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Ultimate Guide to the Christmas Markets in Frankfurt, Germany

Germany is one of the best places in the world to visit around the holidays for the fun and festive Christmas markets. The concept of the Christkindlmarket goes back centuries as an outdoor Advent market. Nowadays, there are over 150 Christmas markets in Germany with some larger cities hosting dozens of them. There are many Christmas markets in Frankfurt and I’m going to show you how to experience all of them.

Frankfurt is home to the most popular airport in Germany, so there’s a good chance that you’ll fly into Frankfurt when you arrive here. Why not stay in Frankfurt for a day or two to immerse yourself in holiday magic? Frankfurt has not just one, but several Christmas markets. I’ll show you how you can see all of them in one trip.

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Christmas markets in Frankfurt Germany

Getting There and Getting Around

Even though the German Christmas Markets are quite popular, November and December are still considered to be off-season travel, especially from international destinations. You should be able to find a good price on flights to Frankfurt this time of year. We always search for the best rates on flights using Skyscanner.

As for getting around the city, Frankfurt is very walkable for the most part. The Christmas markets in Frankfurt are not far from one another, so it’s easy to walk from one to the next. Make sure you stay at a hotel that’s close to the markets. I’ll make a hotel recommendation based on our own experiences toward the end of this blog post.

If you are thinking about visiting other Christmas markets in Germany, start your adventures in Frankfurt and continue on to other German cities and small towns. Some will be easy to reach by train, though other destinations could be easier to reach by car. I suggest comparing car rentals in Frankfurt with Discover Cars where you’ll always find the best rates.

Always Get Travel Insurance

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When do the Frankfurt Christmas markets take place?

The majority of the Christmas markets in Frankfurt take place from the end of November through to right before Christmas. In 2024, the Frankfurt Christmas markets are open from November 25th until December 22nd. From Monday to Saturday, the opening hours are 10:00am – 9:00pm. On Sunday, the markets open from 11:00am – 9:00pm.

We were a bit surprised that the Christmas markets in Frankfurt closed at 9:00pm, which seemed early to us. However, there are some late night markets that focus more on the gluhwein and drinking that keep going past 9:00pm.

Frankfurt Christmas Market Dates for 2024

November 25th to December 22nd, 2024

Frankfurt Christmas Market Hours for 2024

Monday to Saturday 10:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday 11:00am – 9:00pm

Christmas Markets in Frankfurt: A Comprehensive List

The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest in Germany, dating back to 1393. Known in German as Weihnachtsmärkte, the market opens during the period of Advent from late November until December 22nd. Naturally, markets back then look a lot different than they do today.

The market primarily consisted of stalls offering wares for purchase so residents could survive the harsh winter season. The stalls were only operated by residents of Frankfurt themselves. From the 19th century, the Christmas market in Frankfurt started to look more like the ones we see today with Christmas trees, toys, gingerbread, candy and more.

Frankfurt is home to several Christmas markets, and I’ll list them in detail below so you can attend each one. The Christmas markets in Frankfurt are all walkable, and it’s very easy to walk from one to the next. I’ll also share my favourite Christmas market in Frankfurt that you don’t want to miss.

Frankfurt Christmas Market: Römerberg

Romerberg - Frankfurt Christmas Market

The center of all the action for the Frankfurt Christmas Market is Römerberg. This is the main old town square of Frankfurt with the reconstructed half-timbered houses that were destroyed in WWII.

Römerberg is a lively hub with a carousel, rows and rows of wooden stalls selling gluhwein, sugary and savory treats, Christmas decorations and more. There is also a massive Christmas tree adorned with sparkling lights and ribbons, adding to the magical atmosphere.

Christmas markets in Frankfurt
Gluhwein in Romerberg
Christmas ornaments
Romerberg - Christmas market

There is a really sweet vendor from Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Germany’s Christmas capital) that has a large indoor booth with Christmas ornaments. Look out for handmade Christmas ornaments, wooden ones, felted ones, tree toppers, ornaments of various animals and so much more. There may be a bit of a wait to get inside (and a long line inside to pay), but it’s well worth shopping here (and packing your patience).

Römerberg is also home to the Artists’ Christmas Market. This will be the 102nd Christmas Market of Frankfurt Artists. It is located behind the big Christmas tree within Römerhallen, the town hall building. It takes place from December 3rd to December 22nd. Please note that you are not allowed to bring your mugs of gluhwein into the Artists’ Christmas Market, so drink before or after you visit.

German Christmas Markets and Gluhwein Explained

If you’ve never been to a Christmas market in Germany before, let me briefly explain how purchasing gluhwein works. Each city, town and Christmas market will have its own unique mug. Frankfurt has a new theme for its mugs each year. In 2023, it was Stadt des Fußballs (City of Soccer).

When you purchase a mug of gluhwein (mulled wine), you will pay an additional small deposit (pfand) for the mug. This is usually only a couple of Euros at most. When you bring back the mug, you will receive your deposit back.

You can also choose to keep the mug as a souvenir. I fell in love with the mugs at the Christmas markets and decided to collect one from each market. As we visited several Christmas markets, I returned home with nine mugs in total!

These are a really inexpensive souvenir that reminds me of my trip to the Christmas markets. I put up a little shelf in my kitchen where I have all of my mugs displayed quite nicely.

Mainkai Market

Mainkai

This extension of the main Frankfurt Christmas Market takes place on the banks of the Main River. There are rows of stalls that might be a little less frequented than the ones in the Römer. The Mainkai Market won’t really feel much different from the Römerberg Market as one leads right into the other.

Frankfurt Christmas Market: Paulsplatz

While I felt as though there was a better variety of food at Römerberg, Paulsplatz has more to offer when it comes to vendor booths, gifts and souvenirs. Paulsplatz Market is an extension of the main Frankfurt Christmas Market. Once you cross the street from Römerberg, the market continues at Paulsplatz.

Paulsplatz - Christmas markets in Frankfurt
Christmas markets in Frankfurt: potpourri heart
Ceramic houses

There’s another Artists’ Christmas Market at St. Paul’s Church that’s affiliated with the one in the Römer. At Paulsplatz, we found decorations made from blown glass, fragrant potpourri creations, little ceramic houses, sweet treats, knit goods, and so many other wonderful creations.

Pink Christmas Market (Rosa Weihnachtsmarkt)

Rosa Weihnachtsmarkt

Now, Rosa Weihnachtsmarkt, aka the Pink Christmas Market, was my favorite market of them all. Why is it called the Pink Christmas Market? This is the LGBTQ+ market that believes in diversity and creating a safe space where everyone is free to be themselves. There are also pink Christmas trees and lighting along with a vibrant atmosphere.

The Pink Christmas Market has the most vegan-friendly stalls in Frankfurt. There’s one selling a yummy falafel pita and another selling delicious potato pancakes with applesauce.

Potato Pancakes
Potato Pancakes
Falafel Stand
Falafel

I love the Feuerzangenbowle stall at the Pink Christmas Market. Feuerzangenbowle is an elevated version of gluhwein. Typically, it’s a mug of gluhwein that has a small sugar cone placed on top. Rum is poured over the sugar cone and then set on fire. The caramelized sugar drips down into the gluhwein for an extra sweet and potent drink.

Feuerzangenbowle
Feuerzangenbowle
Feuerzangenbowle

This stall, however, has a giant cauldron of gluhwein with a massive sugar cone on top of it. When someone gives the employees a tip, they cheer and ring a bell. Then, they pour more rum over the cone into the concoction. It’s so much fun to watch and I have to say that they must have received quite a few tips that day as my Feuerzangenbowle was pretty darn boozy.

Hauptwache Market

Hauptwache Market

Yet another extension of the Frankfurt Christmas Market, there are more wooden huts and booths lining Hauptwache. This is right by the biggest shopping street in Frankfurt, the Zeil. Browse the shops and enjoy the market at the same time.

Hauptwache Market
Christmas markets in Frankfurt
Christmas markets in Frankfurt

You will see many classic dishes and snacks, as well as gluhwein and other goodies. I don’t recall seeing anything that stood out in particular, but it’s still worthy of a trip.

Frankfurt Christmas Market: Roßmarkt

Roßmarkt

Roßmarkt is the newest extension of the Frankfurt Christmas Market. This square has many food and snack vendors, as well as ample seating to enjoy your meal – like a giant outdoor food court. Near the Roßmarkt (there are stalls and stand leading up to the official market entrance), I found chimney cakes and lángos, a fried dough, both having origins in Hungary.

Roßmarkt
Roßmarkt
Roßmarkt
Langos
Lángos
Chimney Cake
Chimney Cake
Roßmarkt
Roßmarkt

Inside Roßmarkt, I immediately noticed the huge traditional Christmas pyramid and decorations all around. There’s also a Ferris wheel here. This area looks particularly striking at night when everything is all lit up. Some other vegan-friendly food and treats that I discovered here are a variety of flavored nuts, cauliflower wings and fried mushrooms.

While Römerberg has the best ambiance with the half-timbered buildings and the Pink Christmas Market has the best food and drink, I’d say that Roßmarkt ranks third when it comes to food, drink and overall atmosphere. Don’t skip this one.

City Christmas Market (City Beach)

City Beach Market

For those who want to keep the party going, the City Beach Market (City Christmas Market) is on the top floor of a parking garage. Located on the rooftop terrace of the City Alm, this space is the home of Frankfurt’s beach in the summer and a Christmas market in the winter.

City Beach Market
City Beach Market

There are amazing cityscape views from the City Beach Market, and you’ll quickly realize why Frankfurt has earned the nickname “Mainhattan” (Manhattan + the Main River). This market goes until 11:00pm from Monday to Saturday and ends at 9:00pm on Sundays.

If you’re attending on a Friday or Saturday night, expect this place to be packed. I decided to check it out and I could barely move! It’s a really fun party atmosphere if you want to keep the Christmassy vibes alive into the night.

Palais Thurn und Taxis Market

There’s an additional small Christmas market at Palais Thurn und Taxis in Frankfurt. This is a tiny Christmas market that’s illuminated in pink lights and yellow stars. This Christmas market only sells food and drink and it typically stays open a bit later than the Frankfurt Christmas Market (11pm from Thursday to Saturday, 10pm on other nights).

Palais Thurn und Taxis Market
Palais Thurn und Taxis Market
Palais Thurn und Taxis Market

Sachsenhausen Christmas Market

This one is a little off the beaten path but entirely unique. The setting of this Christmas market is within a forest, beneath the Goethe Tower. The Sachsenhausen Christmas Market begins on November 16th (earlier than most markets in Frankfurt) and runs until December 22nd.

It is closed on November 24th for Remembrance Sunday. Here are the hours for the market:

Monday – Friday 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday 1:00pm – 10:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm – 9:00pm

There are traditional wooden huts in the forest selling tempting cuisine, hot and cold beverages, and arts and crafts. There is a carousel for the children and twinkling Christmas lights all around. I have read reviews that the food here is a little bit higher quality than the main markets. This one was a bit too far away for us to visit, but check it out if you have some extra time.

Finnish and Swedish Christmas Markets

There are two additional Christmas markets in Frankfurt that only happen one or two days a year. Pay them a visit if you happen to be in town. I’m sure you will find that these markets are home to Swedish and Finnish delicacies and gifts that are unique to these markets.

The traditional Swedish Christmas Market takes place on November 30th from 11:00am – 6:00pm. This event is happening at Schwedischer Kirchenverein, which is a little ways outside of the city center.

Similarly, the traditional Finnish Christmas Market takes place on November 30th and December 1st from 11:00am – 6:00pm. It’s held at the Dornbusch Church, outside of the city center.

Where to Stay in Frankfurt

Avani Frankfurt City Hotel

When we visited the Christmas markets in Frankfurt, Justin and I spent two nights at the Avani Frankfurt City Hotel (formerly known as NH Collection Frankfurt City). This is a stylish, modern and top-rated hotel in the city. The rooms are comfortable, clean and spacious. Plus, the staff had no issue extending our checkout time until late afternoon, which was such a treat.

The location can’t be beat. It’s steps from the Konstablerwache station and super close to the shopping street, Zeil Street. It’s only a short walk to reach the Frankfurt Christmas markets as well. I would highly consider staying here again, whether I’m exploring the holiday markets or planning a city break in Frankfurt.

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More Places to Stay in Frankfurt

In the past, we’ve also stayed at the 25hours Hotel Frankfurt The Goldman, but it might be a little far to walk to the Christmas markets. Use this handy map to compare hotels and properties, whether it’s for their location, price or other details. Enter your travel dates for more precise information and click on each property to book your stay.

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Check out our Germany travel guide for more details about what you need to know before you travel there, plus all of our blog posts about Germany in one place. Here are a few that might interest you:

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