© #visitfrankfurt, Holger Ullmann

The magic of Christmas in Frankfurt

Diversity and tradition
in a festive atmosphere

The Frankfurt Christmas market stretches through the city center. From the Roßmarkt to the Zeil, Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz with its Rosa Weihnacht (Pink Christmas) and Paulsplatz, down to the Römerberg and the banks of the Main with the new children's Christmas market, there are over 200 elaborately decorated stalls lined up next to each other. Visitors will find arts and crafts, Christmas decorations, gifts, and Christmas specialties from all over the world. On the Römerberg, the huge Christmas tree shines brightly against the picturesque backdrop of the old town.

 

 

When at the Frankfurt Christmas Market, make sure to sample the many traditional local specialties.

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” were 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

© #visitfrankfurt, Holger Ullmann

Programme Frankfurt
Christmas Market 2025

Information about the programme will be updated continuously.

Premiere: 
The Frankfurt Children's Christmas Market

Christmas magic for families comes to the Main!

The new children's Christmas market on Mainkai / near Eiserner Steg will make the anticipation of Christmas even more special for our little visitors. It invites all children to get creative. In the craft booth, they can make glittering Christmas decorations, colourfully decorated gingerbread and lovingly designed Christmas cards – individual works of art that the little artists can place under the Christmas tree for their loved ones.

In the colourfully decorated Christmas world tent, children's songwriters and storytellers, magicians and interactive theatre captivate the children. Two Christmas trees will be decorated by the children.

Christmas photo spots throughout the park invite families to capture atmospheric memories. Joyful rides on the magically decorated children's chain carousel include sparkling lights, Christmas music and butterflies in the stomach.

Of course, there is also plenty to eat and drink: crispy bread on a stick, fragrant children's punch and treats in family-friendly children's portions ensure full tummies and beaming faces, while a dining room provides a cosy, warm atmosphere.

Highlights of the 
Children's Christmas Market

    Bookable Offers for the
    Christmas Season in Frankfurt

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

    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.

    © #visitfrankfurt, Holger Ullmann

    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. 

    Two people clink black mulled wine mugs at the Frankfurt Christmas Market.
    © #visitfrankfurt

    Mulled wine mugs 2025

    The popular Frankfurt mulled wine mug will feature the motto ‘City of Design’ in 2025, bridging the gap between festive tradition and creative design. The occasion is World Design Capital FrankfurtRhineMain 2026, as Frankfurt will be the festival centre for the world-renowned design award next year.

    • Design mulled wine mug: The mulled wine mug features Frankfurt's landmarks – the Römer, St. Paul's Church, the Old Opera House and the skyline – in an elegant, round emblem. The mug shines in elegant black with golden accents, while the mulled wine-red interior features the lettering ‘World Design Capital Frankfurt Rhine-Main 2026’.

    • Design special edition: The special edition, illustrated by Verena Mack, is a real collector's item. It depicts joyful moments of togetherness – a tribute to the community and creativity that will characterise the WDC year. The combination of glossy black with accents in red, white and light blue combines the magic of the Christmas season with the creative power of the region.

    • Price: 4,00 €
      Both editions are available at the Tourist Information Römer, in the Christmas market hut directly under the Christmas tree and at all mulled wine stands. Only while stocks last.

    Bags with Bethmännchen, a typical Frankfurt specialty
    © #visitfrankfurt, Gösta Rühl

    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.

    © #visitfrankfurt
    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.

    Our partners