© #visitfrankfurt, Holger Ullmann

Frankfurt 
Christmas Market

25.11 - 22.12.2024

The magic of Christmas in Frankfurt

Diversity and tradition
in a festive atmosphere

Starting at Roßmarkt, the Christmas market stretches along the Zeil promenade all the way down to Römerberg and the River Main. Visitors may 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 St Paul's Square.

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.

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

NEW

Christmas market mugs 2024

In 2025, Frankfurt celebrates the 100th anniversary of the modernist design movement on the Main, ‘New Frankfurt’. To mark this anniversary, the theme of the mug is ‘City of Architecture’. The glossy glazed green and blue mugs have been given a monochrome gold print.

  • Emblem: historic Grossmarkthalle in combination with the new European Central Bank building, complemented by the popular figures from the current Rudi and Klausi cup series.

  • Price: € 4.00

    Both editions are available at the Tourist Information Office Römer, in the Christmas market hut directly under the Christmas tree and at all mulled wine stands. Only while stocks last.

© #visitfrankfurt, Holger Ullmann

Programme Frankfurt
Christmas Market 2024

Information about the programme will be updated continuously.

Historical splendour

The origin of the
Frankfurt Christmas Market

The year of 1393 was a particular highlight in the historical development of the Christmas market. 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 with 1,000 horses.

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

© #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 the Frankfurt Christmas tree. Every year, a magnificent tree is selected to form the centrepiece of the market. Sometimes it comes from the forests of the Taunus, sometimes from other regions - always carefully selected to offer the right mix of size, shape and Christmas charisma. If a tree is not given a name, it is still described where it comes from.

Gallery of Christmas trees

Twinkling lights, bows and a shining star on top - what would a Christmas market be without an atmospheric Christmas tree? For years, festively decorated spruces have adorned the Römerberg at Christmas time and, with a few exceptions, even bear names. Frankfurt's Christmas trees from 2012 to 2024 can be admired here. 

 

Gallery of mulled wine mugs

Whether mulled wine, hot Äppler or simply a hot cocoa: every year, there are new mulled wine cups with changing motifs for the Frankfurt Christmas market. You can see which motif has adorned which mug in recent years in our mug gallery.

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. Below, you will find a complete overview of all Christmas markets in Frankfurt.

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.