Your Guide to the Frankfurt Christmas Markets [2024]

If there’s one way to jump headfirst into the holiday spirit, it’s by visiting the Frankfurt Christmas markets. Whether it was the stunning backdrops, the delicious snacks, or the magical atmosphere, I couldn’t get enough!

Spending a few nights in Frankfurt I was able to really explore all of the markets here as well as take a couple of day trips to visit the Christmas markets in Cologne and Heidelberg. 

In this post, I’ll go over all you need to know when visiting the Christmas markets in Frankfurt.

A Bit of Christmas Market History

Did you know German Christmas markets go back hundreds of years?

Frankfurt’s Christmas market is one of the oldest in Germany, dating back to 1393. 

These holiday markets, or Weihnachtsmärkte, began as winter fairs in the Middle Ages, where people could stock up on seasonal goods and treats to get ready for Christmas. Over time, they became community celebrations filled with food, drinks, music, and merriment.

The Preparation Behind the Magic

The markets only last a few weeks, but the preparation takes all year long. Vendors spend months crafting their goods, building up their inventory, and perfecting their displays. 

Even the stalls themselves are a work of art. Construction starts weeks in advance, with crews carefully setting up wooden booths, decorating them with garlands and lights, and assembling things like pyramids and ferris wheels. By the time opening day rolls around, it’s like stepping into a fully realized Christmas wonderland.

Exploring Frankfurt’s Christmas Markets

The Frankfurt Christmas market is actually made up of several individual markets. 

Römerberg and Paulsplatz Markets

Römerberg is the star of the show and probably what you picture when you think of a German Christmas market. With timber-framed buildings, a giant Christmas tree sparkling with lights, and rows of cozy wooden stalls, it’s impossible not to feel festive here.

Paulsplatz is right next door and has its own unique charm. I loved watching the carousel, though I’ll admit, riding carousels isn’t for me since they make me queasy. These two markets together felt like the ultimate Christmas headquarters, buzzing with holiday cheer!

Mainkai Market

If you love a good riverside view, the Mainkai market is for you. It’s smaller and quieter than Römerberg, but it’s packed with incredible handcrafted gifts, from intricate jewelry to colorful potpourri decorations.

One of my favorite moments here was sipping Glühwein while looking across the river at the Three Kings Church (Dreikönigskirche). At night, the church is all lit up, reflecting off the water like something out of a painting. It was one of those “goosebump” moments where it just feels like you are in the exact place you need to be right at that exact moment. 

The Mainkai market is on the banks of the Main River.

Hauptwache Market

Hauptwache feels like the cool, modern sibling of Römerberg. This is where you’ll find the traditional wooden stalls set against the modern backdrop of Frankfurt’s skyscrapers. Such a unique vibe!

The highlight? The wooden pyramid slowly spinning in the center, topped with festive figures. Oh, and the picture of the mini ferris wheel and Cinderella carriage, at the top of this post? They are there too! 

Obviously, as the name implies, this market is right outside the Hauptwache station.

The Rooftop Market on the Parking Garage

This was hands-down the most unique market I visited. Who knew you could combine a Christmas market with rooftop views? The top of the parking garage is known as City Beach the majority of the year with a beach bar and swimming pool. But in November and December, it transforms into a cozy winter Christmas market, complete with fire pits. There’s even a sit down restaurant up there!

To find it, you’ll want to put “Parking Garage Konstabler” or “City Beach” into Google or Apple maps for directions. It’s about a 7 minute walk from the Hauptwache markets.

The parking garage elevators are super slow and crowded. I decided to hike up four flights of stairs instead (worth it for the view!) The only small letdown was a generic mug I got with my Glühwein. I’m not sure if it was just that one vendor or if all the vendors on the rooftop had the same generic mug, but it’s something to keep in mind if you go.

Weihnachts Markt at Palais Thurn und Taxis

Tucked around the corner from the Hauptwache markets, this smaller market felt like a secret spot for locals. I noticed groups of people hanging out after work, enjoying drinks and catching up. Despite the bright display out front with the purple and pink lights, it was surprisingly low-key inside. It didn’t have the big attractions or touristy vibe of the other markets and only had food and drink.  

Frankfurt Christmas Market Food: Treat Yourself!

The food at the Frankfurt markets was so good, it was almost dangerous. Here’s what I couldn’t resist:

• Bratwurst and Currywurst: Juicy, flavorful, and a must-try at any Christmas market.
• Potato Pancakes (Reibekuchen): Crispy, golden perfection served in stacks of three with assorted sauces for dipping. (Try the garlic!)
• Pretzels: These weren’t your average pretzels—they were the size of my head and even dipped in chocolate. So over-the-top and so worth it.
• Crêpes: Thin, warm, and stuffed with Nutella or cinnamon sugar. They felt like a hug in food form.
• Schaumküsse: Fluffy chocolate-covered yummy goodness that comes in a dozen or so different flavor combinations. I had the cherry covered in white chocolate. So delicious!

The worst thing about the food at the Christmas markets? Being solo. I couldn’t share food with anyone, and with so many amazing options, it was impossible to try everything. Portions are generous, which is great—unless you want to eat everything in sight (like me).

Glühwein…or not!

Christmas markets all over Europe serve Gluhwein. If you’ve not heard of it before, Glühwein is a warm, spiced mulled wine that’s made with red or white wine, infused with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus, and is served hot to keep you cozy.

Each market has their own recipe, too. Some better than others but they’re all delicious!

The best part is the collectible mugs. Every market has its own unique design, and when you order, you pay a small deposit (Pfand) for the mug. You can return it for a refund or keep it as a souvenir—I, of course, kept a few.

You can also refill your mug at any Glühwein stall in the market, so you don’t need to collect a new mug each time. While red Glühwein is the classic, there are also white wine versions and non-alcoholic fruit punches if wine’s not your thing.

Not a wine fan? No worries. I went with a rich, creamy hot chocolate one chilly evening, and it was still served in a collectible mug!

Travel Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Germany

• Bring cash: While some vendors may accept cards, cash is the safest bet, especially for small purchases like food and drinks.
• Prepare for crowds: The evening crowds can get a bit intense, so try to arrive early to enjoy the markets at a slower pace.
• Plan your appetite. The food options are plentiful and the cost can vary depending on what you’re craving. A classic bratwurst is around €5, while a smoked salmon dinner will be closer to €15.
• Dress warmly: Frankfurt can be cold, so layer up! You’ll want to be comfortable as you walk from one market to the next.
• Take lots of photos: The markets are Instagram gold, and you’ll want to capture the memories. But don’t forget to take a break and actually enjoy the experience beyond the lens!

If you’re planning a visit to Frankfurt’s Christmas markets, it’s important to know when they’re open so you can make the most of your holiday adventure. Here’s what you need to know:

Dates:

• November 25, 2024 until just before Christmas, closing on December 22nd.

Hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Tip: If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, visit during weekday mornings or early afternoons. 

Remember to double-check the exact dates and hours closer to your trip, as they can vary slightly from year to year!

Getting to the Frankfurt Christmas Markets

Frankfurt is an incredibly accessible city, with its Hauptwache station serving as the best hub for reaching the markets. The Hauptwache station is just one stop after the Frankfurt Hauptbanhof main station and about 20 minutes from the Frankfurt airport.

Final Thoughts

The Christmas markets in Frankfurt were everything I’d imagined and more. From the old-world charm of Römerberg to the lively atmosphere at Hauptwache and the unique rooftop experience on the parking garage, each market offered something special. 

If you’re planning a trip to Germany in the winter, Frankfurt should be at the top of your list. You’ll leave with a full heart, happy taste buds, and maybe even a few collectible mugs to remember the magic.