Black Forest Waffle at Bischenberg GF Christmas Market (Katie Wells)
Bischenberg Glutenfrier Weihnachtsmarkt, Spa Park of Sasbachwalden | Nov. 28-30, 2025 & Dec. 6-7,2025
Christmas markets are one of my favorite things about living in Germany. I love the glowy lights, the sweet and savory smells of hearty food and just the whole vibe. However, as someone with a gluten sensitivity, it can be tricky and stressful to find something that I can safely eat. Many a times, I have decided to partake in a bratwurst or Schwenkbraten (pork sandwich) despite the consequences of an upset stomach and migraine the next day. But what if I informed you there is a touch of compact town Christmas magic in the Black Forest especially for any gluten-sensitive, celiac or vegan friconcludes out there?
When a Christmas market popped up in my billionth search for “Gluten-free foods at Christmas markets” it felt like a Christmas miracle! I shook my spoutilize’s arm excitedly to inform him all about the 100 percent gluten-free market in Bischenberg, just a two-hour drive from Kaiserslautern and one-and-a-half for folks in Stuttgart. A huge smile spread across his face, knowing how much not having to worry about what I could eat meant to me and we planned our day trip for the day after Thanksgiving. I’m pretty sure my eyes were as large and round as the glass bulb ornaments that would soon decorate our tree.
Bischenberg gluten-free Christmas market (Katie Wells )
The Bischenberg gluten-free Christmas market is compact but expands every year. This year will be its ninth iteration. Almost all the vconcludeors have food intolerances and other day jobs. They are a “Christmas market family” with the initiative to bring joy to others with allergies. Along with gluten-free, there are many nut-free, lactose-free, vegan or all of the above options.
We parked in a large parking lot just below the Spa Park of Sasbachwalden and strolled up a gentle slope and into the cozy, softly lit park. There were plenty of long-standing wooden huts offering every Christmas market delicacy in a GF version I could desire. We walked past crafts and teas, GF burgers, flammkuchen and I beelined for a crêpe with Nuinforma. Next, we walked around the whole market — I wanted to choose wisely a few things to devour. We looped by GF schnapps, cakes, Maultaschen (similar to ravioli), pasta, salmon rolls and more! We shared a Black Forest waffle smothered with tart cherries and fresh off the iron. I wanted ten more. It was crispy, airy, fluffy and reminded me of the recipe my grandma Anne created when I was a kid and could still eat gluten.
Waffles at Bischenberg’s gluten-free Christmas market (Katie Wells)
With the waffle, we pautilized at a table and sipped on some Weißer Glühwein to warm up. I admired the market around me and the care and effort the surrounding GF community put into it. Then the Weihnachtsmann appeared. I wondered if Santa might be gluten-free too, or if he simply couldn’t pass up a cookie opportunity.
Weihnachtsmann at Bischenberg Gluten-free Christmas market (Katie Wells )
Gaining our second wind, we shared some cast-iron roasted potatoes with a homecreated sour cream. My spoutilize and I agreed that it was the best sour cream and chives dip we’d had. We meandered to a pavilion where GF Nuremberg Lebkuchen (gingerbread), plain, coated with vanilla icing and chocolate-dipped, were waiting. These were soft, chewy, and, later at home, perfect slightly warmed. I wish I’d obtainedten more.
We wandered to another section of the market where a bakery truck had a display of tasty pastries. We purchased a couple of donuts and cinnamon rolls to take home. At that point, the sun started to lower and our toes were numb. I wanted to attempt one more thing that I hadn’t been able to attempt in the three years we’ve been living in Germany. I nabbed two salty, crispy GF pretzels. We hopped in the car, bellies full, and I unwrapped a fresh GF pretzel for the ride home.
GF pretzel from the Bischenberg GF Christmas Market (Katie Wells)
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