Anyone seeking a little holiday spirit should make their way to a classic German Christmas market – which is exactly why we traveled to Frankfurt in December.
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the best in Germany and the merriment is celebrated throughout the city. We were in awe from the moment we arrived!
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Traditional wooden huts cluster together in picturesque squares. The heavenly scent of hot spiced wine and sizzling sausages hangs heavy in the air. Twinkling Christmas lights line cobblestone lanes.
The atmosphere is quintessentially Christmas – and the fairytale scene is everything we love about Spending the Holidays in Europe.
This article contains all you need to know to visit the Christmas Market in Frankfurt. In addition to these essential experiences, we include important details – such as dates, times and a map.
About the Frankfurt Christmas Market
The Frankfurt, Germany Christmas Market is a magical event certain to produce memorable moments.
Origins of the Frankfurt market date to 1393 – making it one of the oldest German Christmas festivals. The bazaar developed as a way for locals to stock up on the necessities for winter.
By the Middle Ages, mystery plays were being performed and in the 19th century it evolved into the festive gathering that it is today.
In fact, the Christmas Fair in Frankfurt is such a classic affair that it has been duplicated in other cities around the world.
The Frankfurt Holiday Market in Birmingham, England is one of the largest German Christmas markets outside of continental Europe.
Planning a European Christmas Tour? Fantastic! We provide information about other famous German and European Christmas Markets later in the article.
5 Essential Frankfurt Christmas Experiences
We were absolutely jazzed to be visiting Frankfurt at Christmas time! We spent three days soaking up all the merriment we could to kick off the holiday season.
Based on our personal experiences, we made a checklist of must-do activities in Frankfurt at Christmastime.
Later in the article, we share upcoming dates and answers to frequently asked questions that will help you best plan your Frankfurt Itinerary.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Frankfurt Christmas Market Guide for your Germany trip!
#1 Sip Warm Gluhwein
It wouldn’t be a German Christmas Market without gluhwein…and we consumed a fair amount during our stay!
The specially spiced creation is served steaming hot in commemorative mugs. The cup of cheer adds a festive spirit(s) to the occasion – and helps battle the cold temperatures, too!
Additionally, we found vendors that sell local craft beer and hot apple wine – a Christmas Market Frankfurt tradition.
Feuerzangenbowle is another specialty that we came across – and it’s as much fun to drink as it is to witness the preparation.
The potent concoction, which translates to ‘fire tongs punch’, is made by setting alight a large rum-soaked sugarloaf that hovers over a steaming pot of gluhwein.
Travel Tip: Be sure to bring euros! Many vendors only accept cash and a deposit is required for the mug. It can either be returned for a refund…or kept as a Frankfurt Christmas souvenir!
#2 Visit all the Best Christmas Markets in Frankfurt
Unlike some holiday events that are confined to one area, the Frankfurt markets dot the city landscape.
Christmas huts are set up in spacious squares, tucked into quaint courtyards and laid out along city streets.
We simply stumbled onto some other spots while sightseeing in Frankfurt our Self-Guided Walking Tour.
Other locations (like the rooftop festival) we found out about by word of mouth. While we truly enjoyed each one, we selected a few as our favorites.
Romerberg Christmas Market
The Frankfurt main square, Romerberg, is the focal point of the holiday festivities – and shouldn’t be missed!
The space is jam-packed with vendors selling enticing beverages, tasty German fare and traditional holiday gifts.
The famous Frankfurt Christmas Tree and an old-fashioned carousel are also found on Römerberg square.
Christmas Market in Paulsplatz
St. Paul’s Square in Frankfurt is the largest in the city center and features even more stalls than Romerberg.
With several food options and shopping opportunities, strolling through Paulsplatz is a must. Personally, we’d go just for the singing moose!
City Beach Parkhaus Rooftop Xmas Market
Not particularly easy to find, but well-worth the effort to locate it, the parking lot rooftop Christmas night market in Frankfurt is a hidden gem!
Heavily focused on unique food and drink offerings, another reason to go to the City Alm Xmas evening event is for the amazing Frankfurt skyline views!
Rosa Weihnacht Market on Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz
The “Pink Christmas Market” at Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz is rather small, but packs a punch and is decorated in all things…pink!
The contemporary space features stalls selling hand-crafted wares, non-traditional food options and the best (and perhaps strongest) feuerzangenbowle we’ve ever tangled with!
Hauptwache
Located just steps from Frankfurt’s modern shopping street, The Zeil, Hauptwache Christmas Stalls may just lure you into some holiday retail therapy.
Tucked beneath the bell tower of St. Catherine’s Church and across from the famous Cafe Hauptwache, we loved this buzzing enclave for it’s truly festive feel!
#3 Savor Classic German Christmas Fare
Visiting the Frankfurt winter market wouldn’t be complete without sampling traditional German cuisine.
Indulging in at least one grilled sausage is a must – but they are not the only Frankfurt Christmas fare to consume at the festival!
Frankfurter Rindswurst
If you are going to eat a sausage at the Frankfurt Christmas Market – and we highly recommend that you do – make sure to order a Frankfurter Rindswurst.
The beef sausage is best served on a bun, topped only with mustard and washed down with a German beer, of course!
Reibekuchen
These delightful and crispy potato pancakes are one of our all-time favorite German Christmas market treats.
Traditionally served with applesauce, we actually prefer our reibekuchen topped with sour cream. The crunchy and creamy combination might just be a Christmas miracle on a very flimsy plate!
Frankfurter Handkas Fondue
Handkas – or Hand Cheese – is a Frankfurt culinary classic. Using handkas in fondue, however, is a modern twist…and we think it’s delicious.
Even better, Frankfurt Handkas Fondue is served in a festive reindeer mug with it’s own candle to keep it piping hot and ooey-gooey (and makes it irresistibly cute!).
Flammkuchen
Germany’s version of pizza, Flammkuchen has a thin, crispy crust and is traditionally topped with a tantalizing combination of melted cheese, onions and bacon.
A warm and tasty snack at the market, Flammkuchen pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of mulled wine!
Frankfurt Christmas Sweet Treats
Roasted almonds and gingerbread treats are popular sweets at many German Christmas city markets – and we found many vendors in Frankfurt serving these classics.
That said, if we absolutely had to pick just one sugary indulgence, it would be Bethmannchen marzipan cookies.
Created in the city long ago, each of the chewy morsels is decorated with three almonds – and they are a specialty at the Christmas market in Frankfurt!
#4 Snap a Christmas Tree Selfie in Romerberg
The 100-foot-tall Christmas Tree that stands in front of Romer (City Hall) is an iconic symbol of Christmas in Frankfurt.
Decorated with hundreds of lights and holiday bows, the tree dominates the square. Getting a photo taken with the towering fir is essential…but can be a bit tricky.
Because it’s so large, it’s fairly easy to get an up-close selfie with the decorations as the background.
However, if you want your photo taken with the entire tree minus a sea of other people, we found a few spots that provide the perfect photo opportunity.
The prime place is behind the Fountain of Justice in the center of the square. Another striking angle is right below Ostzeile behind the Carousel Ticket Office.
We also snapped a pic of the tree and square from the lane leading south toward the river near Old St. Nicholas Church. Best of luck!
#5 Shop for Frankfurt Christmas Gifts and Souvenirs
In addition to the numerous food and beverage stalls, many vendors sell unique gift items and bespoke souvenirs.
In fact, the market’s history is rooted in Frankfurt Christmas shopping. The merchandise includes an array of goods – from homemade ornaments to wooden toys to local delicacies.
When Christmas shopping in Frankfurt, we recommend choosing products that are locally produced or regional specialties.
We believe the best way to seek out special gifts and souvenirs is to simply peruse the goods at the market huts.
However, of you are anxious about what to buy at German Christmas Markets, you can check out this article.
Frankfurt Christmas Market Calendar 2025
The official Frankfurt Christmas Market dates for 2025 are November 24 to December 22.
The Christmas Market Frankfurt hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:00am until 10:00pm and on Sundays from 12:00am until 10:00pm.
Frankfurt Christmas Market Map
Use this Google Map to find all that is Merry and Bright in Frankfurt during Christmas!
Best Christmas Markets Near Frankfurt
Looking for more of the best Xmas markets in Germany and Europe? We’ve got you covered there as well!
- Dusseldorf Christmas Market – Read our guide to Christmas in Dusseldorf and all the other fun things to do!
- Berlin Christmas Market – Use our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary to tour the sights while you’re there!
- Dresden Christmas Market – Read our 3-Day Dresden Itinerary to plan your complete trip.
- Munich Christmas Market – Use our Munich Self-Guided Walking Tour to explore more!
- Amsterdam for Christmas – Read why we think you should check out Christmas in Amsterdam.
Planning a Christmas Markets Frankfurt Trip
We have highlighted the Top Christmas Market Frankfurt Activities, but there is a lot more to Planning a Trip to Europe.
Travelers visiting Frankfurt during Christmastime also need to get there, choose where to stay and decide what to pack.
We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner to stay organized so nothing falls through the cracks!
Getting To Frankfurt in December
Most travelers will find that it is fairly easy to get to Frankfurt for the Christmas Markets, as it’s a major hub for transportation.
There are year-round flights from nearly everywhere as well as an excellent network of trains.
To find the lowest fares on fights to Frankfurt Airport (FRA), we recommend starting your search on Skyscanner. We offer more tips in our article, How To Book Cheap Flights.
To get from the airport to the city center is rather simple, as well. Just hop on an S-Bahn (S8 or S9) to the main train station, Frankfurt HBF.
From there you can board a Tram or U-Bahn direct to Romer, or walk 20mins (but the immediate area around the station isn’t very…festive).
Best Places to Stay for Christmas in Frankfurt
There are many hotels in and around the Frankfurt Old Town, however, finding affordable accommodations can be a real struggle during the Christmas Season.
We recommend booking as early as possible to find the lowest rates. Read our advice for scoring prime places in our Guide to Booking Hotels first.
Then, start your search on Booking.com and read fellow travelers’ reviews before reserving a room.
What To Pack for Your Trip to Frankfurt
We are sharing a few of our hacks for packing below, so grab our FREE Checklist and let’s get you to Germany!
German Weather Gear
The weather in Frankfurt in December can be downright cold. You will need more than gluhwein to stay warm! Make sure to pack a winter coat, scarf, hat and gloves in your suitcase or backpack.
Durable Shoes
Frankfurt is a walkable city…but only if you have the right travel shoes! Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes for your festive getaway.
Travel Camera
Frankfurt for Christmas is a sight to see…and we’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos. Rather than relying on your phone, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality pictures.
We use a Canon Rebel with a 18/135mm lens. This set-up takes super photos in a variety of conditions. The kit also comes with loads of accessories, making it an excellent budget camera.
Frankfurt Map, Germany Guidebook and Day Pack
It’s easy to get turned around in any foreign place…especially after a few festive drinks! Make sure to have a trusted guidebook that includes a map before arriving in Frankfurt.
Also, don’t forget to bring a great day bag to keep all your essential travel items organized and secure.
Travel Insurance for your Frankfurt Christmas Trip
Insuring your vacation can protect against costs for unfortunate circumstances – like lost luggage or getting sick abroad. If you haven’t obtained coverage, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Germany! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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