Your Guide to the Frankfurt Christmas Markets [2024]

If there’s one way to jump headfirst into the holiday spirit, it’s by visiting Germany’s Christmas markets. Spending five nights in Frankfurt was like stepping into a real-life winter wonderland. With twinkling lights, festive music, mouthwatering food, and plenty of Glühwein, the city’s interconnected Christmas markets made every day feel like Christmas morning.

I explored the markets in Frankfurt and even took day trips to visit the Christmas markets in Cologne and Heidelberg, but Frankfurt is one of my favorites. 

Whether it was the stunning backdrops, the delicious snacks, or the magical atmosphere, I couldn’t get enough. Let me take you through my unforgettable adventure and share all the fun, festive, and delicious moments along the way.

A Bit of Christmas Market History

Did you know German Christmas markets go back hundreds of years? These holiday traditions, 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.

Frankfurt’s Christmas market is one of the oldest in Germany, dating back to 1393. Even though the city’s old town was heavily bombed during World War II, the markets came back stronger than ever, preserving their rich traditions while keeping things festive and fun. Walking around Frankfurt’s markets, you can’t help but appreciate the history and charm tucked into every corner.

The Preparation Behind the Magic

The markets may 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. From handmade ornaments to beautifully carved wooden toys, you can tell each piece has been made with care and passion.

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 attractions 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 thing that I really liked about Frankfurt’s Christmas markets is how connected they are. You don’t have to run all over the city—they flow into one another, creating one giant holiday playground. Here’s what each market brought to the party:

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 straight out of a fairy tale, 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. Still, seeing families and kids light up with joy made it just as fun to watch from the sidelines. 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 beautiful wood carvings.

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. Set in Frankfurt’s shopping district, this market blends traditional wooden stalls with the sleek backdrop of Frankfurt’s urban skyline. Such a unique vibe!

The highlight? The wooden pyramid spinning gracefully 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! The playful vibe here was infectious, and it was a fun contrast to the old-world charm of Römerberg.

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 grand 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 were as fun to eat as they were delicious.

The hardest part? Being solo. I couldn’t share food with anyone, and with so many amazing options, it was impossible to try everything. Market snacks are generous, which is great—unless you want to eat everything in sight (like me).

Glühwein…or not!

Let’s talk about the star of the show: Glühwein. This warm, spiced mulled wine is Christmas in a cup. Made with red or white wine, it’s infused with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus, and it’s served hot to keep you cozy.

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.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can refill your mug at any Glühwein stall in the market, so you don’t need to collect a new one 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? I swapped my Glühwein for a rich, creamy hot chocolate on one chilly evening, and it was just as delightful.

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. 

Frankfurt’s Christmas markets are a celebration of tradition, community, and holiday cheer. They’re warm, welcoming, and absolutely unforgettable. 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.