FRANKFURT, GERMANY: THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS MARKET TRAVEL GUIDE
Frankfurt has never been on my travel radar. I’ve flown through the city more times than I can count, but I’ve never had any interest in leaving the airport. Major city hubs just aren’t my vibe. However, Frankfurt during Christmas season is an entirely different story. For one amazing month, Christmas markets take over the historic center and transform the city into the ultimate holiday destination. It’s one of the most festive places in Germany, and a must for any Christmas market itinerary. Below is my complete guide to Frankfurt during the holidays including the best Christmas markets, hotels, restaurants, travel tips, Christmas market day trips and more.
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A festive little train station in the middle of the Hauptwache Christmas Market.
WHEN TO VISIT FRANKFURT
LATE NOVEMBER TO LATE DECEMBER. Frankfurt can be a year-round destination, but for the purpose of the Christmas markets, you’ll want to time your visit between the end of November and end of December to coincide with the holiday festivities. And if you can visit in November when the markets first open, you’ll avoid some of the crowds that steadily grow as Christmas approaches. Detailed market schedules listed below.
I loved the design and detail of the all the market stalls here in the Römerberg.
HOW MANY DAYS IN FRANKFURT
TWO DAYS. Length of stay really depends on how much time you want to spend at the Christmas markets, and if Frankfurt is home base for other day trips. It’s possible to experience all of the Frankfurt Christmas markets in one very full day, but if you want a more relaxed pace, as well as time for other sightseeing, I suggest two days in Frankfurt.
Another Christmas market mug for the collection.
FRANKFURT TRAVEL TIPS
- ARE THE MARKETS FREE? – Yes, the Christmas markets are completely free to visit! You only pay for souvenirs, rides, food and drinks.
- CHRISTMAS MARKET MUGS – When you visit the Christmas markets, you’ll notice every town has signature mugs that you receive with a hot drink. You pay a small deposit for the mug that you then keep for drinking throughout the day. At the end of your visit, you can redeem the mug for a refund, or keep it. If you plan to visit multiple markets in Europe, it’s fun to collect a mug from each destination as a souvenir.
- GLUHWEIN – Glühwein is the warm mulled wine sold at the Christmas markets. It’s traditionally red wine, but some stalls also offer warm rose, chardonnay, blueberry, etc.
- CHRISTMAS MARKET LOCATIONS – It’s possible to walk between all six Christmas markets in Frankfurt’s city centre. Each market flows right into another market, essentially creating one sprawling large Christmas market.
I highly recommend riding the small ferris wheel at the Roßmarkt, it’s so festive and fun.
FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARKETS
HAUPTWACHE CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Hauptwache stretch of the Christmas market lines the city’s main shopping corridor with half timbered stalls selling handicrafts, mulled wine, pretzels, fish & chips, sweet treats and more. This market sits surrounded by modern buildings and skyscrapers – not as cute as the Römerberg’s Old Town, but still a fun and festive vibe. And Hauptwache where you’ll the Christmas train for children to ride.
- Hauptwache Christmas Market 2025 Dates: November 24-December 22
- Hauptwache Christmas Market 2025 Hours: 10 AM-9 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 11 AM-9 PM (Sundays)
MAINKAI CHRISTMAS MARKET
The serene Mainkai Christmas Market lines the banks of the Main River, walking distance from the Römerberg and a welcome escape from the crowds. The stalls here sell wood carvings, ornaments and jewelry, as well as mulled wine, apple wine and hot cocktails. Mainkai is also home to the Children’s Christmas Market that hosts live performances, magic shows and gingerbread decorating stations.
- Mainkai Christmas Market 2025 Dates: November 24-December 22
- Mainkai Christmas Market 2025 Hours: 10 AM-9 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 11 AM-9 PM (Sundays)
PAULSPLATZ CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Paulsplatz Christmas Market is located in the square right next to the Römerberg Christmas Market. Dozens of wooden stalls offer some of the best for holidays shopping in the Christmas market. You’ll find wooden nutcrackers, tree ornaments, scarves, wool socks, caps, handicrafts and so much more. And located near the charming Wagner’s Honighaus timber house is a picturesque Old World carousel.
- Paulsplatz Christmas Market 2025 Dates: November 24-December 22
- Paulsplatz Christmas Market 2025 Hours: 10 AM-9 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 11 AM-9 PM (Sundays)
PINK CHRISTMAS MARKET
This is the Rosa Weignacht (Pink Market) located at Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, an inclusive market that glows with pink and purple lights in the evenings. Even the Christmas trees and wooden huts have pinkish illuminations to fit in with the party atmosphere. This is one of the best Christmas markets in Frankfurt for drink options, as well as culinary treats like homemade soup, fondue, Reibekuchen, sausage and more.
- Pink Christmas Market 2025 Dates: November 24-December 22
- Pink Christmas Market 2025 Hours: 10 AM-9 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 11 AM-9 PM (Sundays)
ROMBERG CHRISTMAS MARKET
This is the main Christmas market in Frankfurt, as well as the most picturesque. It sits in the historic central square surrounded by colorful half-timbered houses that look straight out of a Disney movie. This bustling market is a labyrinth of elaborate wood stalls selling crepes, bratwurst, dampfnudel, nuts, pretzels, chocolate and more. The Römerberg Christmas Market also home to the iconic double decked carousel (it’s very fast, if you decide to ride it). This market gets very busy in the late afternoon and evenings.
- Romberg Christmas Market 2025 Dates: November 24-December 22
- Romberg Christmas Market 2025 Hours: 10 AM-9 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 11 AM-9 PM (Sundays)
ROßMARKT CHRISTMAS MARKET
Located at the very edge of the Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of my favorite sections. The Roßmarkt is a square in the middle of a bustling shopping district where dozens of alpine chalet huts and wooden tables surround a Christmas pyramid and candy-cane colored ferris wheel. This market is popular for food, drinks and social hangs – it’s a vibe in the evenings.
- Roßmarkt Christmas Market 2025 Dates: November 24-December 22
- Roßmarkt Christmas Market 2025 Hours: 10 AM-9 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 11 AM-9 PM (Sundays)
Visit the markets when they open for a few hours without crowds.
FOOD AND DRINKS TO TRY AT THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
- Bratwurst – sausage
- Dampfnudel – soft dumpling with vanilla sauce
- Flammkuchen – flatbread with creme fraiche, onions and bacon
- Glühwein – mulled wine
- Käsespätzle – cheesy egg noodles
- Kinderpunch – alcoholic hot fruit punch
- Raclette – melted cheese over bread
- Reibekuchen – crispy potato pancake
- Schneeballen – balls of fried pastry dough
- Stollen – fruit bread with nuts and spices
The cutest ferris wheel at the market in the Roßmarkt.
CHRISTMAS MARKET DAY TRIPS FROM FRAKFURT
- COLOGNE – 1 hour by train
- HEIDELBERG – 50 minutes
- MAINZ – 45 minutes by train
- RUDESHEIM AM RHEIN – 1 hour by train
- WIESBADEN – 30 minutes by train
I love the elaborate decor of the huts.
BEST FRANKFURT HOTELS
NH COLLECTION FRANKFURT SPIN TOWER
NH Collection Frankfurt Spin Tower occupies the first 20 floors of a 128 meter skyscraper, housing more than 400 rooms and suites. It’s located in the city’s Europaviertel quarter at the main intersection of the banking district and the trade fair. Rooms are quite sleek with crisp linens, parquet wood floor, floor-to-ceiling windows and a minimalist chic aesthetic. This is the best upscale option in a city with very few luxury hotels.
STEIGENBERGER ICON FRANKFURTER HOF
This is the most historic hotel in the city. Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof opened in 1876, and is considered the Grand Dame of Frankfurt. It’s walking distance to the Römerberg, ideal for Christmas markets. Rooms are a bit dated, but location and historic significance of the property make this a fine choice.
This is the best hotel option in Frankfurt, and it’s quite affordable. The Westin Grand Frankfurt was remodeled in 2022, and the hotel still feels fresh and new with rooms that are modern, clean and spacious, especially the junior suites. Location is ideal, a five-minute walk to the Römerberg Christmas Market, and there is a subway station right outside the hotel.
Bratwurst and Reibekuchen make a great lunch combo.
WHERE TO EAT IN FRANKFURT
CAFE BUUR
This chic cafe in the city’s Nodend neighborhood serves up an artful brunch menu that includes shakshuka, Oriental-style eggs, French toast, breakfast burritos, pastries and more. Cafe Buur does not take reservations, best to arrive when it opens.
CINNAMOOD
Absolutely loved this cinnamon roll shop. There are more than a dozen flavor options including S’mores, blueberry cheesecake, red velvet, strawberry cream, salted caramel and cookie dough. I went for the traditional plain cinnamon roll – it was delicious.
DER FETTE BULLE
Der Fette Bulle is a very tasty burger spot with a few locations in Frankfurt. The burgers, fries and onion rings are all delicious. The restaurant is large, airy and lively – a great spot to visit with friends. Reservations recommended for weekends.
EBBELWOI UNSER
If you’re looking to experience an authentic German tavern while in Frankfurt, Ebbelwoi Unser is a fine option. It’s located in the city’s Sachsenhausen district, a popular stop for it’s lively atmosphere, apple wine, beers, schnitzel, meatballs, rump steak, bean soup and other local favorites. Reservations recommended, and the tavern is cash only.
IWASE
Very small Japanese restaurant located around the corner from the Westin Grand Frankfurt. It’s family-run – the owner has a notebook where she takes down all reservations by hand. Iwase serves fresh sashimi, handmade sushi, tempura, donburi, noodles, gyozas and more. There are only a few tables in the restaurant – reservations are a must.
TAI & TURF
This place is part Thai restaurant, part high-end steakhouse. It blends classic Thai dishes with gourmet steaks and burgers, and offers fusion options as well. Premium steak cuts include wagyu and tomahawk, and burgers are made from dry-aged beef.
TRATTORIA SICILIANI
Trattoria Siciliani is a great spot for traditional homey Italian cooking in the Sachsenhausen district. Popular menu items include burrata, handmade pastas, seafood linguine, gnocchi and pizzas. Reservations recommended.
QUATTRO
A wonderful Italian restaurant located around the corner from the Westin Grand Frankfurt. Menu is filled with a selection of pasta dishes, as well as tomato soup, salads and an extensive wine list. Reservations recommended.
The double decker carousel is a vibe (and quite fast if you hop on for a ride).
GET TO FRANKFURT
- CAR – It’s possible to reach the large city by car, but once in Frankfurt a car isn’t necessary (most people part ways with their rental car upon arrival).
- FLIGHT – The Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is a quick ride from the city center, easily reachable by the S-Bahn or Uber.
- TRAIN – The trains connect Frankfurt to cities all of Germany, as well as other cities in Europe. It’s the most comfortable mode of transport to get to Frankfurt.
Frankfurt is home to several markets that are all walking distance from one another.
GET AROUND FRANKFURT
- TRAIN – The U-Bahn is the underground subway that conveniently transports passengers to all parts of the city. For longer journeys and the airport, the S-Bahn is available, and the Deutsche Bahn for regional travel.
- UBER – Uber is available in Frankfurt, the most convenient ride share option.
- WALKING – Within specific neighborhoods of Frankfurt, walking is the easiest way to get around.
