Frankfurt Christmas Market

More than 630 years of tradition

The Frankfurt Christmas Market has an extraordinary history: first documented in 1393, it is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. Over the centuries, it has survived wars, city fires, and political upheavals, developing into one of the country's most visited markets. Today, it attracts around three million visitors from all over the world each year.

Six squares, one market

Unlike most Christmas markets that concentrate on a central location, the Frankfurt market is spread across six squares in the old town and the banking district. At its heart is the Römerberg with its baroque ensemble of townhouses and the striking 26-meter-high Christmas tree, adorned with around 25,000 lights. It continues across Paulsplatz with St. Paul's Church, along the Mainkai by the river, the Hauptwache, and the Roßmarkt in the banking district. On Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, the 'rosa Markt' has established itself – a dedicated area for Frankfurt's queer community and all visitors.

Over 200 stalls and Frankfurt specialties

Over 200 festively decorated stalls offer a consciously regional program. Two Frankfurt classics are a must: Hot Apple Wine – Frankfurt's national drink, consumed year-round in its cold version – is served heated during Advent as an alternative to mulled wine. In addition, there are Bethmännchen (marzipan confection) and Quetschemännchen (little figures made from dried plums), historical Frankfurt specialties that you can only find here.

The Tower Brass Players of St. Nicholas

A special tradition is the tower brass players: from the gallery of St. Nicholas Church above the Römerberg, brass ensembles play Christmas carols down to the market square. This tradition has existed for centuries and is one of the acoustic highlights of a market visit. The players perform several times a day, especially at dusk and in the evening.

Artists' Christmas Market at St. Paul's Church

Those who want to avoid mass-produced goods will find a curated selection of handmade crafts at the Artists' Christmas Market at St. Paul's Church – from ceramics and jewelry to textile design from Frankfurt workshops.

Frankfurt as an Advent Metropolis

The Christmas market is part of a larger Advent program in Frankfurt: concerts at the Alte Oper and in city churches, the Lichterglanz event in the Palmengarten, and the ice rink at Roßmarkt. Those staying for several days can combine their market visit with museum visits on the Museumsufer.