Christmas Market Mug Prices and Deposits by Country (2026)

What a mug of Glühwein and the mug deposit should cost this season

How much does a mug of Glühwein cost at a Christmas market in 2026?

These are the prices to expect this season for a standard serving of red mulled wine (usually 0.2 l). They're based on what the big markets charged in 2025 and what organisers have announced for 2026: most German markets are holding prices or adding up to 50 cents. Big-city markets and tourist hot spots sit at the top of each range; smaller towns and neighbourhood markets at the bottom.

  • Germany: mulled wine €3.50 – €6, most often €4.50 – €5; mug deposit €3 – €5. Munich and Berlin are the most expensive (€5 – €6); Hamburg, Nuremberg, Leipzig and Frankfurt around €4.50 – €5; Dortmund, Augsburg and Mannheim from €3.50.
  • Austria (Vienna): punch or mulled wine €4.50 – €6 for the classics, more for speciality punches; mug (Häferl) deposit €3 – €5. Rathausplatz and Stephansplatz charge a €5 deposit, Spittelberg €3.
  • Switzerland: mulled wine CHF 6 – 8 (Zurich and Bern about CHF 6.90 for 2 dl, more in heated tents); mug deposit usually CHF 5.
  • France (Strasbourg and Alsace): vin chaud about €4 for 25 cl and €5 for 33 cl; €1 deposit on the reusable cup, refunded at any drinks chalet.
  • Czechia (Prague): svařák 75 – 100 CZK for 0.2 l (Old Town Square at the top, Náměstí Míru at the bottom); mug deposit about 50 CZK.

Prices are set stall by stall at many markets, so check the board before you order.

How much is the mug deposit (Pfand)?

The deposit is usually a few euros (or francs, or crowns) and is normally the same for every stall at one market. Special mugs, such as boots, can carry a higher deposit. You get it back when you return the mug, or you keep the mug instead. See can you keep Christmas market mugs?

So what does a mug of Glühwein cost with the deposit?

Expect to hand over roughly €8 – €10 in Germany and Austria, CHF 11 – 13 in Switzerland, €5 – €6 in Strasbourg and 125 – 150 CZK in Prague. You get the deposit part back if you return the mug.

Can you pay by card?

More and more stalls take cards and phone payments, but not all of them, and a deposit refund is usually paid in cash. Carry some coins.

Is a mug cheaper without the drink?

Usually the price of a mug on its own is the deposit amount. Some markets sell boxed souvenir mugs at a higher price.

Last checked: 2 November 2026