christmas markets in frankfurt 2023
Last updated Oct 09, 2023
The city of Frankfurt usually conjures up images of banks, skyscrapers with glass facades, and stressed people with briefcases, but away from the business districts you get to see a completely different side of "Mainhatten" – as the city on the Main River is sometimes called. Römerberg is the old town, where historic half-timbered houses are lined up beside authentic pubs, restaurants and shops. It's like stepping into a fairytale! As soon as the first snow covers the rooftops it's time for one of Germany's oldest and most beloved Christmas markets to open its doors again.
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It's no surprise that the Christmas market with its 30-meter-high Christmas tree attracts more than 3 million visitors every year. This makes it not only one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany, but also one of the most popular. But don't let the crowds put you off... You'll find a variety of smaller more tranquil Christmas markets all around Frankfurt too. Thanks to unique scenery, local culinary specialties and traditions, no two Christmas markets are alike. The hard part is deciding which of the many markets you want to visit!
the frankfurt christmas market
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When? From 27th November to 21st December 2023, Mon-Sat from 10 am - 9 pm, Sun from 11 am - 9 pm
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Where? The Christmas market in Frankfurt stretches from the Römerberg and the Pauluskirche down to the banks of the Main
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Highlights: Children's carousel, picturesque scenery on the Römerberg, hot apple wine and other local specialties, traditional handicrafts Christmas Market | Frankfurt Tourism (frankfurt-tourismus.de)
The Römerberg is the town hall square of the city of Frankfurt and has been the center of the old town since the High Middle Ages. No less than 240 festively decorated stalls, a historic carousel and a 30-meter-high Christmas tree decorated with lights welcome visitors to the Römerberg and the surrounding streets and squares. Meanwhile, the market stretches north to the Hauptwache and south almost to the Main River. The various stall operators mainly sell handcrafted products such as nutcrackers, Christmas tree decorations, wood carvings, gift items or candles. But winter clothing such as men's hats or scarves are also part of the repertoire.
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the frankfurt christmas market mug
Every year, the Frankfurt Christmas Market delights its visitors with a specially designed Christmas market cup. Since 2000 a new cup design has been unveiled every year, becoming a coveted collector's item. Traditionally it was used to serve mulled wine or hot cider. The 2021 Christmas market cup design was dedicated to the Frankfurt festivals, to honor the numerous festivals that had to be canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid19. 2023 marks the start of a brand new series of cups. Any guesses what the new design will be?
frankfurt christmas market festive food
Christmas biscuits enjoy a long tradition in Frankfurt, the extremely well-known and popular are the so-called "Behtmännchen". The basis of this traditional pastry is marzipan dough, which is made from ground almonds, icing sugar and rose water. It's then shaped into balls and decorated with three halved almonds. Somewhat less known but just as traditional are the "Quetschemännsche", small figures made of prunes, nuts and raisins. In the 19th century, male admirers sent them to their beloved! Also on everyone's lips (in the truest sense of the word) are the "Frankfurter Brenten", a traditional tea biscuit which is made from the same marzipan dough as the "Behtmännchen" but differ in preparation method and shapes.
In addition to traditional Christmas biscuits, the Frankfurt Christmas Market offers a colourful variety of typical Christmas delicacies: from potato pancakes, burgers or classic meat dishes such as goose and homemade soups to fried chestnuts, tasty cakes and fluffy waffles. Special culinary highlights are the reinterpretation of typical Frankfurt dishes, such as Handkäs fondue or green sauce crêpes with ox breast. Whether savoury or sweet, typically regional or international, meat-based or vegan – there is something for every taste!
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more fantastic christmas markets in frankfurt & hesse
1. artists' christmas market
In addition to the traditional Christmas market Frankfurt is home to the Artists' Christmas Market, which celebrated its 100th year running in 2022. Hundreds of Frankfurt artists present their paintings, graphics, photographs and objects in two exhibitions and offer them for sale.
St. Paul's Church: 22nd Nov - 22nd Dec 2023 12pm - 8pm (6pm on 22nd Dec)
Romerhallen: 2nd Dec - 22nd Dec 2023 12pm - 8pm (6pm on 22nd Dec)
2. pink christmas
Since 2012 Pink Christmas has been taking place on Friedrich-Stolze-Platz, a foodie LGBTQ+ area. The community show off their flair for illumination, decoration and design in an inclusive festive spectacle. Thanks to the wide range of vegetarian and vegan delicacies nearby, the Pink Christmas is also a popular meeting place for friends of plant-based dishes.
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3. swedish christmas market
If you want to make a detour to the north, visit the Swedish Christmas market. Organized by the Swedish parish in Frankfurt, it traditionally takes place on the first weekend of Advent in the parish hall in Frankfurt-Preungesheim. The lovingly decorated stalls offer typical Swedish handicrafts, jewellery from Lapland, Swedish glass and crystal as well as textiles. Find a wide selection of Swedish specialties such as princess torte, fish, cheese and of course Glögg, the Swedish mulled wine which is served with almonds and raisins.
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When? Open on weekends from 2nd December, 11am - 6pm on Saturdays and 12pm - 4pm on Sundays.
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Where? Parish hall in Frankfurt-Preungesheim
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Website: Swedish Christmas Market in Frankfurt 2023 – Christmas 2023 (weihnachtsmarkt-deutschland.de)
4. hanau christmas market
The birthplace of the Brothers Grimm is only about 30 minutes east of Frankfurt where visitors are met with a fairytale backdrop. Handicrafts, gifts and culinary specialties are sold at over 70 stalls. In addition to daily live music, smaller visitors can look forward to a mini Ferris wheel, two vintage carousels and a train.
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When? 27th Nov - 22nd Dec 2023
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Where? Hanau, about 40 minutes by S8 or S9 from Gateway Garden Village
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Website: https://www.winterinhanau.de/
5. mainz christmas market
Not far from Frankfurt, the city of Mainz awaits Christmas market lovers with a romantic city backdrop. On the square in front of the 1000-year-old St. Martin's Cathedral, sales and food stalls are lined up and guests can purchase handmade products from the artists' factory. A varied program of concerts, performances, workshops and children's entertainment provide entertainment throughout the day. Other highlights include the 11-metre-high and colourfully decorated Christmas pyramid and the hand-carved nativity scenes in the cathedral's Gotthard chapel.
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When? 30th November to 23rd December 2023. Sunday - Thursday 11am - 8.30pm, Fridays and Saturdays 11am - 9pm.
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Where? Mainz, about 30 minutes by S8 from Gateway Garden Village
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Website: The updated programme will be available online from November. Christmas Market < state capital Mainz | Mainz Christmas Market
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6. michelstadt christmas market
Close to the famous town hall building from 1484, the town of Michelstadt awaits its Christmas market guests with over 100 picturesque wooden stalls. Special highlights include the nativity scenes with their life-size figures, the seven-metre-high Christmas pyramid and Toy Museum. Life-size nativity figures can also be found throughout the city as signposts. In the castle, adults can get their money's worth in a wine tasting hall.
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When? 1st - 23rd December 2023
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Where? Michelstadt, about 70 minutes from Frankfurt Südbahnhof by RE85, or 60 minutes by car
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Website: Home – Michelstadt Christmas Market (michelstaedter-weihnachtsmarkt.de)
7. aschaffenburg christmas market
The Aschaffenburg Christmas Market welcomes its guests in a fairytale setting near the Johannesburg. Highlights include the large nutcracker in the castle park, life-size nativity scenes in Franconian style, two Christmas pyramids, a Christmas train and a historic Ferris wheel. A cup of warm cider or delicious mulled wine is the best way to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the market. Theatre performances and organ concerts provide variety and entertainment.
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When? 21st November to 21st December 2023. Monday - Saturday 10am - 9pm, Sundays 11am - 9pm. Closed 26th December.
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Where? Aschaffenburg, about 40 minutes by RE55 from Frankfurt Südbahnhof
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Website: Aschaffenburg Christmas Market – info-aschaffenburg.de [en]
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8. darmstadt christmas market
The Darmstadt Christmas Market welcomes its visitors again this year with its colorful stalls as well as various ice sculptures and fire shows. In addition to typical Christmas products, both local specialties and international dishes are offered. The seductive scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine creates a cosy atmosphere. In the Carree, visitors can expect a food truck Christmas market, which focuses on slow food, sustainability and culture. The colourful culinary programme ranges from tarte flambée, burgers, falafel and quiche to mulled wine and cinnamon coffee. Regular concerts provide entertainment on a small cultural stage.
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When? 20th November to 23rd December 2023
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Where? Darmstadt, approx. 1h by S-Bahn or bus from Frankfurt Airport or 30 minutes by car
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Website: Darmstadt Christmas Market: Darmstadt Tourism (darmstadt-tourismus.de)
9. rüdesheim christmas market
A very special concept awaits the Christmas market visitors in Rüdesheim. People from 17 nations and six continents offer products and specialties from all over the world at the "Rüdesheim Christmas Market of Nations". Expect a variety of concerts, performances and activities around the customs and traditions of the represented nations. True to the motto "Advent in the Rhine Valley – Christmas all over the world", you can get in the mood with the best specialties from East and West, from Europe and overseas. Similar to Frankfurt, Rüdesheim also has its own Christmas cup, which has become a coveted collector's item.
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When? 20th November to 23rd December 2023. Monday – Thursday and Sundays 11am – 8pm, Fridays and Saturdays 11am – 9pm.
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Where? Rüdesheim, with the S9 to Wiesbaden and the RB10 in about 1.5h to Rüdesheim
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Website: Rüdesheim Christmas Market of Nations ° The whole world visits Rüdesheim (ruedesheimer-weihnachtsmarkt.de)
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THE BEST PLACE TO STAY?
During the festive season accommodation in the old town books up fast. If you are looking for good accessibility, maximum comfort and an unbeatable price, Staycity Aparthotels Frankfurt Airport is the smart choice. A few minutes' walk from Frankfurt Airport, or about 15 minutes by S-Bahn from Frankfurt's Old Town, our aparthotel offers the perfect blend of home and hotel within close proximity to the markets.
staying at frankfurt germany
Modernity, riverside apfelwein, smart suits, ebbelwoi pubs, historic half-timbered houses, street performers, cityscapes and verdant parks.
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