Visiting the Christmas Market in Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt, Germany was my last itinerary stop on a week-long Christmas Market hopping extravaganza with my long-time BFF. Honestly, the reason we picked Frankfurt as our last stop had more to do with the international airport than it did with our desire to see Frankfurt.
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Most folks associate the modern metropolis of Frankfurt with business travel and the banking industry. With that thought in mind, I was expecting something akin to the Christmas Market in Munich, but with sterile surroundings. Still, we had heard good things and decided we would give it a fair shake and enjoy our final night in Germany before our long flights back to the States.
An overview of our complete 6-Day Christmas Market itinerary can be found here.
Getting to Frankfurt
Frankfurt Main Airport is Germany’s busiest international airport by passenger numbers and has a multitude of direct flight options from many US cities. It is also the hub for German airline, Lufthansa, making it extremely accessible for both domestic and international travelers.
We arrived in Frankfurt from Strasbourg via train. Coming in to the Frankfurt Central Station was pretty impressive. It is the largest and busiest train station in Europe (didn’t know that!). The iron and glass building is quite beautiful and showcases a Neo-Renaissance central hall with a huge Atlas statue.
If you are driving, chances are you won’t need (or want) a car in Frankfurt. So, once you’ve successfully navigated into the city, you can park and continue on foot, Uber, or local public transportation.
Where we stayed
While in Frankfurt, we stayed at the Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof, close to the historical city center. As usual, location was a key factor for us. Also, we wanted to be sure we had a large hotel room with modern amenities so we would have space to go through our bags, organize, and re-pack.
Check rates & availability for Steigenberger Frandfurter Hof below:
Above photo: Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof
The Frankfurt Christmas Market
Frankfurt Christmas Market 2025
Opening Dates | Nov 24 thru Dec 22
Monday – Saturday | 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday | 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Römerberg Square and Paulsplatz are the backdrops for the single main market in Frankfurt. Unlike other major Christmas Market destinations, you won’t find multiple markets scattered throughout Frankfurt – although it is a little spread out. The market stalls stretch from the square at the Hauptwache down to the quayside on the river.
Römerberg Square is surrounded by tall, half-timbered buildings with a huge, town-square Christmas tree at its center. This is the main square packed with stalls full of ornaments, crafts, and gifts of all kinds. But, we felt like there was an abundance of food stalls.
Above photos: Frankfurt Christmas Market
This worked out rather well for us mostly because it was dinner time and we hadn’t eaten since the train. So, we made our rounds eating everything that hadn’t tried already. The Frankfurt market has developed a few of its own food specialities, two of which are based on baked marzipan. Brenten are a rectangular cookies, and Bettmännchen are a bit chewier with almonds on the side. Nothing like eating your way through a Christmas Market!
Above photos: Food at Frankfurt Christmas Market
Another fun thing that I usually do when I travel, is bring home a bunch of foreign snacks for the kids in lieu of other souvenirs that end up squirreled away in a junk drawer. The first thing I do after walking through the door is layout a smorgasboard of all the food I’ve grabbed along the way (from market stalls, grocery stores, or the airport snack kiosks). The Frankfurt Christmas Market presented a perfect opportunity to buy all kinds of snacks and sweets that would still be fresh after I got back. The long, flavored gummy ropes were a huge hit. The gingerbread, not so much.
Above photos: Decorated Stalls at Frankfurt Christmas Market
As you would expect, Frankfurt has a completely different vibe from the other medieval towns in Bavaria. The city has a whole different level of energy. Business professionals and commuters passed through the market to grab a bite or meet up with other local friends. It reminded me a little bit of the Christmas Market in Union Square in NYC, but again, heavy on the sausage and potato fritters.
Above photos: Frankfurt Christmas Market
The take-away for me was realizing that the Christmas Markets are not all one-in-the-same. When planning an itinerary, it is nice to experience different types of markets, different sizes, and a variety of specialties. It might get a little boring otherwise! They are all unique and wonderful in their own way. The most important thing is going with someone who can eat, drink, and be merry with you as you discover all the magic and time-honored traditions of the Christmas Markets.
Above photos: Sipping Gluhwein from the annual mug at Frankfurt Christmas Market
More Tips & Info
Some additional tips for visiting the Christmas Markets in Germany:
- Carry cash: The first order of business when I arrive at an international destination is pulling cash out of the airport ATM machine. My bank reimburses me for my ATM fees and gives me the best currency conversion rate. Be sure to research your bank’s policy ahead and determine the best method for you. Most market vendors are able to process credit cards, but some will only take cash. We found this to be especially true with many food stalls. 💶 🤑
- Keep the mug: Each market has its own annual mug design for Glühwein. When you order your beverage, you’ll pay a deposit for the mug (which you get back upon returning it) plus the cost of your drink. You don’t have to return the mug though (you just don’t get the deposit back). I kept one from each market as a souvenir. ☕️ 🍷
- Pack a packable duffle: You’re going there to shop so be prepared to get it all back home safely. I usually pack a duffle bag inside my luggage and slowly fill it up throughout my trip. I pack light so I have plenty of room for anything I need to take back in my checked luggage. I also take bubble wrap and a small flat box (that I later assemble) to make sure my glass ornaments make it back in one piece! The box should fit inside your carry-on duffle bag for your flight home. 🧳 ✈️
- Resign yourself to the crowds: Christmas Markets are very popular and widely visited throughout the holiday season by locals and tourists alike. You’ll be doing yourself a huge favor if you go with the expectation that there will be long lines, slow moving sidewalks, and people from every walk of life in your way. If you are stressed out and/or in a hurry, you won’t enjoy yourself. Thankfully, there isn’t anything another mug of Glühwein and a merry disposition can’t cure. 👨👩👧👦 🎄
Tours
There is so much more to see and do in Frankfurt. If you are staying for a couple days, consider a historic walking tours or a Rhine Valley river cruise!
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