Frankfurt
Christmas Market

25.11. - 22.12.2024

Arrival Bookable offers History FAQs Programme

The magic of Christmas in Frankfurt

Diversity and tradition
in a festive atmosphere

Starting at Roßmarkt, the Christmas market stretches along the Zeil all the way down to Römerberg and the Main River. Visitors can expect elaborately decorated stalls offering handicrafts and Christmas specialties from around the world, as well as a towering Christmas tree at Römerberg, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Old Town and Paulsplatz.

There are also many festive stalls at Hauptwache. A visit is well worth it, as Frankfurt's largest shopping street, the Zeil, located just opposite Hauptwache, invites visitors for some holiday shopping.

A special highlight are the traditional Frankfurt specialties, which you absolutely must try!

The famous Bethmännchen, a sweet marzipan pastry, are a must during the Advent season. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot apple wine, an essential in Frankfurt – especially on cold winter days.

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

Opening hours

Monday to Saturday:
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday:
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Programme Frankfurt
Christmas Market 2024

Information about the programme will be updated continuously.

Signing Language choir

The Grand Bell Ringing of Frankfurt

Artists' Christmas Market

Historical Railway

Ecumenical Advent Carol Singing at the Frankfurt Christmas Market

Historical splendour

The origin of the
Frankfurt Christmas Market

A highlight in the historical development of the Christmas market was the year 1498. That Christmas, the wedding of Landgrave Wilhelm of Hesse and the daughter of the Elector of the Palatinate was celebrated. The chronicle reports that the Elector, along with his entourage and guests, rode into Frankfurt am Main with 1,000 horses.

The "Christkindchesmarkt" of that time was still missing the key symbol of today's Christmas market, the Christmas tree. It wasn't until the beginning of the 19th century that the fir tree became a popular 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 shifted to the area 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.

Bookable Offers for the
Christmas Season in Frankfurt

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

Customs and traditions

Until the beginning of World War II, there was a strange and otherwise unknown custom in Frankfurt during the Advent season, which could be called the "custom of the giant Saint Nicholases."

For the creation of these figures, up to two meters tall and made of gingerbread dough, students from higher and private schools would collect money and present the sugar-coated figure to their teacher. The gift was then eaten together. "Brenten," "Bethmännchen," and "Quetschemännchen" are typical Frankfurt pastries that can look back on centuries-old traditions.

In earlier times, these pastries were made in large quantities in the city’s bourgeois homes. Unfortunately, today's shy admirers no longer have the same opportunity as those in the 19th century. Back then, admirers would send a "Quetschemännchen" to the object of their affection; if she kept it, he could hope, but if she returned it, his affection was not reciprocated.

Christmas spirit
all around the city

While the Christmas market on 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 various 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

From Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, pink and rose lights shine brightly. At the cozy wooden huts, you can find hot cocktails and homemade soups, among other treats. The entire square is lovingly and intricately decorated in shades of pink.
City Christmas Market

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

In the wintery forest near the Goetheturm, the Sachsenhausen Christmas Market offers its visitors Christmas specialties and handcrafted goods amidst nature.
Finnish and Swedish Christmas Market

For those who want to experience 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.