Frankfurt Christmas Market 2024 at Römerberg and Paulsplatz

With its distinctive gabled façades and cobblestone square, the historic Römerberg provides a unique counterpoint to Frankfurt’s modern skyline. Since 1393, the Frankfurt Christmas Market has centred around this historic square and Paulsplatz.

Continue reading for confirmed 2024 dates, opening hours and what you can expect from the experience.

Frankfurt Christmas Market 2024

Dates – Confirmed

Frankfurt Christmas Market dates: 25th November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).

Update: Dates were announced in January. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office, available here.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Locations:
Römerberg
Paulsplatz
Mainkai (at the River Main)
Hauptwache (opposite the Zeil shopping street)
Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz (the pink market)
Roßmarkt (the newest market)
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm.
Sunday: 11am to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Travel and Accommodation

Recommended tour: Walking tour of Frankfurt Altstadt, the Old Town, and the New Old Town.
Public transport: Tram stop: Römer/Paulskirche. Subway: Dom/Römer.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Where to stay: Motel One is an affordable hotel 2 minutes from Römerberg.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Reason to visit: It’s one of the oldest in Germany and retains its traditions.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Some options. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Brenten, Bethmännchen and Quetschemännchen biscuits.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes.
Toilets: Accessible toilets are in front of Schirn Kunsthalle, opposite the Dom subway entrance. Another is at Paulsplatz (take the lift).
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.

Where to Stay

Motel One is an affordable hotel in the very expensive Römer district. I’ve stayed here before, and it’s a pretty decent option.

Of course, there are many other excellent hotels in Frankfurt, but I’d recommend booking well in advance to get the best deals.

This German Christmas Markets List might inspire you to visit further destinations this winter.

Location Map

Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.

Christmas in Frankfurt

A towering Christmas tree, wooden huts and international crowds create the festive atmosphere.

In the early 19th century, the Christmas tree became a common decoration, with Frankfurt’s Sachsenhausen traders selling the best trees at the Römer. Simple wooden Stoffbobbe balls were popular then and you can still find them now.

The festivities stretch from Mainkai on the waterfront through Römerberg, Paulsplatz and Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, ending at Hauptwache.

It’s welcoming to solo travellers like I was on my visit a few years back, with both visitors and stallholders happy to chat, especially during quieter periods in the morning.

Regional Specialties

• Handkäse mit Musik: A traditional dish with fermented cheese, chopped onions, caraway seeds, and vinaigrette.
• Sauerbraten: Marinated pot roast, usually beef, slow-cooked and served with a rich, sweet-sour gravy.
• Frankfurter Kranz: A ring-shaped sponge cake filled with jam and buttercream, then covered with more buttercream and brittle nuts for crunch.
• Marzipanbrot: A marzipan bread made with almonds and sugar, often covered with dark chocolate.

At the Food Stalls

• Apfelwein: Frankfurt’s popular apple wine, similar to hard cider.
• Bethmännchen: Small marzipan cookies made with ground almonds, powdered sugar, rose water, and egg white, decorated with three almond halves.
• Brenten: Almond-based cookies made with a marzipan-like dough, often shaped into figures and baked until slightly crisp.
• Quetschemännchen: Figurines made from dried plums, usually crafted to resemble little people with nuts, dried fruit, and sometimes marzipan.
• Bratwurst: Traditional German sausage, typically grilled and served in a fresh roll.
• Flammkuchen: Thin bread dough topped with fromage blanc or crème fraîche, onions, and lardons, cooked until crispy. It’s from the Alsace region of France.
• Lebkuchen: Traditional German spiced cookie, similar to gingerbread.
• Pretzels: Chewy German snacks with a distinctive twisted shape, sometimes filled with cheese or ham.
• Stollen: Fruit bread made with dried fruit, nuts, spices, and marzipan, coated with icing sugar.
• Roasted Chestnuts: Scored and roasted on a perforated pan over an open fire, giving them a unique, smoky-sweet flavour.

What to Buy

• Bembel: Traditional stoneware jug used for serving Apfelwein.
• Ornaments: Crafted glass baubles and carved wooden figures reflecting high-quality craftsmanship.
• Ebbelwoi Glass: Traditional glass designed for enjoying Frankfurt’s apple wine.
• Frankfurt Honey: Locally-produced honey with distinct flavours from flowers from the region.
• Handmade Crafts: Jewellery, wooden toys, leather goods, and other items made by local artisans.
• Laternen: Colourful, hand-painted lanterns.
• Traditional Toys: Wooden stoffbobbe, puzzles, handcrafted dolls, and model trains.

Sustainable Travel Tips

• Public transport: Frankfurt’s extensive network of trams, buses and the U-Bahn makes getting around easy.
• Walk or cycle when you can: The city centre is highly walkable and there are protected bike lanes if you want to rid.
• Green hotels: Book a hotel committed to sustainability, using energy-saving technologies and renewable sources. Also those with recycling and water-saving initiatives in place.
• Food waste: Enjoy treats at the market, but be mindful of food waste. Order smaller portions if you’re unsure you can finish larger ones. Look for stalls that provide compostable plates and cutlery and use recycling bins for disposal.
• Shop consciously: Support the local economy by selecting items made by local artisans and only avoid impulse buys.
• Lower-impact diets: Frankfurt has a growing vegetarian and vegan scene, and the food stalls offer an excellent range of options.
• Refill, don’t buy: Refill your bottle at Frankfurt’s public water fountains.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.