Dating back to 1393, the Frankfurt Christmas Market (Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt) is one of Germany’s oldest, largest, and most atmospheric holiday traditions. Every year, the city’s historic center is transformed into a sparkling wonderland of timber-framed stalls, the scent of roasted almonds, and the glow of thousands of fairy lights.
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If you are planning your visit for the upcoming season, here is everything you need to know.
1. Essential Dates & Times
The market traditionally opens on the Monday before the first Sunday of Advent and concludes just before Christmas Eve.
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2025 Dates: November 24 – December 22, 2025.
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2026 Dates (Projected): November 23 – December 22, 2026.
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Opening Hours:
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Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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2. Key Locations
The market isn’t just in one spot; it’s a festive trail that winds through the heart of the city.
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Römerberg: The iconic heart of the market. This is where you’ll find the massive Christmas tree (usually over 30 meters tall), the vintage carousel, and the most traditional timber-framed stalls.
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Paulsplatz: Right next to the Römer, this area features more artisanal crafts and the famous “Honey House,” a 300-year-old timber building dedicated to all things honey.
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Mainkai (Riverbank): A picturesque stretch along the Main River, perfect for a sunset stroll with a mug of mulled wine.
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Rosa Weihnacht (Pink Christmas): Located at Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, this is the city’s LGBTQ+ friendly market area, famous for its vibrant pink lighting and excellent Feuerzangenbowle (fire-tongs punch).
3. Traditional Treats: What to Eat & Drink
While you can find standard German fare like Bratwurst everywhere, Frankfurt has several unique specialties you must try:
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Bethmännchen: These are Frankfurt’s signature Christmas cookies. They are small, globe-shaped marzipan pastries decorated with three halved almonds—symbolizing the three sons of the famous Frankfurt Bethmann family.
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Heißer Apfelwein (Hot Apple Wine): A winter twist on the city’s favorite beverage. It’s often spiced with cinnamon and cloves, offering a lighter, tarter alternative to traditional red mulled wine.
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Quetschemännchen: Quirky little figurines made from dried plums, nuts, and raisins. Historically, young men would give these to their sweethearts as a token of affection.
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Handkäse-Fondue: A modern festival twist on the local sour-milk cheese, served melted and hot.
4. Expert Tips for Your Visit
| Tip | Why It Matters |
| Go on a Weekday Morning | The evenings—especially Fridays and Saturdays—become incredibly crowded. For a peaceful stroll and shorter food lines, visit before 4:00 PM on a Tuesday or Wednesday. |
| The Mug Deposit (Pfand) | When you buy a drink, you’ll pay a small deposit (usually €3–€5) for the ceramic mug. You can return the mug to get your money back or keep it as a unique souvenir. |
| Climb the Cathedral | For the best photo of the glowing market from above, climb the tower of the Kaiserdom. The view of the lit-up Römerberg against the dark skyline is breathtaking. |
| The Pealing of the Bells | If you are in town on the Saturday before the first Advent (Nov 29, 2025), don’t miss the Stadtgeläut. At 4:30 PM, 50 bells from 10 different churches ring out simultaneously for 30 minutes. |
Pro-Tip: Many stalls are cash only. While some larger food vendors now accept cards, the smaller craft stalls often do not. Keep some Euros on hand to avoid hunting for an ATM in the cold!