This Christmas market is one of the oldest and most iconic festive events in Europe, with origins dating back to 1393.
It transforms the city’s historic old town, especially the Römerberg square and surrounding streets, into a vibrant, sparkling Christmas wonderland with over 240 decorated wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and warming drinks.
One of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe
For visitors traveling from London, Frankfurt Christmas Market is surprisingly accessible. You can reach Frankfurt in under two hours from London airports with multiple direct flights available.
Once in Frankfurt’s city centre, visitors are immediately immersed in the holiday spirit, with the market’s centrepiece being a towering 30-meter Christmas tree at Römerbergsurrounded by picturesque timber-framed buildings.
The market excels not only in its scale but also in its variety and quality. Visitors can browse stalls packed with beautifully carved wooden ornaments, unique candles, glass decorations, and traditional toys, often handcrafted by local artisans.
Highlights of Frankfurt’s Christmas market
Food is a highlight here, with a huge variety of choices like traditional Glühwein (mulled wine served in collectible souvenir mugs), Bethmännchen marzipan pastries, Reibekuchen potato pancakes, raclette, Flammkuchen (Alsatian-style flatbread), roasted nuts, and specialty Christmas chocolates. The market also caters well to vegan and vegetarian diets, ensuring all visitors find festive treats to enjoy while wandering the decorated streets.
Beyond the main Römerberg marketFrankfurt hosts a collection of themed and niche markets that add to the city’s festive charm. Visitors can explore the lively pink LGBTQ+ Christmas market in Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, famous for its vibrant violet lights and inclusive atmosphere.
There are Scandinavian-inspired markets with Finnish and Swedish crafts and foods, as well as the cosy Sachsenhausen market set near forested areas, perfect for families. The city even features unusual spots like the City Beach rooftop market for a unique festive vibe.
This year, Frankfurt Christmas Market runs from November 25 to December 22with most stalls open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 9pm, and Sundays from 11am to 9pm.
To make the most of the experience, visitors are advised to attend on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid the peak crowds that can reach over 3 million total visitors. Cash is commonly used at stalls, and many drinks come with a pfand (deposit) system on their festive mugs.
