Spending your winter holidays in Deutschland? 🧣
If you’ve been dreaming of twinkling lights, festive scents, and a white Christmas straight out of a postcard, the Frankfurt Christmas Market should be on your winter bucket list. This is one of Germany’s oldest and largest holiday markets, drawing visitors from all over the world.
When you’re ready to explore, get your warmest muffler and mitts ready. Keep reading to discover the best of one of Germany’s best-loved experiences, plus tips to help you enjoy every festive minute. 🌆
What is the Frankfurt Christmas Market?
Snap some photos of the famous vintage carousel in Paulsplatz
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is a local German tradition that dates back to the late 14th century. Originally, it started as a small holiday market where locals could stock up on supplies for the cold winter months. Over the centuries, it evolved into a grand festive celebration filled with handmade crafts, seasonal food, and joyful entertainment.
Today, it’s one of the biggest Christmas markets in Germany, drawing in both locals and visitors with its cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. Did we mention that there are over 200 stalls in this event, and it attracts 3 million visitors annually? Yes, it’s that unmissable.
If you’re coming from other parts of Europe or if you’re going to after this stop at Frankfurt, it’s best to have your Eurail ticket secured ahead of time for fuss-free travel ahead of the holiday rush. If you’re spending an extended period of time in Germany and its surrounding areas (Italy, Belgium, and Austria), you can check out the German Eurail ticket, too.
The Frankfurt Christmas Market dates for 2025 are November 24 to December 22. You can check out the opening hours below.
- Mon-Sat: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sun: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
📌 Location
You'll find the market beautifully spread across Frankfurt's historic center, with its main areas located in Romerberg Square, Paulsplatz, and along the Mainkai riverbank. Expect rows of charming wooden stalls selling everything from local handmade gifts to warming cups of Glühwein (mulled wine).
Klook Tip: Head to the balcony of St. Nicholas Church for a perfect overhead view of the twinkling lights below.
How to get to the Frankfurt Christmas Market
The S-Bahn train, one of the most common modes of transportation in Germany
If you're arriving by train, you'll likely start at Frankfurt Main Station (Hauptbahnhof), the city’s largest rail hub. From there, take an S-Bahn train (S1-S6, S8, or S9) to Hauptwache Station, it's just two stops and around a 3-minute ride. From Hauptwache, follow the signs and festive crowds; it's about a 5-minute walk to Romerberg Square.
Alternatively, hop on the U-Bahn metro: take underground lines U4 or U5 and get off at Dom/Römer Station. This stop drops you almost directly into the market area, with Romerberg Square just a couple of minutes away on foot. For those taking the tram, you’ll need to get on lines 11, 12, and 14, and alight at Römer/Paulskirche station.
You can grab a Frankfurt Card for access to all of these public transportation options (yes — trams, buses, subways, S-Bahn, and regional trains, including airport rides within the city districts!) It’s a way to zip around the city and explore beyond the Christmas market without breaking the bank.
Best Things to Do at the Frankfurt Christmas Market
1. Start at Romerberg Square
Take a stroll along Romerberg Square and enjoy the local holiday spirit
The heart and soul of the Frankfurt Christmas Market is Romerberg Square. Here, you'll be welcomed by Frankfurt’s tallest and most dazzling Christmas tree, surrounded by medieval houses that feel straight out of a holiday postcard.
Expect to see rows of rustic wooden stalls with handcrafted ornaments, candles, and toys. If you only have time for one part of the market, make it Romerberg.
Klook Tip: Cash is still king in an outdoor market like this! Many stalls don’t accept cards, so don’t forget to bring along some extra change.
2. Ride the Vintage Carousel
Looking to add a little whimsy to your visit? Don’t miss the vintage carousel at Paulsplatz, a favorite with families and couples alike. It’s one of the icons of the festival and is located right in the middle of the event, so it’s hard to miss. Public Wi-Fi can be spotty in these busier areas, so it’s worth considering a 5G eSIM for your trip.
5. Indulge in Frankfurt Christmas Market Food
The Christmas market features rows of stalls selling lovely handmade trinkets that make perfect souvenirs
From sizzling sausages to sweet marzipan treats, Frankfurt Christmas Market food is reason enough to visit. Must-tries include:
- Bratwurst (classic German sausage)
- Bethmännchen (Frankfurt’s famous almond marzipan cookies)
- Kartoffelpuffer (crispy potato pancakes with applesauce)
- Roasted chestnuts and candied almonds
And of course, don’t forget to warm up with a cup of mulled wine (Glühwein). If you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, try hot apple cider or Kinderpunsch.
Where to stay for the Frankfurt Christmas Market
If you want to be close to the action (and the city’s main streets), we recommend looking into accommodations in these areas:
- Altstadt/Romerberg: Just a few steps from the main market!
- Innenstadt: A little quieter but within easy walking distance.
- Bahnhofsviertel: Near the main train station, great for budget-friendly stays.
Getting around Frankfurt
Now, if you’re the type to want flexibility in your schedule and get around without worrying about public transport schedules? The Frankfurt Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is a great way to explore the city at your own pace. With this 24-hour pass, you can hop on and off at major sights like the Frankfurt Cathedral, Palmengarten, Städel Museum, and Main Tower, all while enjoying recorded commentary about the city's history and landmarks.
It’s a great option if you want to combine your Christmas market visit with a bit of sightseeing. You can start your day exploring the festive stalls, then jump on the bus to discover Frankfurt’s museums and riverside views. The route conveniently stops near the city center, where the Christmas market takes place.
Whether you're here for the cozy vibes, the festive food, or just a new way to experience winter in Europe, you’re sure to make some core memories in the Frankfurt Christmas Market. So bundle up, grab a cup of Glühwein, and celebrate the end of another meaningful year.🎄
FAQs about Christmas in Frankfurt
Is Frankfurt good for Christmas markets?
Yes, Frankfurt is well-known for its Christmas market. The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest in Germany, dating back to 1393. It takes place in the Altstadt (Old Town) and covers Romerberg Square, Paulsplatz, and Mainkai.
What is the best Christmas market in Germany?
There is no single “best” Christmas market as each city has its own charm, but a few markets are consistently popular. Frankfurt is one of the largest and most historic. Other top markets include Nuremberg, famous for its Christkindlesmarkt and gingerbread cookies; Dresden's Striezelmarkt, known for its traditional Stollen cake; and Cologne, which has multiple themed markets around its cathedral and Old Town. These markets are similar in size and visitor numbers but vary slightly in the type of food, crafts, and entertainment offered.
Where is the biggest Christmas market in Frankfurt?
The biggest section of the Frankfurt Christmas Market is located at Romerberg Square, which is the central hub of the event. This area features the tallest Christmas tree in the city, a large concentration of stalls, and the main stage for concerts and choir performances. The market also extends into nearby Paulsplatz and along the Mainkai riverbank. These connected areas form the full market space, creating one large walking route through the historic part of the city. The Romerberg section tends to be the busiest and most photographed.
Is Frankfurt worth visiting in December?
Yes, Frankfurt is worth visiting in December, especially for travelers who enjoy Christmas markets and festive city breaks. Besides the Frankfurt Christmas Market, the city offers indoor attractions like the Städel Museum, Senckenberg Natural History Museum, and Palmengarten (botanical gardens with a winter light display).
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