© #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. 

 

  • 2012
    Illuminated Christmas tree at the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2012 against the historic backdrop of the Römer, with decorated market stalls in the foreground and lots of people. The picture shows a festive atmosphere during the day.
    © #visitfrankfurt

    Arthos from Inzell

  • 2013
    Illuminated Christmas tree at the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2013 against the historic backdrop of the Römer, with a view of the stage and decorated market stalls. Many people can be seen in the foreground. The picture shows a festive atmosphere in the evening.
    © #visitfrankfurt

    Ines II from Gargellen (Austria)

  • 2014
    Illuminated Christmas tree at the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2014 against the historic backdrop of the Römer, with decorated market stalls and people in the foreground. The picture shows a festive atmosphere at dusk.
    © #visitfrankfurt

    August from Gröbming (Austria)

  • 2015
    Illuminated Christmas tree at the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2015 against the historic backdrop of the Römer, with decorated market stalls and people in the foreground. The picture shows a festive atmosphere in the evening.
    © #visitfrankfurt

    From Kirchzarten

  • 2016
    Illuminated Christmas tree at the 2016 Frankfurt Christmas Market against the historic backdrop of the Römer, with decorated market stalls and lots of people. The picture shows a festive atmosphere at dusk.
    © #visitfrankfurt

    From Brandenberg (Austria)

  • 2017
    Illuminated Christmas tree at the 2017 Frankfurt Christmas Market against the historic backdrop of the Römer, with snow-covered market stalls in the foreground. The picture shows a festive atmosphere during the day.
    © #visitfrankfurt

    Herr von Bödefeld from Schmallenberg

  • 2018

    From Schlüchtern

  • 2019
    Illuminated Christmas tree at the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2019 against the historic backdrop of the Römer, with decorated market stalls and people in the foreground. The picture shows a festive atmosphere on the day.
    © #visitfrankfurt

    Peter von Orb II from Bad Orb

  • 2020
    Illuminated Christmas tree at the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2020 against the historic backdrop of the Römer and many people in front of it. The picture shows a festive atmosphere in the evening.
    © #visitfrankfurt

    Bertl from Gröbminger Land (Austria)

  • 2021
    Frankfurt Christmas tree at the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2021 against the historic backdrop of the Römer, with closed market stalls in the foreground.
    © #visitfrankfurt

    Gretel from Jossgrund

  • 2022
    Illuminated Christmas tree at the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2022, with the historic backdrop of the Römer in the background and decorated market stalls in the foreground. The picture shows a festive atmosphere at dusk.
    © #visitfrankfurt

    Manni from Lohrhaupten

  • 2023
    Illuminated Christmas tree at the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2023 against the historic backdrop of the Römer, with decorated market stalls and lots of people. The picture shows a festive atmosphere at dusk.
    © #visitfrankfurt, Holger Ullmann

    Sonny from Flörsbachtal

  • 2024

    Florian from Wiesen

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.

  • 2000
    Yellow Christmas market mug with a depiction of Frankfurt Cathedral. Angels sit on clouds in front of the cathedral. Frankfurt Christmas Market is written in black at the top of the mug.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2001
    Dark blue mulled wine cup with a festively decorated Christmas tree. Stars are prominently placed on the tree. The Frankfurt Römer and the skyline can be seen in front of the Christmas tree. It is snowing in the illustration and Frankfurt Christmas Market is written in yellow above the Christmas tree.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2002
    Light blue mulled wine cup with the Frankfurt skyline. Above the skyline you can see Father Christmas with a sack from which toys such as a teddy bear are sticking out. Frankfurt Christmas Market is written above it in red lettering.
    © #visitfrankfurt

    Überschrift

  • 2003
    The mulled wine cup is orange. The Frankfurt skyline and the city's historic buildings can be seen on the mug. In the centre is a traditional snowman with hot cider and a broom. Frankfurt Christmas Market is written at the top of the mug.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2004
    Light yellow mulled wine cup with a depiction of Frankfurt's Römer. In the foreground is a banner, held by a decorated Christmas tree and an angel, with the inscription Frankfurt Christmas Market. A cinnamon star, a candy cane, a teddy bear and a children's roundabout are depicted in front of the banner. The image is crowned by a poinsettia.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2005
    Dark blue mulled wine cup with a depiction of St Paul's Church. In the foreground a banner, held by a decorated Christmas tree and an angel, with the inscription Frankfurt Christmas Market. A cinnamon star, a candy cane, a teddy bear and a children's roundabout are depicted in front of the banner. The image is crowned by a poinsettia.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2006
    Light yellow mulled wine cup with a depiction of the Alte Oper. In the foreground a banner, held by a decorated Christmas tree and an angel, with the inscription Frankfurt Christmas Market. A cinnamon star, a candy cane, a teddy bear and a children's roundabout are depicted in front of the banner. The image is crowned by a poinsettia.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2007
    Red mulled wine cup with a depiction of Frankfurt's Römerberg with historic buildings. In the foreground a banner, held by a decorated Christmas tree and an angel, with the inscription Frankfurt Christmas Market. In front of the banner is a cinnamon star, a candy cane, a teddy bear and a children's roundabout. The tower of Frankfurt Cathedral is depicted in the background. The image is crowned by a poinsettia.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2008
    This mulled wine cup in beige is decorated with Frankfurt's historic buildings such as the old opera house, the cathedral and the Römer. Above it is a banner with the words Frankfurt Christmas Market. The banner is held by an angel and a decorated Christmas tree. Above the banner is a star dressed for Christmas with a Christmas hat. A star with a tail completes the depiction.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2009
  • 2010
    A brown mulled wine cup with a depiction of an emperor holding a football instead of the imperial orb. Underneath is a banner held by an angel and the Christmas tree with the inscription Frankfurt Christmas Market. Below the banner is the Frankfurt football stadium, Frankfurt Cathedral, a football and the Frankfurt Römer. At the top right is the poinsettia.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2011
    A blue mulled wine cup with a choir singing around a festively decorated Christmas tree. The mug is labelled Frankfurt Christmas Market and underneath are images of historic buildings in Frankfurt; the Old Opera House, Frankfurt Cathedral and the Roemer.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2012
    Grey mulled wine cup with the Frankfurt Römer as a gingerbread house. This is decorated with candy canes and icing. The year 2012 is written below the Römer and Frankfurt Christmas Market is written in white on a red background around the Römer. The design is finished off with blue two-tone shapes.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2013
    The mulled wine cup is grey with blue tendrils. In the centre is bold white lettering on a red background. It reads Frankfurt Christmas Market. In the centre is the Old Opera House in yellow with falling snow. A star with a tail is depicted above the word Frankfurt.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2014
    Red mulled wine cup with a depiction of St Paul's Church and a decorated Christmas tree in the centre. Above this depiction, Frankfurt is written in white on an orange background, with Christmas Market below. Leaves and yellow berries entwine around the centre.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2015
    Purple-coloured mulled wine cup with the Frankfurt museums such as the Städel, the Goethe House and the Museum of Modern Art. Above the illustrations you can read Christmas Market Frankfurt City of Museums.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2016
    A mulled wine cup in mint green. The Frankfurt skyline is shown schematically in grey in the background. In the foreground of the cup is a reindeer on a bicycle, cheered on by Father Christmases. Above this scene, in dark green, is the Frankfurt Christmas market, the city of sport.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2017
    Blue mulled wine cup with a guitar-playing Father Christmas and a reindeer playing the piano. The Alte Oper can be seen in the background. The mulled wine cup reads in yellow lettering: Christmas Market Frankfurt City of Music.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2018
    A mulled wine cup in light purple. In the foreground is a carriage pulled by a reindeer. In the carriage stands Father Christmas with a crown, the orb in one hand and a sceptre in the other. Frankfurt's old town is depicted in the background in a dark purple colour. Above it is the Christmas market Frankfurt City of Kings and Emperors.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2019
    A green mulled wine cup with Father Christmases and a singing reindeer. In the background, light green trees and the image of the Alte Oper. On the edge of the cup is the Frankfurt Christmas Market City of Theatres.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2021
    Red mulled wine cup with a depiction of two Father Christmases clinking glasses and a reindeer in a bumper car. A Bembel can be seen between the Santas. Christmas Market Frankfurt City of Festivals is written in white. A Ferris wheel and the Römer are depicted in the dark red background.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2022
    Black mulled wine cup with a golden emblem. It depicts St Paul's Church. Next to the emblem is a picture of Father Christmas juggling with paragraph signs on one side and a reindeer with a scroll on the other. Small stars in gold, white and red can be seen in the background. Above the emblem, Christmas Market Frankfurt City of Democracy is written in gold lettering.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2023
    Black mulled wine cup with a golden emblem. It depicts a church, tower blocks, historical buildings and a football. Small stars in gold, white and red can be seen in the background. Next to the emblem is a man with a white beard and red and white clothing who is rejoicing. Above the golden emblem is the golden lettering Christmas Market Frankfurt City of Football.
    © #visitfrankfurt
  • 2024
    You can see two cups in blue and green. In the centre of the cups is a circle in gold and there are two buildings, one of which is a skyscraper. Below it is Grossmarkthalle and EZB. Under the circle you can read 100 years of New Frankfurt. To the left of the circle is a man with a beard and a square in his hand. Also outlined in gold. To the right of the circle is a reindeer with a compass in his hand. Also depicted in gold. Above the circle is the words Christmas Market Frankfurt City of Architecture.
    © #visitfrankfurt

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.