Navigating around Frankfurt's Christmas markets
Updated: 24th November 2023 - The heart of the Frankfurt Christmas market is on the Römerberg in the old town. Here you will find the town hall, the 30 meter high Christmas tree and plenty of stalls to browse. Glühwein is available at just about every other stall, but read on for a few tips on the best places to try this warming, hot, mulled wine. The map below details the different areas in the city centre where the Christmas market is hosted.
Map of Christmas market areas around central Frankfurt
Frankfurt Christmas market on the Römerberg
The main hub of the Frankfurt Christmas market is indicated by the orange area at the southern tip of the map above. It's the traditional site of the market, on the Römerberg, dating all the way back to the 14th century.
Frankfurt Christmas Arts Fairs
Prior to browsing the stalls and commencing with the drinking, peak behind the huge Christmas tree to find the entrance to the town hall and step inside to for the annual Christmas Arts Fair (2nd - 22nd December). Local artists sell their wares directly to the public and there is a lovely mix of jewellery, pottery, sculpture as well as framed pictures and photographs.
There is also the St. Pauls Church Arts Fair (22nd November - 22nd December). Head into the church and down into the basement to see a collection of art by local artists.
Frankfurt Römerberg - town hall and Christmas tree
A highlight of the Christmas market on the Römerberg is the carousel. It's not just for children so you should definitely have a quick ride before moving on. From the carousel, if you head toward the Schirn Art Gallery you'll pass a few stalls on your right. One stall sells hand-made wooden decorations which make great mementos and can easy be packed into luggage if you’re travelling this Christmas. Beyond the wooden decoration stall and to the left is a row of small sheds. This is where you'll find some of the best home-made Glühwein in Frankfurt. The locals hang out here, sipping a cup of hot wine after work and it gets busy! At the other end of the row of sheds is the Bethmännchen stall selling baked marzipan treats, only to be found in Frankfurt.
Glühwein stand at the back of the Römerberg - popular with the locals!
Frankfurt Christmas market on Paulsplatz
Another area of the Christmas market to explore is on Paulsplatz. (the area marked in purple on the map). Next to the St. Paul's church is Wagner's Honey House. It's a traditional timber-framed (Fachwerk) house converted especially for the Christmas market. Upstairs is a variety of honey based drinks and liqueurs to buy whilst downstairs has an amazing variety of honey. Beside St. Pauls church is one of my favourite hot chestnut sellers and directly opposite that stall is the Lion's Club Glühwein stall selling a good quality Glühwein. There is also a traditional Tiroler wood carver stall, Bachmann selling hand crafted nativity scenes and figures.
Frankfurt Christmas market on Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz
From Paulsplatz head over to Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz (marked on the map in pink), it has outdoor seating and a great selection of things to eat from vegan specialities to traditional Reibekuchen (potato cakes with apple sauce). At this "Platz" you will also find the best Feuerzangenbowle, a potent Glühwein containing caramelised sugar and rum. Every time someone leaves a tip, the bell is rung and more rum is poured over the caramelising sugar. Like I say, it's potent!
Potato cakes with apple sauce and a cup of Feuerzangenbowle
Frankfurt Christmas market on Hauptwache
From Friedrich Stoltze Platz, head to Hauptwache (outlined in Blue on the map) for more Christmas cheer. Close to the children's Christmas train is a lovely stall selling traditional wood toys. Head towards the Zeil and you will find another "Wagner's Honey House". The novelty in this location is how the house contains a large statue of David and Goliath within it - go inside and take a look!
Frankfurt Christmas market on at the Thurn und Taxis Palace
The markets close by 9pm but if you are still hankering for one last Glühwein before you head home, go to the Weihnachtsmarkt at the Thurn und Taxis Palais (top of the map outlined in green. Opening dates: 9th Nov - 22nd Dec 2023) Thursday to Saturday the market stays open until 11pm (10pm on other evenings) and offers yet more food and drink for the late night party lovers.
Sachsenhausen Christmas markets
The Sachsenhäuser Weihnachtsmarkt (20th Nov - 21st Dec 2023, but closed on Nov 26th!)) can be found close to the Goethe Turm (Bus 47 or 48) on the edge of the city woods and is known for it’s cosy ambience and great food and drink.
Meanwhile Weihnachtsmarkt Alt Sachsenhausen (1st - 22nd December) takes place on Paradiesplatz, offering the chance to grab some Glühwein before a night enjoying the multiple bars all around.
Which ever one you choose, after a night out at a Frankfurt Weihnachtsmarkt it's sure to be a Merry Christmas!
The following link offers some more detail on special things to do and see at the Frankfurt Christ market.
Frankfurt Höchst
Timber-framed medieval houses, a market, a castle and a ferry boat too. Many of the reasons to visit Frankfurt-Höchst.
Sometimes written Hoechst, this little town in the western suburbs of Frankfurt has beautiful, timber-framed, medieval housing, an old town square, a delightful castle (the former residence of the Archbishop of Mainz), and a beautiful riverside along the Main.
Höchst is just 15 minutes by train from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof and can be reached using the S1 or S2 trains. It is within the Frankfurt travel zone area and the trip is covered by daily, weekly and yearly travel cards. To find the old town, alight at Frankfurt Höchst, exit the station to the south and head along Justinuskirchstraße.
It is also a very pleasant cycle ride to Höchst travelling west, out of Frankfurt, along the south bank of the river Main towards Schwanheim. As you draw level with Höchst, on the opposite riverbank, there is a small ferry boat which shuttles passengers to and fro, across the river, for just 1,50€ (1€ for children. The ferry does not run on Monday or Wednesday). Once on the Höchst riverbank, you are directly in front of the old city gate and walls. Walk through the gate and you enter the old town. Alternatively, you can take refreshment at the Alteschiffsmeldestelle, an open air cafe 100m to the west of where the ferry docks.
Höchst castle has some lovely grounds to explore and is in the heart of the old town. The small square as you approach the castle has plenty of quaint places to eat and relax in. From the square it is possible to walk down and through the gate of the old town walls and to the river bank.
Close to the castle is Justinus Church, one of the few, almost complete, early medieval churches in Hessen. Open to the public from 2pm- 5pm, Tues - Sun during the summer months, it also has a pretty flower and herb garden worth visiting too. In the corner where Justinusplatz meets Badstubengasse, there is a small wine garden associated with the Winzerverein Deidesheim. It’s only open Saturdays and public holidays, but if it is open, pop in.
Just taking a walk through the streets of old Höchst will provide the quaint sight of beautifully restored medieval, timber houses. Streets of note are: Burggraben, Antoniterstraße, Kronengasse, and Alt-Höchst. On Bolongarostraße 152, is the Kronberger Haus which hosts the Höchst Porcelain Museum. The museum is small but it's a must for anyone interested in porcelain and pottery manufacture, open Sat & Sun from 11am - 6pm.
On Tuesday, Friday and Saturday morning a market is held at Höchster Markt, lots of fruit and vegetable stalls and a flower market outdoors. In the indoor market is a good variety of diary, meat and delicatessen stalls. The coffee stand is particularly popular. Outside, on the north-eastern corner of the market place is Cafe Piccolo, serving delicious ice-creams. At the eastern side of the market place is a large, ugly, pink building which is an old air-raid shelter built during World War 2. However, it is the former site of the local synagogue which was destroyed to make way for the shelter. Take a look through the binoculars stationed outside the bunker to see image of the former synagogue as it previously stood.
Whilst in Höchst, take some time to visit the church of St. Josef, on the corner of Hostatostraße and Justinuskirchstraße. Plain on the outside but a treasure of early 1900's architecture on the inside.
Frankfurt Christmas Market 2022
Frankfurt doesn’t just have one of the best and most expansive Christmas markets….it also has lots of other festive fun around the city. So this page is dedicated to highlighting where a variety of Christmas festivities can be found in and around Frankfurt. I’ll be offering updates of local information, such as where the best Glühwein is to be found, on my Facebook page. In the meantime Merry Christmas!🎄
Frankfurt Christmas Market
The Christmas market in the city centre will be spread over the Römer and along the Neue Kräme onto Hauptwache. Daily until 22nd December, the stalls will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m, and on Sundays from 11 a.m. onwards. There is lots of additional information regarding special events such as steam train rides, artists markets and where to find gluten-free treats on the Frankfurt Tourist Board website.
Gibson CityXmas
Opposite the Old Opera House, at Opernplatz 2, you can’t miss the huge, lit-up, reindeer which marks the site of the Gibson CityXmas oper-air bar and market. The market is open from 4pm until 11pm Mon - Thurs, from 2pm until midnight Fri - Sat, and until 9pm on Sundays. Full details can be found on the CityXmas webpage.
Christmas Garden
Running until January 15th 2023, Deutsche Bank Stadion Park will be decorated with millions of lights and feature a variety of culinary stalls. Various themed worlds and installations will invite visitors to marvel. In addition, there will be mulled wine, roasted almonds and many other delicacies. Details about entrance fees and opening times can be found on the Christmas Garden web page.
Christmas in the Palmengarten
The Palmengarten will be decorated at Christmas time with poinsettias, amaryllas and Christmas roses. In addition, twinkling lights will dance around the blossoms to create a Christmas atmosphere. The Palmengarten invites its visitors to the Christmas Lights Special from 10th December until 8th January 4 pm to 9 pm.
Christmas creative market - Dornbusch
The Christmas creative market invites visitors to the Kreativwerkstatt from November 28th until December 2nd.
Artists' Christmas Market 2022
Integral to the Frankfurt Christmas Market is the Artist’s Christmas Market, where artists exhibit their work in the Paulskirche and the Römerhallen. The exhibition in St Paul's Church is scheduled to run from 21st November to 22nd December from 12 noon to 8pm. The exhibition in the Römerhallen is expected to take place from 2nd to 22nd December. Peer behind the large Christmas tree to find the entrance to the Römer. Admission is free.
Pink Christmas Market
This year, the Pink Christmas Market will once again be held on Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz. From 22nd November to 22nd December various stalls will be offering food and drink (and somewhere to sit!!) including vegan and gluten-free options.
Sachsenhäuser Christmas Market
Stroll through the atmospheric Sachsenhäuser Christmas market at the Goetheturm. From 21st November to 22nd December, mulled wine, roasted almonds and many other Advent delicacies will be on offer on the south side of the Main. During the week, the market opens at 4 pm, on weekends from 1 pm.
Special delights at the Frankfurt Christmas Market
The 2018 Frankfurt Christmas Market from November 26th to December 22nd. One of the oldest , most traditional Christmas markets in Germany.
Winter is coming and so are the Christmas markets. Frankfurt am Main hosts an extensive, nostalgic (it dates back to the 14th century) Christmas market running from the Hauptwache, down the Neue Krämer and into the heart of the old town. Glühwein on every corner, roasted chestnuts, kartoffelpuffer (aka potato cakes) and other local delicacies provide sustenance as you wander through the fair.
The Christmas Market at the heart of the old town by the town hall
Many stalls proudly sell traditional, German crafted, wooden decorations from the Erzgebirge region. Directly outside St. Paul's a stall sells the grey and blue pottery associated with the city's apple wine taverns, and next door stands Wagner's Honey House. It's an original 300 year old timber-frame house erected especially for the Christmas market to sell all manner of honey based products.
At the heart of the old town, on Römerberg, stands the Christmas tree fulling the criteria that it must be at least as high as the roof of the town hall. Decorated with over 5000 lights it makes a spectacular centre piece. Below it is the nativity scene and nearby stands the beautifully restored carousel which delights both children and adults alike.
For a typical Frankfurt gift, seek out the baked marzipan Brenten and Bethmännchen. Stranger still are the Quetschemännchen, little figures made from dried fruits and nuts. Tradition has it that a suitor would give his sweetheart a Quetschemännchen to show his affection. If the young lady kept the gift then her heart was his but, if she sent it back he had not secured her love. Not to worry, a glass or two of Glühwein and friendly camaraderie would help him get over the rejection, especially if he headed to the Weinschirn, at the back of the Christmas market towards the cathedral, where many local Frankfurters congregate for the best glühwein in the city.
Just when you think you have exhausted the Christmas market and are heading home, steer course towards Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz and you'll stumble into yet more revelry. The square is decked with pink tables and benches and surrounded by a variety of food and drink stalls and is the perfect place to stop, eat and soak up (or further ignite) the evening's excesses. Here you will find the best Feuerzangenbowle. What is that you ask? Atop a huge cauldron of Glühwein hangs a rum soaked sugar loaf which is set alight and gently drips it's caramelised syrup into the wine below. Served with a slice of orange, it's glühwein with an extra punch!
PS: Each year Frankfurt issues a new Glühwein mug. You pay a deposit for the mug when you buy your Glühwein, so no one minds if you simply keep the mug as a souvenir.
Still not ready to go home? Then head to the Weihnachtshütte at the Thurn & Taxis Palais which stays open until 11pm.
This link offers a map of all the Christmas Market locations mentioned in the above article.
This link lists special events at the Christmas Market, by date.
Keep an eye on my Facebook page over the coming weeks where I'll be offering insights to the best Christmas stalls and features during this year's Christmas Market.
Frankfurt Christmas Market Carousel (Its not just for Children!)
2019 Frankfurt Christmas market events calendar
Frankfurt Christmas market special events by date - the peeling of the city church bells, special steam engine rides, Christmas concerts and music and special Christmas arts fairs too!
The Frankfurt 2019 Christmas Market opens on Monday November 25th and runs until December 21st. It’s opening hours are 10am - 9pm Monday to Saturday and 11am - 9pm on Sundays. In the city centre the Christmas market is hosted on the Römerberg, Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz and Hauptwache. Additional markets are held at the Thurn & Taxis Palais, and the Goetheturm and Paradiesplatz in Sachsenhausen.
Listed below, by date are the events taking place during the Frankfurt Christmas market. The following link has a map of the Christmas market locations. Meanwhile, click on this link for a general guide which will get you round to all the central Christmas market sites and has suggestions for typical Frankfurt Christmas treats.
Daily - at 9.05am, 12.05pm and 5.05pm the beautiful carillon bells of St. Nicholas church (Römerberg) ring out. Played by Yuko Tajima
25 Nov - 5pm Official Opening of the Frankfurt Christmas Market, outside the Römer (town hall).
25 Nov - 22 Dec - Opening of the Weihnachtsmarkt Goetheturm. Daily from 4pm. Click here for details.
25 Nov - 31 Dec - Opening of the Thurn & Taxis Weihnachtsmarkt. Daily from 4pm- 11pm. Click here for details.
26 Nov - 22 Dec Daily 12pm – 8pm Christmas Arts Market in St. Paul's Church (Paulskirche). An arts fair hosted by local artists with items for sale.
27 Nov - 6pm Brass chorus from the balcony of the St. Nicholas church (Römerberg).
29 Nov - 5.10pm Advents concert on the Römerberg.
30 Nov - 4.30pm Pealing of the church bells 50 bells from 10 churches ring out across Frankfurt simultaneously.
30 Nov - 5.10pm Advents concert on the Römerberg.
30 Nov - 6pm Brass chorus from the balcony of the St. Nicholas church (Römerberg).
01 Dec - 5.10pm Advents concert on the Römerberg.
4 Dec - 6pm Brass chorus from the balcony of the St. Nicholas church (Römerberg).
06 Dec - 22 Dec Opening of the Alt-Sachsenhausen Christmas Market on Paradiesplatz Click here for details.
06 Dec - 5.30pm A visit from St. Nicholas, starting at the Römerberg stage by the town hall.
06 Dec – 21 Dec - Christmas Market Arts Fair in the Townhall (Römerhallen), daily from 12pm – 8pm. Entrance is behind the large Christmas tree! An arts fair hosted by local artists with items for sale including ceramics, photographs, sculptures and jewellery.
06 Dec - 5.10pm Advents concert on the Römerberg.
07 Dec - 5.10pm Advents concert on the Römerberg.
07 Dec - 6pm Brass chorus from the balcony of the St. Nicholas church (Römerberg).
08 Dec - 5.10pm Advents concert on the Römerberg.
11 Dec - 6pm Brass chorus from the balcony of the St. Nicholas church (Römerberg).
13 Dec - 5.10pm Advents concert on the Römerberg.
14 & 15 Dec - 11am - 8pm Historic steam engine rides with St. Nicolas - last ride at 7pm. Departing at the Eisener Steg. Tickets can be bought at embarkation or in advance. Click here for more information and timetable.
14 Dec - 5.10pm Advents concert on the Römerberg.
14 Dec - 6pm Brass chorus from the balcony of the St. Nicholas church (Römerberg).
15 Dec - 5.10pm Advents concert on the Römerberg.
18 Dec - 6pm Brass chorus from the balcony of the St. Nicholas church (Römerberg).
20 Dec - 5.10pm Advents concert on the Römerberg.
21 Dec - 5.10pm Advents concert on the Römerberg.
21 Dec - 6pm Brass chorus from the balcony of the St. Nicholas church (Römerberg).
22 Dec - 5.10pm Advents concert on the Römerberg.
24 Dec -5pm Pealing of the church bells, 50 bells from 10 churches ring out across Frankfurt simultaneously.
A tour of Frankfurt with Walk Frankfurt
A description of the typical sights that Frankfurt has to offer on Walk-Frankfurt walking tour.
There are lots of great things to do and see in Frankfurt. History lovers will enjoy the old town with stories dating back to Roman times, through the middle ages and into the 1800’s. The modern shopping heart of Frankfurt offers a wide variety of shops, quickly accessible by foot, and foodies will love the daily indoor grocery market and the farmers markets hosted at the end of the week.
To answer the frequently asked question, “what will I get to see on a tour?”, I’ve listed the sights below, and most popular tour duration’s, to help you decide what you would like to see on your tour.
A 90 minute tour
This tour focuses on the old town, but also brings you to the Zeil, the modern shopping heart of Frankfurt. The sights are:
Römerberg - the main square with the beautiful town hall. This is the heart of the old town.
River Main and Eisenersteg - views up and down the river including views of the European Central Bank (ECB) and other skyscrapers.
Haus Wirtheim - the only remaining, in tact, 17th century house on the Römerberg.
Alte Nikolai church - a small church with foundations from the 12th century and 20th century stained glass windows by Lina von Schauroth.
New old town - 35 newly developed buildings bring back to life a part of the old town destroyed in World War II.
Roman remains and the Holy Roman Emperors Kaiserpfalz - historic remains, highlighting the importance of Frankfurt throughout the centuries.
Kaiserdom - the Emperor’s cathedral. The place of the Holy Roman Empire elections and coronations.
Paulskirche - the starting point of German democracy. Open to the public from 10am - 5pm.
Kleinmarkthalle - the indoor market. The place to sample traditional Frankfurt boiled sausage and local wine too!
Hauptwache - the former 18th century police station and heart of Frankfurt’s modern shopping centre.
Deutsche Börse - the old stock exchange and formerly the heart of the banking quarter.
A 2 hour tour
A two hour tour includes the sights listed for the 90 minute tour and extends to include some of the options below. Unfortunately you won’t have time to visit all the options below, so it depends on what you would like to see:
Goethe’s house - literature fans will appreciate the chance to visit Goethe’s place of birth (although there is an entrance fee to visit inside.
Goetheplatz - a statue dedicated to the author and an area of “high-end” shopping.
Fressgass’ - a street of eateries and, in the summer, some great festivals.
Alte Oper - the old opera house. Beautiful renaissance architecture at the western end of the city centre.
Carmelite cloister - open to the public and displaying the 16th century fresco by Jörg Ratgeb.
*Outdoor markets - Konstablerwache and Schillerstrasse
*Farmer’s market are hosted from Thursday to Saturday. They offer a unique piece of Frankfurt life where you join the locals in a glass of apple wine and a bratwurst.
A 3 hour tour
A 3 hour tour will suit you if you want to take a more leisurely pace through the sights of Frankfurt, perhaps stopping for a coffee or even a glass of wine at the indoor market. If you are energetic, and want to achieve your 10,000 steps a day, in 3 hours you can cover all the sights above and also include:
Eschenheimer Tor - a remnant of the original medieval wall and a classic piece of 14th & 15th century architecture (the tower being attributed to Madern Gerthener)
Bockenheimer Anlage - a beautiful park, leading to the old opera house, following a path that used to be the 14th century city battlements.
Memorial to the Jewish victims of the holocaust - to the east of the city is the old Jewish cemetery and memorial.
Frankfurt: from Konstablerwache to Sachsenhausen
January, February and March are cold months in Frankfurt. Even so it's still possible to explore and, by browsing a shop or two or enjoying a new cafe, you get the chance to intermittently warm up. The walk I'm suggesting for such a Winter's day takes you into what appears to be an unassuming part of town, filled with 1950's post war architecture but delivering some lovely cafes, galleries and views which you might otherwise never notice. The walk is simply a straight line from north to south and over the river.
Starting at Konstablerwache, if it's Thursday or Saturday you have the chance to peruse the farmers market, eat a bratwurst and have a glass of Glühwein from one of the wine stalls. From Konstablerwache head south, down Fahrgasse.
Fahrgasse, starting at Konstablerwache in the heart of Frankfurt
Within 100 metres, you'll notice a large wall on the left hand side of the street. It's a fragment of the old medieval wall from the 12th century, the Staufenmauer. It also served as the northern entrance to the Jewish Ghetto, the Judengasse, decreed in 1462 and the first Jewish ghetto in Europe. Destroyed in the late 1800's, nothing remains of the ghetto today.
An der Staufenmauer, at the junction of Fahrgasse and Töngesgasse
Carry on heading south and the first half of Fahrgasse has a variety of Asian stores and if it's lunch time you might want to stop by one of the authentic restaurants, e.g. Mikuni, and have a bite to eat. If you prefer a coffee then carry on down Fahrgasse, crossing over Berliner Strasse and towards the river. This half of Fahrgasse has antique shops and galleries on both sides of the street that are worth a browse.
Part way down the street, on the right hand side, is a small street called Weckmarkt. At the very entrance of this street is a modern jewellery store called "feinform" which offers some interesting contemporary pieces and is worth a peek. Back onto Fahrgasse and a little further south is a whiskey shop, Whiskey for Life which is every whiskey drinkers dream. If you're lucky you might catch a tasting. Opposite on the other side of the street is the Holy Cross Brewing Society, reputedly one of the best coffee stops in town. In fact, you're spoilt for choice for places to relax and eat in this area. Check out Cafe Sugar Mama , Naiv and Langosch.
If you're not quite ready for a stop then walk to the end of Fahrgasse and onto the Alte Brücke. As you step onto the bridge look to your left to see the fine statue of Karl der Grosse, aka Charlemagne. He was the King of the Frankish tribesmen and the first person to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor. He's also gave Frankfurt it's name which means, 'the ford of the Franks'. As you cross the bridge, take in the view of the ECB, European Central Bank on the left hand side and get your camera ready for the classic 'Skyline' view of Frankfurt to your right. Once over the river, keep to the left hand side of the bridge and at it's end, cross over the road (Sachsenhäuser Ufer) and head straight down the side street which is the beginning of Brückenstraße. Almost immediately you'll discover the entrance to the Ikonen Museum which has quite the collection of religious artefacts. Next door is the Deutschordenskirche. It's usually open by 12 noon, so step inside and take a look around. If it's January you're in for a special treat because the nativity scene is quite something to behold.
Ikonen Museum, Frankfurt.
From the church, continue down Brückenstraße, over the junction. You're now in the heart of Sachsenhausen. Immediately to your left is the Brücke Cafe, serving coffee, home-made cakes, drinks and meals late into the evening. Further down the street are clothing boutiques and plenty of stores for window shopping. One highlight is the Portuguese gourmet shop at number 60 - Casa de Portugal Here you can buy groceries, port, terracotta pots and freshly baked Portuguese specialities. It's a great little place. Down at this corner of Brückestraße is another great cafe, Schiller Cafe, serving breakfasts and meals all day.
Wander back up Brückestraße, and turn right (east) along Wallstraße. Again, this street hosts an array of independent shops, restaurants and in particular two classic apple wine taverns, Fichtekranzi and Atschel (Atschel is usually open at lunch time) Next door to Fichte Kranzi is a traditional pottery shop, Töpferei Maurer, selling all things pottery related to Frankfurt's apple wine scene. On Saturdays there is also Markt im Hof, a small venture hosting a couple of food trucks, apple wine tastings and an indoor canteen with innovative choices of food. It's a real favourite with the locals!
By now you've probably seen a few places where you'd like to stop, eat and relax. If you're still in the mood for exploring then look out for my next blog post which will take you across the road and into the heart of Old Sachsenhausen!