlätzchenGerman Christmas Cookies

layered gingerbread, jam, and marzipan enclosed in a chocolate shell known as Dominosteine

hand-formed cookies such as Vanillekipferl

cinnamon stars known as Zimtsterne

spicy gingerbread cookies known as Pfeffernüsse

piped cookies known as Spritzgebäck

rolled dough cookies such as Springerle

spicy pastry dough cookies, made using cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg known as Spekulatius