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.
