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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 Christmas markets in Germany and the merriment is celebrated throughout the city!
Traditional wooden huts cluster together in picturesque squares. The heavenly scent of hot spiced wine and sizzling sausages hangs heavy in the air.
Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt Christmas Market in 2024. In addition to the essential experiences, we include important details for the Christmas Market in Frankfurt – 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 the year 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, however, mystery plays were being performed and by the 19th century it evolved into the festive gathering that it is today.
In fact, the Christmas Fair in Frankfurt, called the Weihnachtsmarkt or Kestermarkt Frankfurt, is such a classic affair that it has been duplicated in other cities. The Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham in 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 at the Frankfurt Xmas Market – and are now sharing our top experiences.
Top Tips: We provide upcoming dates and answers to frequently asked questions in the next section.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Frankfurt Christmas Market Guide to plan your trip to Germany!
#1 Sip Warm Gluhwein
It wouldn’t be a German Christmas Market without gluhwein…and there is no shortage of the German mulled wine at the Christmas Market in Frankfurt am Main.
The specially spiced creation is served steaming hot in commemorative mugs. The cup of cheer adds merriment to the occasion – and helps battle the cold temperatures, too!
In addition to gluhwein, some vendors sell local craft beer and hot apple wine – a Christmas Market Frankfurt tradition. Feuerzangenbowle is another specialty – 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 fire to a large rum-soaked sugarloaf that hovers over a steaming pot of gluhwein.
Pro Tip: Many gluhwein 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 Market souvenir!
#2 Visit All The Best Christmas Markets in Frankfurt
Unlike some holiday events that are confined to one area, the Frankfurt Christmas 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 spots while sightseeing in Frankfurt (using 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 of the Frankfurt Xmas markets, 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 gluhwein, 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 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 most potent) feuerzangenbowle we’ve ever tangled with!
Hauptwache
Located just steps from Frankfurt’s modern shopping street, The Zeil, the 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, the area is absolutely buzzing in merriment!
#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 beer, of course!
Reibekuchen
These 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, making it irresistibly cute!
Flammkuchen
Germany’s version of pizza, Flammkuchen has a thin, crispy crust and is traditionally topped with gooey melted cheese, onions and bacon. We believe Flammkuchen also 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. That said, the Bethmannchen marzipan cookies are a specialty at the Christmas market in Frankfurt, Germany.
#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 tree 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 tree as the background. However, if you want your photo taken with the entire tree minus a sea of other people, there are a few spots that provide an opportunity.
The prime places we found for a picture-perfect photo were: 1) Behind the Fountain of Justice in the center of the square; 2) Below Ostzeile behind the Carousel Ticket Office; and 3) In 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 gluhwein stalls, many vendors sell gift items and 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. For more top tips of what to buy at German Christmas Markets, you might want to check out this article.
Frankfurt Christmas Market Details
We have the answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Christmas Market in Frankfurt. Below you will find everything you need to know, regardless of whether you’ve been naughty or nice!
When Do Christmas Markets Start in Germany?
Opening days for the most popular German Christmas Markets vary by location – but the Frankfurt Christmas Market dates are generally in the same timeframe from year to year. They typically open the last week of November and run until a few days before Christmas.
2024 Frankfurt Christmas Market Calendar
The dates of the 2024 Christmas Market in Frankfurt are November 25 to December 22. We also encourage you to check the official Frankfurt Christmas Market event page for any changes or updates to the Christmas Markets 2024 calendar.
What are the Frankfurt Christmas Market Opening Times?
Frankfurt Christmas Market 2024 hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00am until 9:00pm and on Sundays from 11:00am until 9:00pm.
Quick View of Christmas Market Frankfurt Dates 2024
- Dates: November 25 through December 22, 2024
- Times: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 9pm; Sunday from 11am to 9pm
Where is the Frankfurt Christmas Market Location?
As we already mentioned, there are numerous spots throughout the city and they’re all marked on our map below. For the Christmas Market Frankfurt 2024 festivities, visitors will find markets in Romerberg, Paulsplatz, Mainkai, Hauptwache (and adjoining Rossmarkt) and Friedrich-Stoltze-Square – among others.
Additionally, there have also been Frankfurt Christmas night markets in Thurn-und-Taxis-Platz, City Beach at PBG Parkhuase Konstablerwache Rooftop and Paradiesplatz in Old Sachsenhausen.
Are there Public Toilets at the Market?
There are free public toilets at Hauptwache train station. Paulsplatz also has toilets that cost €0.50 (look for the glass elevator box) as well as a few free portable toilets near each marketplace.
What’s the Weather in Frankfurt, Germany in December?
No surprise here: it will be cold in Frankfurt at Christmas time! Average temperatures for Frankfurt in December are around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to check the forecast before your Christmas trip to Germany.
Frankfurt Christmas Market Map
Use this Google Map to find all that is Merry and Bright at the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2024!
Best German Christmas Markets Near Frankfurt
Looking for more of the best Xmas markets in Germany? The Frankfurt am Main Christmas Market is one of several we have visited. Plus, there are numerous German Holiday Markets that are highly touted by fellow travelers. Find other Frankfurt Christmas Market reviews on TripAdvisor.
- Dusseldorf Christmas Market – Use our guide to Christmas in Dusseldorf and all the other Things To Do in Dusseldorf for sightseeing!
- Berlin Christmas Market – Website; Use our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary to tour the sights while you’re there!
- Dresden Christmas Market – Dresden Striezelmarkt Website; Use our 3-Day Dresden Itinerary to plan your trip!
- Munich Christmas Market – Website; Use our Munich Self-Guided Walking Tour to explore the city.
- Cologne Christmas Market – Koln Christmas Market Website
- Nuremberg Christmas Fair – Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt Website
- Hamburg Christmas Market – Christmas Markets in Hamburg Website
- Aachen Xmas Market – See the Official Website
- Amsterdam for Christmas – Yes, we know it’s the Netherlands, but it’s not that far! Read why we think you should check out Amsterdam at Christmas.
- More European Holiday Markets – Several cities host amazing festive fairs. Find out which are our favorites with our guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Europe.
Get more info about German Christmas Markets on the Germany Tourism Website.
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 in Frankfurt for Christmas market fun and decide what to pack. We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner so that 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 Frankfurt.
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 Frankfurt Christmas Market is rather simple, as well. Just hop on an S-Bahn (S8 or S9) train 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, Germany
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.
Since we didn’t book early, we only managed to find availability at a cheap Frankfurt hotel near the Hauptbahnhof Main Train Station. The property has since closed (or rebranded), but honestly, we wouldn’t suggest staying in that area.
Instead, start your search on Booking.com and read fellow travelers’ reviews before reserving a room.
What To Pack For Your Trip to Frankfurt, Germany
We are sharing a few hacks for what to pack for your German Christmas Market Frankfurt trip. So grab our FREE Packing Checklist and let’s get you to Europe!
Germany Weather Gear
The weather in Frankfurt in December can be downright cold. You will need more than gluhwein to stay warm in Frankfurt in winter! Make sure to pack a scarf, hat and gloves in your suitcase or backpack.
Best Shoes for Visiting Frankfurt Christmas Market
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, Germany at Christmas is a sight to see…and we’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos. Rather than relying on your phone to capture the scene, 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 option.
Frankfurt Map, Germany Guidebook and Day Pack
It’s easy to get turned around in any foreign place…especially after a few festive beverages! 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 trip can protect against loses in unfortunate circumstances – like lost luggage or getting sick abroad. If you haven’t already 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 for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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