The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of Germany’s oldest and most atmospheric. It stretches from the Hauptwache area along the Römerberg—the old heart of the city—all the way to the banks of the Main River. Here stands the largest Christmas tree in Germany, right in front of the Römer, Frankfurt’s historic town hall.
In terms of number of visitors and size, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is among the most popular Christmas markets in all of Germany. Elaborate decorations, creative stalls, and stunning views over Römerberg make this market especially warm and welcoming.
Winter air is filled with the scent of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, baked apples, and the fresh aroma of pine needles. This is the perfect time to get unique gift ideas and rediscover the charm of German Christmas traditions.
Another highlight is the wooden house-shaped stall on Paulsplatz, where you’ll find handcrafted gift ideas made from honey and natural beeswax.
A more recent tradition is the “Rosa Weihnacht” (Pink Christmas) at Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, a dedicated LGBT area. This wooden market offers a mix of traditional and modern treats, from homemade soups and fresh gingerbread to festive cocktails.
What makes the Frankfurt Christmas Market unique is its strong bond with local artisans. For many years, only regional craftspeople were allowed, preserving the authenticity of the products. Even today, you’ll find locally-made, high-quality items at the stalls. For instance, Frankfurt’s toys—from rocking horses to stuffed dolls and wooden carts—are considered among the finest. Historically, local parents bought these exclusively at the annual Christmas market.
The bars and restaurants around the market serve Christmas specialties with a modern twist.
Don’t miss the chance to sip a warm cup of spiced wine and try a Bethmännchen—Frankfurt’s famous almond and marzipan treat. Round off your visit with a Christmas river cruise on the Main.
Set against the backdrop of Römerberg and St. Paul’s Church, over 200 market stalls line the Main river, Stoltze Square, and Hauptwache Square, creating one of Germany’s most significant Christmas markets. Once a traditional outdoor market, it’s now a vibrant meeting place for families and friends, famous for its mulled wine stalls, exceptional treats, and cozy heated taverns.
Don’t miss Christmas Garden—a two-kilometre circular trail through Deutsche Bank Park, immersing visitors in a magical world of lights. Add extra colour to your visit at Rosa Weihnacht at Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, dedicated to the LGBT community, and the Sachsenhausen Christmas Market near the scenic Goethe Tower.
For stunning city views, head to City Xmas—a rooftop market on Konstablerwache parking deck—where you can take in Frankfurt’s famous skyline while enjoying local Christmas traditions. A must-do is visiting Römerberg to hear the city’s church bells ring in unison—a unique moment when the chimes of 50 bells from ten different churches resonate across the old town.
Food lovers will enjoy seasonal specialties such as Quetschemännchen (prune figurines), roasted chestnuts, waffles, mulled wine, Reibekuchen (potato pancakes), and local sweets like Bethmännchen. New takes on Frankfurt’s classics include Handkäs cheese fondue or green sauce crêpes with brisket.
The Christmas markets are also a perfect opportunity to discover the city with City tours: cruises, guided walks, and virtual reality experiences let you explore Frankfurt and learn about one of its most famous citizens, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This year, the Christmas Market takes place from November 21 to December 22. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Entry is, as always, free and open to everyone.
