Updated September 19th, 2019

This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, if you buy through my site. I appreciate your support of my site.

The Frankfurt Christmas market is the oldest and one of the best German Christmas markets in Germany. Walking through the streets and stalls full of wooden toys, ornaments and the best Christmas market food will get you in the holiday spirit. There is so much to see and do in Frankfurt that you might be tempted to spend your full holiday in the city. I urge you to take a day trip from Frankfurt to visit some of the smaller towns. The Christmas markets near Frankfurt may be smaller, but they have a completely different feel than the market in the bustling financial center of Germany. Continue reading to find out how to take a day trip from Frankfurt to the nearby town of Rüdesheim.

German Train Travel

Frankfurt day trips can be easily done by train. There are several different types of trains depending on speed and where your destination is located. If you are considering visiting a couple of different small towns in one day buy a Hesse pass. This allows you to travel as much as you want in one day in that German state. You can buy the Hesse pass or a direct ticket to a particular town from one of the ticket machines. Trains to the nearby towns run pretty frequently, at least one per hour. The ticket shows which platform to find your train. You can also check train information online ahead of time. The trains do not sell any food, but they have toilets onboard. 

Rüdesheim

One of the best Christmas markets around Frankfurt is in a small town in the Rhine valley called Rüdesheim am Rhein. In addition to its location along the Rhein river, it is known for winemaking. It is a really easy day trip from Frankfurt because it is only about an hour and 15 minutes train ride away from the city. 

Rüdesheim Old Town

During the holiday season a little Christmas market fills the Old Town and spills out onto several of the surrounding streets. The whole town is quaint and Christmasy. It is small enough to wander around aimlessly without a concern of becoming lost. Cute little houses are found around every corner. 

Rüdesheim Christmas Market

Like Frankfurt the Rüdesheim market is full of food stands. There aren’t as many as in Frankfurt, but there are still all the classic choices from sausages to roasted nuts. Due to over 15 countries being represented the market has an international feel. You can try both local and global foods and see many cultures represented. Rüdesheim is also known to have Europe’s largest Nativity scene. 

Rüdesheim Cable Car

From the center of Rüdesheim you can take a cable car up and across the surrounding vineyards. I had a really cloudy, wintery day, but I was still impressed with the panoramic views. 

The cable car is open on the sides, so make sure to dress warm!

You can take the cable car back down, but I chose to hike my way back. From the top I found my way back to town on the curving roads, paths and vineyard trails. It was a little unclear how to get back down the path, but I kept my eyes on the cable cars and made it back down just fine.

Rüdesheim Rhein River Cruise

The best way to see the Rhine valley is on a river cruise from Rüdesheim. You can take a cruise right from Rüdesheim or get a Rhine river cruise pass. With the pass you can choose any of the routes and get on and off in different cities. It is a great opportunity to visit different Christmas markets, including Rüdesheim’s. If it is Christmastime though you may want to choose the Christmas boat tour from Rüdesheim.

Christmas Markets Near Frankfurt in the Hesse State

On day trips from Frankfurt you can visit several German Christmas markets. With the Hesse pass you have unlimited transportation between all the stations within the Hesse state. That was my plan, but I ended up spending too much time in Rüdesheim. Other Christmas markets near Frankfurt that are within the Hesse state include:

• Wiesbaden, known as the twinkly star Christmas market, is highly rated. It is an easy stop to make on the same train line between Frankfurt and Rüdesheim.
• Hanau is only about 20 – 30 minutes away. It’s no surprise that the Hanau market has a fairytale feel with a ferris wheel, train and carousels. It was the home of the Grimms’ brothers!
• Darmstadt is also only 20 – 30 minutes away. What makes the market special is the goods from Darmstadt’s twin cities around the world, such as Hungarian Lángos and Swiss cheese.
• Further afield is Kassel, located about an hour and half to two hours away from Frankfurt in the opposite direction of Rüdesheim. Every year the Kassel Christmas market has a theme related to one of the Brothers Grimm fairytales.
• Schlitz’s Christmas market claim to fame is the giant candle that forms a background to the market. It is known as the largest candle in the world and creates a romantic feel! It is about two hours away and in the northern part of the state like Kassel.

There is really something special about a German Christmas market and especially a small town one! Take a Frankfurt day trip to visit Rüdesheim or one of the other small town markets. Let me know in the comments below which one is your favorite to visit! 

Visiting Information

Where to Stay

Hotel Spenerhaus was perfect for my stay in Frankfurt. It’s convenient for both taking day trips and for exploring the city. The hotel is about a 25 minute walk to the main train station or 10 minutes on public transportation. It is near the Alstadt, the old town of the city, ideal for visiting the Frankfurt Christmas Market.

Toilets

Train: You need to pay for toilets at the train stations. There are toilets onboard all the trains.

Rüdesheim: There are pay toilets located at the base of the cable car. At the top of the cable car there is a restaurant that you can pay to use the toilets.

More About Frankfurt

• Frankfurt: Christmas Market
• Frankfurt: What to Eat at the Frankfurt Christmas Market
• Frankfurt: Christmas Goethe Cruise
• Frankfurt: Neighborhoods & What to Do

Pin It!