The 21st of December of each year marks the beginning of winter,

In Frankfurt, however, it is winter as soon as the first twinkling lights illuminate the streets and immerse the city in a festive yuletide atmosphere.

The winter months lend Frankfurt a special magic. In December, the city shines in the festive splendour of its Christmas market, which transforms the Römerberg and St Paul's Square into a wintery sea of lights.

Here, visitors and locals will find mulled wine stands, handmade gifts and Christmas delicacies, while the city is filled with the nostalgic atmosphere of Advent.

Even after the holidays, wintertime Frankfurt still has plenty left to offer. Numerous exhibition houses, such as those put on show at the famous Städel Museum, offer fascinating insights into past epochs of art history.

The Palmengarten, meanwhile, enchants with winter light installations that guide young and old along the artistically illuminated paths and display the world of flora in a whole new light.

Tip for skyline fans

After your visit to the fascinating Rembrandt's Amsterdam - Golden Times? exhibition at the Städel Museum, you should definitely make a detour to the Städel Roof. Your ticket includes access to this special place, which awaits you with fantastic panorama views of the Frankfurt skyline and surroundings.

Frankfurt
celebrates

in winter

  • Frankfurt Christmas Market

  • Winter Lights at the Palmengarten

  • Elizabeth, the Musical

Christmas magic on the Römerberg: A festive atmosphere at Frankfurt's traditional Christmas market

The Frankfurt Christmas Market in the Römerberg old town centre is wonderfully enchanting. Set amidst historical timber-frame houses and thousands of twinkling fairy lights, decorated stalls offer hot apple wine, roast chestnuts and handmade gifts. The hustle and bustle on the Römerberg, accompanied by Christmas scents and sounds, creates an incomparable atmosphere.It is the absolute highlight of the Advent season, one that delights locals and visitors alike.

Winter locations in Frankfurt

Places to go for
winter moments in Frankfurt

The cold season shows Frankfurt from its romantic and contemplative side.

The twinkling lights of the Christmas market on the Römerberg, the tranquil beauty of (hopefully) snow-covered parks and the cosy cafés offer places of wintertime nostalgia and contemplation. Take a stroll along the icy River Main or enjoy the winter lights in the Palmengarten and savour the charm of the cold season in the city. Winter in Frankfurt is a time for relaxing hours, special moments and the joy of the small, festive details that make the city shine.

  • Winter culture: Even in winter, there are many exciting cultural offerings such as the Rembrandt's Amsterdam - Golden Times? exhibition at the Städel Museum or Carol Rama. Rebel of Modernism at the Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt. Both art shows offer inspiration and variety during the cold season.

  • Wintertime pleasures: Frankfurt's culinary scene becomes a cosy retreat during winter. In festively lit streets and cosy interiors, visitors enjoy seasonal specialities and international foods along with coffee or mulled wine. Together, it makes for the perfect setting for relaxed and convivial winter evenings.

  • Winter rooftop feeling: Experience Frankfurt's loftiest Christmas market at the City Alm (website only available in German language): Here, you'll enjoy rustic delicacies, hot beverages and an Alpine feeling above the rooftops of the city - festive atmosphere and striking skyline views included.

  • Winter activities on the River Main: During winter, the Main shows itsself from its more serene side. Walks along the riverside promenade offer a special tranquillity, and the view of the winter skyline creates a unique atmosphere. The surrounding bars invite you to linger in cosy surroundings even in cooler temperatures.

Feelings and
Inspirations

The Arrival of Winter in Frankfurt

When winter arrives in Frankfurt, the city takes on a very special aura. The days get shorter, the lights brighter and a festive atmosphere takes over the streets. Here are some of the highlights that Frankfurt's citizens particularly appreciate during the cold season:

  • Christmas market on the Römerberg: The traditional Christmas market attracts visitors with twinkling lights, mulled wine and handmade gifts. The festive atmosphere makes the Römerberg the heart of the city in December.

  • Museums and culture: Exhibition houses such as the Städel Museum or the Historical Museum invite you to visit inspiring exhibitions that provide cultural highlights on cold winter days.

  • Cosy cafés and restaurants: Frankfurt's cafés and restaurants offer cosy retreats with warm light, seasonal specialities and wintertime beverages, perfect for warming up and enjoying yourself.

  • Winter walks along the Main: The wintry banks of the Main offer a quiet, contemplative atmosphere for walks with a view of the skyline and are a beautiful contrast to the bustling city.