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.
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.