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Frankfurt 
Christmas Market


23.11. – 22.12.2026

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The magic of Christmas in Frankfurt

Diversity and tradition
in a festive atmosphere

The Frankfurt Christmas market winds its way through the city centre like a glowing ribbon. From the WeihnachtsRoßmarkt to the Hauptwache, Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz with its Rosa Weihnacht and Paulsplatz, down to the Römerberg and the Mainkai with its children's Christmas market, there are over 230 elaborately decorated stalls. Visitors will find handicrafts, Christmas decorations, gifts and Christmas specialities from all over the world. On the Römerberg, the huge Christmas tree shines against the picturesque backdrop of the old town.

A special highlight are the traditional Frankfurt specialities, which you should definitely try! The famous Bethmännchen, a sweet marzipan pastry, are a must during the Advent season. They go wonderfully with a mug of hot apple wine, which is an integral part of Frankfurt – especially on cold winter days.

The traditional Quetschemännchen make a lovely souvenir. These little ladies and gentlemen are made from dried plums and nuts held together with wire. Originally, the Quetschemännchen was a chimney sweep or musician who was supposed to bring good luck.

Opening hours

Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am – 09:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 09:00 pm

 

Address

Römerberg
Mainkai
Paulsplatz
Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz
Hauptwache
Roßmarkt
60311 Frankfurt am Main

Programme Frankfurt
Christmas Market 2026

Information about the programme will be updated continuously.

Christmas magic for the whole family 

The Frankfurt Children’s Christmas Market

Since last year, we have expanded the Christmas market east of the Eiserner Steg on the Mainkai to include a children’s Christmas market, which will be even bigger and more elaborate this year. A varied programme of hands-on activities and festive attractions promises unforgettable moments in an atmospheric setting.

The highlights at a glance:

Programme on the Christmas boat: Festive theatre performances, Christmas music and fairy-tale storytelling on board the illuminated boat on the River Main

Creative Christmas craft workshop: Designing personalised gift ideas under the guidance of qualified staff

Children’s carousel and Ferris wheel: Fun rides amidst sparkling lights

Hands-on stalls and treats: Food and retail stalls offering child-friendly delicacies and interactive stations

Premiere: Children's artwork at the Christmas market
As a special eye-catcher this year, 100 Christmas trees, individually decorated by children from Frankfurt, adorn the Frankfurt Christmas market. These unique works of art are scattered throughout the market and invite visitors to explore.

With the kind support of the City Marketing Department, Primus-Linie and Frankfurter Sparkasse.

Bookable Offers for the
Christmas Season in Frankfurt

Experience special moments and enjoy festive sparkle with our Advent offers.

Advent Experience for Groups: Guided Tour of the Old Town & Roasted Almonds

Available on request for groups of 15 or more persons

Christmas City Break in Frankfurt

Package offer - from €108 per person in a double room

Historical splendour

From a royal wedding to a celebration for everyone

How the medieval “Christkindchesmarkt” became one of Germany's most famous winter events

The year 1498 represents a high light in the historical development of the Christmas market. On Christmas Day of that year, the wedding of Landgrave Wilhelm of Hesse to the daughter of the Elector Palatine was celebrated. The chronicle reports that 1,000 horses were used to transport the Elector, his entourage, and his guests to Frankfurt am Main. The “Christkindchesmarkt” of that time still lacked the essential symbol of today's Christmas market, namely the Christmas tree. It was not until the beginning of the 19th century that the fir tree became established as a Christmas decoration. In Frankfurt am Main, the Sachsenhausen merchants had the privilege of offering the best trees for sale in the Römerhalle before Christmas. Over time, this sale moved to the town hall square in front of the Römer.

  • At that time, the Christkindchesmarkt was an exclusively Frankfurt affair, with no outsiders allowed, which gave the market its distinct Frankfurt character over time.

  • The finest traditional handcrafted goods were offered, alongside toys, sweets, and Christmas gifts.

  • Toys were mainly simple wooden carts and “cloth dolls”. Over time, wooden hobby horses and rocking horses were also added.

  • Until the 1870s and 1880s, it was customary for Frankfurt parents to buy toys for their children exclusively at the Christmas market.

The Christmas customs and traditions of Frankfurt

‘Brenten’, ‘Bethmännchen’ and ‘Quetschemännchen’ - these sweet delicacies are not only typical of Frankfurt, but also a piece of history that you can taste. They have been lovingly prepared in the city's bakeries and kitchens for centuries.

The ‘Quetschemännchen’ in particular was once more than just a delicacy: In the 19th century, it served as a charming way for shy admirers to express their affection. If the beloved was interested, she kept the gift. If it was returned, the suitor was out of luck.

A more recent, but no less popular tradition is the Christmas market cup, which is redesigned every year. In glamorous colours and with detailed motifs, it becomes a coveted collector's item every year. Each cup tells its own little story and gives a flavour of what will make the city special in the coming year. The mug is a lovingly designed souvenir for visitors and Frankfurters alike.

Another highlight is Frankfurt's Christmas tree, which is usually given a name. In recent years, the trees have been called “Sonny,” “Gretel,” and “Florian,” among other names. Every year, a magnificent tree is selected to form the centerpiece of the market. Sometimes it comes from the forests of the Taunus, sometimes from other regions – always carefully chosen to offer the right combination of size, shape, and Christmas spirit. 

Bags with Bethmännchen, a typical Frankfurt specialty

Bethmännchen –
Frankfurt's sweet tradition

Hardly any other pastry is as closely associated with Frankfurt as Bethmännchen. These small marzipan balls with three almonds date back to the Bethmann banking family and have been a reminder of their sons since the 19th century – a sweet symbol of Frankfurt tradition.

Bethmännchen are an integral part of the Christmas season: they can be found at the Christmas market around the Römerberg or given as gifts to family and friends. For 40 years, the Schlosscafé Keth has also been offering its own artisanal version. Many Frankfurters bake this speciality themselves – a custom that has been passed down through generations and keeps a piece of the city's history alive to this day.

Recipe for Bethmännchen

Ingredients:

  • 250 g raw marzipan
  • 20 g fine sugar or icing sugar
  • 1 egg white
  • A little rose water and fructose
  • 50 peeled, halved almonds

Preparation: 

  • Roughly chop the raw marzipan paste and thoroughly mix it with rosewater, icing sugar, fructose and egg white.
  • Shape walnut-sized balls from the marzipan mixture.
  • Press three almond halves, tips pointing upwards, into the sides of each ball.
  • Bake in the oven at 180°C until the tips are golden brown.

Bethmännchen taste best when freshly baked – a piece of genuine Frankfurt Christmas magic.

Christmas spirit
all around the city

While the Christmas market on the Römerberg has traditionally been the centerpiece of the Advent season in Frankfurt, numerous other markets have emerged in the city’s districts over the years, each with its own unique character and charm. These markets are places of gathering, wonder and anticipation. They invite people to discover the diverse traditions of the Frankfurt Christmas season and to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere that has always filled the city during this special time of year.

  • Pink Christmas

    At Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, pink and rose lights shine brightly. The cozy wooden huts sell hot cocktails and homemade soups, among other treats. The entire square is lovingly and intricately decorated in shades of pink.

  • City Christmas Market

    Situated in the heart of the city, Frankfurt’s loftiest Christmas market invites visitors to enjoy a festive retreat. There, on the rooftop terrace of the City Alm, guests enjoy hot cocktails and hearty specialties between rustic alpine huts. The city lights, especially in the evening, create an incomparable atmosphere.

  • Sachsenhausen Christmas Market

    Scenically set in the wintery forest near the Goethe Tower, the Sachsenhausen Christmas Market offers its visitors Christmas specialties and handcrafted goods amidst the beauty of Mother Nature.

  • Finnish and Swedish Christmas Market

    For those who interested in experiencing Nordic Christmas culture, the Swedish Christmas Market in Preungesheim and the Finnish Christmas Market in Dornbusch open their doors on the first Advent weekend. Both markets offer local delicacies, traditional handicrafts, and bring Scandinavian flair to Frankfurt.

The Christmas markets mentioned above are just a small selection.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the Frankfurt Christmas Market

FAQs - Arrival

Parking for the event is not available.
Visitors are encouraged to use public transport.

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