The Frankfurt Christmas market attracts roughly three million guests and is one among Germany’s largest Christmas markets. It begins, on the earliest, on the Monday previous the primary Sunday of Introduction and persistently concludes on the twenty first of December.
The Römer constructing and its gabled façade, constructed on an enthralling cobblestone sq., take centre stage within the coronary heart of the historic city, providing a charming distinction to town’s trendy architectural components within the background. Inside this gorgeous setting, the Frankfurt Christmas Market bursts into existence.
🎦 Watch our quick video on Christmas in Germany, which is able to encourage you to discover this stunning nation in Europe for the vacations ⤵

Concerning the Frankfurt Christmas Market
The German title for the Frankfurt Christmas Market is Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt.
Amidst the charming backdrop of half-timbered buildings, the Frankfurt Christmas market is adorned with a pleasant array of seasonal culinary delights and market treasures.
The Christmas stalls
The stalls function handicrafts from the Ore Mountains, nutcrackers, candles, puppets, tin toys and Christmas tree decorations. There are a number of carousels for youngsters and a go to from Saint Nicholas on 6 December.
Meals stalls
Guests can bask in conventional choices corresponding to mulled wine, bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and freshly roasted almonds. A novel Frankfurt delicacy, the Bethmännchen (small, marzipan-based cookies), additionally graces the market, including to the festive culinary expertise.
![Frankfurt Christmas Market 03. Photo by Daderot - [CC0] from Wikimedia Commons Frankfurt Christmas Market. Photo by Daderot - [CC0] from Wikimedia Commons](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Frankfurt-Christmas-Market-03.-Photo-by-Daderot-CC0-from-Wikimedia-Commons-scaled.jpg)
Sausages stall on the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Photograph by Daderot – [CC0] from Wikimedia Commons
The Christmas tree
As per custom, a sizeable Christmas tree is erected on the Frankfurter Römer sq. in early November and adorned in preparation for the Christmas market’s grand opening on the finish of November.
The Frankfurt Christmas Market tree for 2023 comes from Spessart, close to Flörsbachtal (Principal-Kinzig).
Specialists chosen the 26-metre-high, 60- to 80-year-old spruce from a forest, and it is going to be put in on the Frankfurter Römer on the first of November earlier than being adorned in time for the opening of the Christmas Market on the twenty seventh of November.
The Merry-go-round
The Frankfurt Christmas Market additionally encompasses a carousel that may be a delight for younger and outdated alike.
A brief historical past of the Frankfurt Christmas Market
Documented proof exists of Christmas markets being a cherished custom in Frankfurt way back to 1393.
These markets, held through the Christmas season, typically featured spiritual thriller performs staged on the Römerberg, with inspiration probably drawn from an necessary historic occasion in 941.
A Christmas mass
This occasion witnessed the reconciliation of King Otto I “the Nice” together with his brother Heinrich following a Christmas Eve mass.
Heinrich knelt earlier than his brother within the Palatinate Chapel, located on the location the place the present-day cathedral stands.
The ability of this second has endured by means of time, serving as the topic of a portray by Alfred Rethel, now on show on the Historic Museum.
A Christmas wedding ceremony
Nonetheless, it was the yr 1498 that marked a major turning level within the historic evolution of the Christmas market. Throughout that Christmas, the marriage of Landgrave Wilhelm of Hesse and the daughter of the Palatine Elector was celebrated.
Chronicles vividly describe a grand procession that includes at least 1,000 horses because the Elector, his entourage, and distinguished visitors made their method to Frankfurt to partake within the joyous event.
A Christmas with out Christmas tree
Curiously, one essential ingredient of right now’s Christmas market, the Christmas tree, was notably absent through the period of the “Christkindchesmarkt.”
Within the early nineteenth century, the Christmas tree would turn out to be a extensively embraced Christmas ornament.
In Frankfurt, the privilege of promoting the best bushes from the Römerhalle earlier than Christmas was bestowed upon distributors from Sachsenhausen. Over time, this tree sale transitioned to the Römer Sq..
At this level in historical past, the Christmas market remained a uniquely Frankfurter affair, with strict restrictions towards outsiders.

Frankfurt Weihnachtsmarkt in 1851
A Christmas market
It progressively assumed a particular Frankfurt character, turning into famend for providing the best domestically crafted items and an array of toys, delectable sweets, and charming Christmas presents.
The toys of the time predominantly consisted of easy picket carts and “cloth pom-poms,” although they later integrated picket and rocking horses.
Remarkably, it was a typical observe in Frankfurt for folks to completely procure their youngsters’s toys from the Christmas market, a practice that continued till the Seventies and Nineteen Eighties.
After WWII
Throughout World Conflict II, the historic backdrop of the Christmas market fell sufferer to Allied air raids in Frankfurt.
Within the post-war interval, the market relocated to completely different venues throughout town because the Römerberg was present process development work, significantly through the late Sixties and early Seventies for the subway system.
It wasn’t till the Seventies that the Christmas market may return to its conventional location.
It has turn out to be a major vacationer attraction since restoring the historic japanese row of the Sonntagsberg in 1983.

Frankfurt Christmas Market. Supply: Depositphotos.com
Occasions across the Frankfurt Christmas Market
The Christmas market can also be the event for Introduction occasions:
- Worldwide Christmas Introduction Live shows
- Ringing of the Frankfurt metropolis bells (50 bells from 10 church buildings) on the Saturday earlier than 1st Introduction from 4.30 pm to five pm and on Christmas Eve from 5 pm to five.30 pm.
- Go to from St Nicholas (significantly on the sixth of December)
- The Glockenspiel in St Nicholas Church (Each day at 9.05 am, 12.05 pm and 5.05 pm)
- Ecumenical Introduction carols on the Frankfurt Christmas Market
The Frankfurt Christmas Market takes place from the twenty seventh of November to the twenty first of December 2023.
For extra details about Frankfurt, take a look at the occasion’s official web site.

What to see in Frankfurt at Christmas
With its dynamic mix of outdated and new, Frankfurt has a lot to supply monument lovers and artwork lovers alike.
Certainly, Frankfurt is a metropolis that seamlessly blends its wealthy historic heritage with trendy architectural marvels.
Guests to Frankfurt can discover a various vary of monuments and landmarks.
Frankfurt outdated city
Frankfurt’s Previous City is an enthralling and traditionally wealthy district that gives a pleasant mix of tradition, historical past, and structure. Nestled alongside the picturesque River Principal, it is a spot the place old-world appeal harmoniously coexists with the bustling metropolis.
A reconstructed outdated city
The meticulous reconstruction venture, culminating in 2018, has breathed new life into this space between the long-lasting Römer and the majestic cathedral. The result’s a vibrant neighbourhood the place locals and vacationers can relish the atmosphere of a time-honoured outdated city.
Exploring Frankfurt’s Previous City supplies a glimpse into town’s charming historical past. You possibly can sip espresso in quaint cafes, go to fascinating museums, or bask in procuring sprees surrounded by the architectural range that tells the story of Frankfurt.
One of many highlights is the archaeological gardens, the place remnants of a former Roman settlement and a Carolingian imperial palace transport you again in time, vividly defined by means of video animations. So as to add to the historic depth, you’ll be able to comply with the Coronation Route, retracing the footsteps of the kings and emperors who had been topped right here.
Inside and round Frankfurt’s Previous City, a number of landmarks are price exploring, together with:
The primary landmarks of the outdated city
- Römerberg (Ostzeile): The Römerberg sq., lined with picturesque half-timbered homes, is a focus for a lot of occasions and celebrations, providing a quintessential view of Frankfurt’s Previous City.
- Römer (Metropolis Corridor): The Römer is without doubt one of the most recognizable symbols of Frankfurt, with its fantastically adorned façade and historic significance. It has served as town corridor for over 600 years.
- Saalgasse: This charming alleyway is thought for its historic structure and quaint outlets, creating an ideal atmosphere for a stroll.
- Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus (St. Bartholomew Cathedral): The Kaiserdom is a shocking instance of Gothic structure and has a wealthy historical past, making it a must-visit web site for these interested by cultural heritage.
- Alte Nicolaikirche (St. Nicholas Church): This historic church has witnessed centuries of occasions and is an architectural gem with a singular ambiance.
- Paulskirche (St. Paul’s Church): The Paulskirche performed a pivotal position in German historical past because the seat of the 1848 Nationwide Meeting, striving for a united and democratic Germany.
- Goldene Waage (Home of the Golden Scales): This fantastically restored constructing showcases the dedication to preserving Frankfurt’s architectural heritage.
With out forgetting…
Do not miss the Städel Museum, which homes a outstanding artwork assortment from the Center Ages to up to date works.
The fashionable aspect of Frankfurt is greatest represented by the Principal Tower, providing breathtaking views of town skyline and the futuristic European Central Financial institution headquarters. The skyscrapers district owes Frankfurt its surname: Mainhattan!

“Mainhattan” by night time. Photograph by SeanPavone through Envato Components
What to do in Frankfurt
This is a listing of inspiring actions in Frankfurt:

Frankfurt Christmas Market: What you should know
Listed here are some sensible information to plan your go to to the Frankfurt Christmas Market.
The place is the Frankfurt Christmas Market positioned?
Frankfurt’s historic and first Christmas market is positioned on the Römerberg and extends to Paulsplatz and the adjoining squares resulting in the Zeil, town’s predominant procuring avenue.

The Christmas Market spreading in adjoining streets close to the Römerberg. Supply: Depositphotos.com
The way to get to the Frankfurt Christmas Market?
🚄 By prepare:
Accessing Frankfurt by prepare is a handy and fashionable choice.
Frankfurt Central Station, or Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, is without doubt one of the busiest prepare stations in Europe and serves as an important transportation hub.
It’s positioned proper within the metropolis’s coronary heart and provides glorious rail connections to numerous home and worldwide locations.
Excessive-speed trains just like the ICE (InterCity Specific) make Frankfurt simply accessible from main German cities like Berlin, Munich, and Cologne, in addition to Paris.
The station’s central location makes it a first-rate place to begin for exploring Frankfurt and its points of interest, as town centre is only a quick stroll from the Hauptbahnhof.
✈️ By air:
Accessing Frankfurt by air is easy because of the metropolis’s main worldwide airport. Frankfurt Airport (Flughafen Frankfurt am Principal) is one among Europe’s busiest and well-connected airports.
Located roughly 12 kilometres southwest of town centre, it’s accessible by varied transportation choices.
You possibly can attain town from the airport through the environment friendly S-Bahn (suburban prepare) system or by taxi.
The airport serves as a vital transportation hub, offering handy entry to Frankfurt and the encircling area, making it a perfect entry level for travellers coming to town by air.

Frankfurt from above. Photograph by S21aerials through Envato Components
🚗 By automotive:
Accessing Frankfurt by automotive is a handy choice because of the metropolis’s central location and the well-developed street community within the area.
Frankfurt is located on the intersection of a number of main highways, making it accessible from varied components of Germany and neighbouring international locations.
Town is related to the A3, A5, and A66 autobahns, permitting easy accessibility from cities like Berlin, Munich, Cologne, and Stuttgart. Town can also be well-connected to close by European international locations like France, the Netherlands, and Belgium through the motorway community should you’re travelling from overseas.
Frankfurt has ample parking amenities, but it surely’s important to be conscious of site visitors circumstances, particularly throughout rush hours, as town can expertise congestion.
⚠️ Drivers want a inexperienced sticker to enter Frankfurt’s low-emission zone. (extra particulars)
Frankfurt is :
- 190 km from Cologne
- 205 km from Stuttgart
- 215 km from Strasbourg (France)
- 225 km from Nuremberg
- 395 km from Munich
- 415 km from Zurich (Switzerland)
- 550 km from Berlin
- 570 km from Paris
The place to park your automotive?
Should you’re coming to the Frankfurt Christmas Market by automotive, there are two choices:
- Park your automotive immediately within the metropolis centre, in one of many coated automotive parks. There are round 7,400 parking areas in round 25 coated automotive parks in Frankfurt metropolis centre, most of that are open 24 hours a day. Nonetheless, parking areas within the metropolis centre are fairly costly.
- Park your automotive freed from cost outdoors town centre in one of many Park+Journey areas and take the tram to town centre. Extra information on Frankfurt’s Park+Journey.
The place to remain in Frankfurt at Christmas?
Immerse your self within the magical ambiance of the Frankfurt Christmas market by choosing comfy and handy lodging!
When visiting the Frankfurt Christmas market, choosing appropriate lodging is vital to completely having fun with this enchanting season. Luckily, town provides a variety of lodging choices proper for each style and price range.
You possibly can select from elegant lodges within the coronary heart of the outdated city, cosy hostels, or charming flats that present an genuine home-away-from-home expertise.
To streamline your search, you’ll be able to take a look at this listing of lodging, that includes a wide range of choices on your keep.
Bear in mind to have a look at our interactive map to find lodgings near the Christmas market and choose the one which most accurately fits your wants.

Concerning the illustrations within the article
Many of the pictures are ours (© French Moments). Nonetheless, I’ve chosen some pictures (together with the Featured Picture of this text) from Depositphotos, a industrial platform that brings authors of high-quality licensed inventory pictures, graphics, vectors and movies along with appreciative consumers.