Frankfurt Christmas Market

24 November – 22 December  2025
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm • Sunday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Frankfurt has one of Germany’s oldest and largest Christmas markets; its history can be traced back to 1393. Starting at Roßmarkt, the Christmas market stretches along the Zeil promenade all the way down to Römerberg and the River Main. Visitors may expect elaborately decorated stalls offering handicrafts and Christmas specialties from around the world, as well as a towering Christmas tree at Römerberg, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Old Town and St Paul’s Square.

After the official opening ceremony on 24 November at 17:00 hrs on the Römerberg stage, the market takes place on Römerberg, Paulsplatz und Mainkai (Main quay), Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 21:00 hours and Sunday 11:00 – 21:00 hours. Advent concerts known as “International Christmas” happen every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 17:10 hrs. on a stage on the Römerberg.

Christmas spirit all around the city

While the Christmas market on the Römerberg has traditionally been the centerpiece of the Advent season in Frankfurt, numerous other markets have emerged in the city’s districts over the years, each with its own unique character and charm. These markets are places of gathering, wonder and anticipation. They invite people to discover the diverse traditions of the Frankfurt Christmas season and to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere that has always filled the city during this special time of year.

• Pink Christmas
  At Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, pink and rose lights shine brightly. The cozy wooden huts sell hot cocktails and homemade soups, among other treats. The entire square is lovingly and intricately decorated in shades of pink.
• City Christmas Market
  Situated in the heart of the city, Frankfurt’s loftiest Christmas market invites visitors to enjoy a festive retreat. There, on the rooftop terrace of the City Alm, guests enjoy hot cocktails and hearty specialties between rustic alpine huts. The city lights, especially in the evening, create an incomparable atmosphere.
• Sachsenhausen Christmas Market
  Scenically set in the wintery forest near the Goethe Tower, the Sachsenhausen Christmas Market offers its visitors Christmas specialties and handcrafted goods amidst the beauty of Mother Nature.
• Finnish and Swedish Christmas Market
  For those who interested in experiencing Nordic Christmas culture, the Swedish Christmas Market in Preungesheim and the Finnish Christmas Market in Dornbusch open their doors on the first Advent weekend. Both markets offer local delicacies, traditional handicrafts, and bring Scandinavian flair to Frankfurt.

Frankfurt Christmas customs and traditions

When at the Frankfurt Christmas Market, make sure to sample the many traditional local specialties. The famous Bethmännchen, a sweet marzipan pastry, are a must during the Advent season. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot apple wine, an essential in Frankfurt, especially on cold winter days.

“Brenten,” “Bethmaennchen” and “Quetschemaennchen” – miniature candy figures – are three typical Frankfurt biscuits that you can buy at the Christmas market. In former times, large quantities were produced in the bourgeois homes of the city center. The 19th-century suitor customarily sent a packet of this popular confectionery to the object of his desires. If she kept this present, the admirer could hope to continue his advances. If she did not, it served as a notice for the suitor to abandon his efforts.

The traditional “Quetschemännchen”. These little ladies and gentlemen are made from dried plums and nuts, held together with wire. Originally, the “Quetschemännchen” were a chimney sweep or musician, meant to bring good luck. One of the greatest fans of Frankfurt Christmas confectionery was the renowned Frankfurt-born author and poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. During his tenure as privy councillor in the faraway city of Weimar, he would regularly receive Christmas parcels from his mother containing his favourite Frankfurt treats.