--- title: "Frankfurt Christmas Market" url: "https://www.visitfrankfurt.travel/en/experience/festival-and-events/frankfurt-christmas-market" language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Home > Experience > Festival and Events > Frankfurt Christmas Market" --- Frankfurt Christmas Market =========================== 23.11. – 22.12.2026 - - - - - - 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.** Expand allCollapse all - Here comes the christmas tree... …on Tuesday 3 November 2026, on the Römerberg This year’s Christmas tree, **NIKOLAUS**, is a beautiful spruce from the Pinzgau region in Austria. Here are a few key facts about the spruce: - Every year, the tree is the symbol of the Frankfurt Christmas market - This year, the tree comes from Wald-Königsleiten in the Pinzgau region, between Tyrol and Salzburg - It is a gift from the municipality of Wald-Königsleiten - A spruce around 70 years old, 26 metres tall - The name ‘Nikolaus’… is a loving tribute to its home region: three spruce trees feature on the municipal coat of arms of Wald-Königsleiten, whilst three golden balls symbolise Saint Nicholas. The churches also create a wonderful connection: Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of both Königsleiten and Frankfurt’s Römerberg. Thus, Nikolaus becomes a Christmas ambassador between the Alps and the city on the Main. - Official opening23 November 2026, Römerberg Stage: Opening ceremony with **Lord Mayor Mike Josef** and **Thomas Feda**, Managing Director of the Tourismus- und Congress GmbH Frankfurt am Main - 5.05 pm Carillon by St Nicholas Church - 5:10 pm Opening address by **Lord Mayor Mike Josef**, accompanied by the Frankfurt Opera’s Christmas concert - 6:00 pm The Playing of the Tower Horns from the Gallery of St Nicholas Church **Note: In the cordoned-off area in front of the stage, there is a limited number of spaces for wheelchair users. You can access this area via the Limpurger Gasse on the left-hand side of the stage.** - The Playing of the Tower Horns from St Nicholas ChurchAt the market's opening on Monday, 23th November, and every Wednesday and Staurday evening thereafter, the Playing of the Tower Horns from the Gallery of St Nicholas Church will fill the Römerberg with Christmas spirit. From the roof gallery of St Nicholas Church at the southern end of the Römerberg, the Christmas sounds of the ensembles may be heard from 6:00 pm. - 23.11., 6:00 pm - 25.11., 6:00 pm - 28.11., 6:00 pm - 02.12., 6:00 pm - 05.12., 6:00 pm - 09.12., 6:00 pm - 12.12., 6:00 pm - 16.12., 6:00 pm - 19.12., 6:00 pm - Frankfurt Artists' Christmas Market**104th Christmas Market of Frankfurt Artists** - Exhibition at St Paul's Church - 24.11– 20.12. - Daily 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm (on 20.12. until 6:00 pm) - Exhibition at Römer City Hall - 04.12 – 21.12. - Daily 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm (on 21.12. until 6:00 pm) **Free admission** - The Grand Bell Ringing of Frankfurt - Saturday, 28th November 2026, 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm - Wednesday, 24th December 2026, 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm **Participating Churches and Their Bells:** - Emperors' Cathedral (9 bells) - St Catherine's Church (4 bells) - St Paul's Church (6 bells) - St Peter's Church (4 bells) - Church of the Three Kings (5 bells) - Church of Our Lady (5 bells) - St Leonhard's Church (6 bells) - St Nicholas Church (4 bells) - Dominican Monastery (3 bells) - Carmelite Monasteryr (4 bells) These churches come together for the traditional **Frankfurter Stadtgeläut** (Chiming of Frankfurt's Church Bells), creating a magnificent sound across the city. - Visit by Santa ClausSunday, 06.12., 5:10 pm, Römerberg Stage - Historical Railway - 12th and 13th December 2026 Christmas rides through Frankfurt on the harbour railway - Start and finish: Eiserne Steg footbridge Further information will become available here: (Website in German) 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 Expand allCollapse all - Sprinkles, glue, Christmas cheer – off to the craft room! Here, little artists are big stars! In the craft booth at the Frankfurt Children's Christmas Market, they can paint, glue and craft to their hearts' content. The result is wonderful wooden decorations, colourfully decorated gingerbread and lovingly designed Christmas cards – little works of art that will later bring a sparkle to their eyes under the Christmas tree. **Note:** There is a fee of €5 per craft activity for making wooden decorations and gingerbread. Tickets are available directly at the historic ticket booth. **Opening hours:** Mon–Fri 3:00 - 7:00 pm Sat+Sun 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Christmas World Tent – fairy tales, music and interactive fun The Christmas World Tent will warm your heart: fairy tales and stories are told here and children's songs are sung – participation is expressly encouraged. The tent, with its Santa Claus sleigh and child-friendly Christmas decorations, invites visitors of all ages to listen, sing along, and dream. Two Christmas trees are waiting to be decorated by the children until the 4th Advent – feel free to bring your own crafts or letters. Lights and music shine out of the tent onto the Christmas market, creating a festive, warm atmosphere that brings everyone together. The tent is open throughout, and the program takes place: Mon-Fri 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sat+Sun 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. > Highlights: **Fairytale magic on the Main** *presented by Fessie.de* When the scent of roasted almonds fills the air and the Christmas market glows with warm lights, it's time for stories. Storyteller Angela Behrs from Wirbelwind brings well-known classics to life on the stage of the Christmas World Tent with sparkling eyes, a lively voice, and a touch of magic—a different fairy tale at every performance. 25.11., 30.11., 02.12., 07.12., 09.12., 14.12., 16.12., 21.12. **Fairy tale carousel** In the Galli Theater's interactive theater, an actress tells a fairy tale and slips into the various fairy tale characters and roles. The children experience the great art of acting up close, namely how the actors change roles right before their eyes on stage. Not only can they listen to the fairy tale with excitement, they can also actively participate. They can shout their thoughts and ideas to the actress on stage, who spontaneously integrates these ideas into the story. 26.11., 05.12., 11.12., 15.12., 19.12. **Fairy tale time** The fairy tale hours at Theaterhaus Frankfurt are individually designed by the narrators. This means that young audience members experience a new program each time, with fairy tales on different themes and from different cultural backgrounds. 27.11., 28.11., 13.12., 20.12. **Christmas carol party – The interactive concert for the winter season** Martin Pfeiffer presents well-known Christmas and winter songs at his interactive concerts for the winter season. These include old and new children's song classics from “Auf der Mauer auf der Lauer” to “Die Räder vom Bus” to “Der Gorilla mit der Sonnenbrille.” In other words, songs that all children, parents, and even grandparents know. 01.12., 04.12., 12.12., 22.12. **Interactive concerts for little Christmas fans** *presented by Frankfurter Sparkasse* Cheerful concerts for children aged three and up to sing along and dance to: together with songwriter Wolfgang Hering, the young visitors immerse themselves in the magical world of winter. Amidst snowflakes, the smell of cookies, and cheerful melodies, they will experience how wonderful the anticipation of Christmas can be – a musical experience full of movement, fun, and Christmas cheer. 03.12., 06.12. und 18.12. **Christmas magic show** Our magician will fascinate young audience members with his tricks. He won't even stop at Santa Claus's props – hopefully they'll reappear by Christmas Eve at the latest. 10.12., 17.12. - Bread on a stick at the fire pitEvery Tuesday and Thursday between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., children can bake their own bread on sticks at our fire pits. Have fun enjoying a cozy get-together around the fire! **Please note: Not possible in windy conditions for safety reasons.** - All aboard! The Christmas train as a sparkling photo spotThousands of tiny LED lights sparkle in the glittering Christmas train, transforming the surroundings into a radiant Christmas wonderland. The beautifully illuminated train invites visitors of all ages to take a seat and embark on a sparkling journey of imagination. This is where the most beautiful souvenir photos are taken – surrounded by the glow of the lights. So: get on board, smile and capture the moment! 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. 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. **Mulled wine mugs 2025** The popular Frankfurt mulled wine mug was themed **‘City of Design’** in 2025 and bridges 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 this 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 . Only while stocks last. frankfurt-bethmaennchen-traditional-cuisine-christmas-prepared.jpg ### **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. *Play video*Play external content Please accept all necessary cookies to watch this video. > 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 - When will the Frankfurt Christmas Market take place in 2026?The Frankfurt Christmas Market will take place from 23.11. to 22.12.2026. - What are the opening hours of the Frankfurt Christmas Market in 2026?**General opening hours from 23.11. - 22.12.2026** - **Monday - Saturday** - 10:00 am – 9:00 pm - **Sunday** - 11:00 am – 9:00 pm - Where will the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2026 take place?The **Frankfurt Christmas Market** will take place at the following locations: - Römerberg - Paulsplatz - Mainkai - Mainkai (Children's Christmas market) - Hauptwache - Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz (Pink Christmas) - Roßmarkt - How sustainable is the ‘Nikolaus’ Christmas tree?Sustainability and environmental friendliness are our top priorities. To give something back to nature, we have launched a voluntary reforestation initiative: for every tree on the Römerberg, we are planting a total of 300 new trees – 200 in partnership with Waldfreunde gGmbH in Dietzenbach and 100 directly in its home forest, Wald-Königsleiten. After its use as a Christmas tree, the tree is not disposed of but is put to good use in line with the principles of the circular economy. The wood from ‘Nikolaus’ is used to build cosy park benches. - What does "Pink Christmas" mean in Frankfurt?The “Pink Christmas” is part of the Frankfurt Christmas market and is located on Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz. Hot cocktails and homemade soups are among the offerings in the rustic wooden huts. The entire square is lovingly decorated in pink with great attention to detail. This is where the LGBTQ+ community, among others, meets. - What does "WeihnachtsRoßmarkt" mean?Since 2021, the Roßmarkt has been part of the Frankfurt Christmas market, stretching from the Roßmarkt across the Zeil down to the Römerberg and the Main River. At the Roßmarkt, the urban high-rise backdrop blends in a special way with the festive atmosphere of the Christmas Roßmarkt. You can enjoy the atmosphere with a hot mulled wine in the large Christmas pyramid. Afterwards, the Ferris wheel invites you to take a ride over the festively decorated square. For a special souvenir, why not have a little photo shoot in the sparkling horse-drawn carriage? - Are there Christmas stalls on the Zeil promenade as well?There are also many Christmas stalls at the Hauptwache. It's well worth a visit, as Frankfurt's largest shopping street, the Zeil—directly opposite the Hauptwache—is the perfect place for Christmas shopping. - What is the "Child Finder" (Kinder-Finder) and how is it used?With the Kinder-Finder (Child Finder), you can relax and enjoy your visit to Frankfurt's folk festivals. This free service from the Frankfurt Showmen's Association is aimed particularly at families with small children and provides added security at the festival grounds. The Kinder-Finder is a wristband on which you enter your mobile phone number. If you lose sight of your child in the hustle and bustle, other visitors or the police can quickly reach you by phone. This makes it easy for you to find each other again. The wristband is available free of charge at all children's rides. Simply pick one up, write down your number and enjoy the hustle and bustle with peace of mind. - Will there be another special Christmas market postmark?Gezeichneter Stempel auf weißem Untergrund der das Frankfurter Rathaus Römer zeigt. Yes, visitors to the Christmas market may once again send their holiday greetings and Christmas post with a special postmark. At the Tourismus- und Congress GmbH Frankfurt am Main's stall, situated directly under the Christmas tree on Römerberg, stamped and addressed letters and cards will be accepted and forwarded free of charge to the Deutsche Post special postmark office. There, the letters will be stamped with the special postmark and delivered to the designated recipients. However, Deutsche Post only stamps letters and postcards that are franked with traditional stamps. So-called ‘mobile stamps’, which are purchased via an app and then written by hand on the item as an alphanumeric code, do not receive a special stamp. - Is the Christmas market site accessible for people with disabilities?The entire event area at the Frankfurt Christmas Market is barrier-free. **Special note regarding the Römerberg stage:** For the opening of the Christmas market on 23.11.2026, and for St. Nicholas' visit on 06.12.2026, there will be a designated area for wheelchair users in front of the Römerberg stage. The entrance to this area is located on the left side of the stage and can be accessed via Limpurger Gasse. - Are there accessible/low-barrier sanitary facilities at the Frankfurt Christmas Market?You'll find barrier-free sanitary facilities at the following locations: - St Paul's Square - St Paul's Church - Alte Mainzer Gasse - Roßmarkt - Friedrich Stoltze Square - Which items are prohibited at the Frankfurt Christmas market?The following items are not permitted at the Christmas market: • Weapons, knives of any kind (pocket knives, etc.) • Sharp tools/objects • Animal repellent spray, pepper spray, nitrous oxide • Pyrotechnics and other dangerous items The consumption of cannabis in the immediate presence of minors is prohibited at all times and in pedestrian zones between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. **FAQs - Arrival** Parking for the event is not available. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport. - How do I get to the Frankfurt Christmas Market by public transport? - Underground lines U4 and U5 – **Station: Dom/Römer** - Tram lines 11, 12, and 14 – **Station: Römer/Paulskirche** - If travelling by S-Bahn lines S1–6, S8, S9, or underground lines U1 to U3, U6, U7 and U8 **get off at Hauptwache station**. From there, it's a 5-minute walk to Römerberg. - Is Mainkai road closed?The Mainkai is closed to traffic between tge Alte Brücke and Untermainbrücke bridges. Exceptions are: Mainkai from - Zum Pfarrturm - driving direction Alte Brücke/Kurt-Schumacher-Straße. - Are there any road closures during the Christmas market?During the opening hours of the Frankfurt Christmas market, the following streets are closed to motor vehicles: - Bethmannstraße/Braubachstraße between Kornmarkt and Kruggasse - Große Eschenheimer Straße from Galeria Kaufhof towards An der Hauptwache/Biebergasse to the junction with Schillerstraße´ - Limpurger Gasse from the pedestrian zone towards Römerberg - Alte Mainzer Gasse from Buchgasse - Roßmarkt from Am Salzhaus - Bleidenstraße between Katharinenpforte and Liebfrauenberg - Holzgraben from Liebfrauenstraße to Katharinenpforte Depending on visitor numbers, the road closures are expected to be lifted from 9.30 pm / 10 pm onwards. - Is there any car parking available near the Christmas market?There are several parking garages in the immediate vicinity of the Christmas market. These include: - Dom/Römer multi-storey car park, Domstraße 1 - Hauptwache multi-storey car park, Kornmarkt 10 - Konstabler multi-storey car park, Töngesgasse 8 - Börse multi-storey car park, Meisengasse 4 - Are there disabled parking spaces?There are disabled parking spaces at the Dom-Römer underground car park. - Are there stops and parking spaces for buses?In the city centre, for a maximum of 15 minutes for drop-off and pick-up: - Berliner Straße / (4 parking spaces) - Am Pfarrturm / (3 parking spaces) In the outskirts, with unlimited parking time (no drop-off or pick-up): - heodor-Stern-Kai / Stresemannallee (22 parking spaces) - Breitenbachstraße (35 parking spaces) For more information on bus stops, parking spaces for buses, and the current traffic situation, visit the website of the Road Traffic Office: Our partners