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.

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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.

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.