Updated 9/12/19

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Did you know that Christmas markets originated in Germany during the 14th century? Visiting a European Christmas market is one of the best ways to bring in the Christmas season. If you want to soak up the holiday spirit at one of the best German Christmas Markets, make sure to visit the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Let me tell you what makes this German Christmas market so festive!

Five Reasons to Visit Frankfurt Christmas Market

#1 Size

The Frankfurt Christmas market is one of the largest in Germany. The heart of the market is in St. Paul’s Square and around the Römer in the Altstadt (old part of Frankfurt). From there it continues off on many side streets and to other smaller squares. It is believed that about 3 million people visit every year from when the market opens at the end of November until it closes at the end of December.

#2 History

The Frankfurt market is the oldest market in Germany. There is a document that shows that the market has been in Frankfurt since 1393! If that isn’t a long time, I don’t know what is! Back then one of the main events was mystery plays. While they have gone by the wayside, many of the other traditions still remain, such as shopping for toys!

#3 Atmosphere

The setting in Frankfurt couldn’t be more perfect for a Christmas market! With a backdrop of half-timbered houses and a giant Christmas tree, the market square looks like a fairytale. I loved seeing the buildings during the day, but at night the twinkling lights of all the stalls really set the mood.

#4 Market Stalls

The market is full of little decorated wooden huts selling handcrafted items, hot food to keep you warm and other traditional German specialities. There are even some larger structures that you can walk inside. The one below is a little ornament shop. It is the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping.

#5 Food

As I was researching the best German Christmas Markets, Frankfurt came up as one of the best markets for food. As good as all the other reasons for visiting the Frankfurt Christmas Market are, this one really sold the deal for me! Read my what to eat at the Frankfurt Christmas market post to tempt your taste buds and find out the traditional treats to try in Frankfurt!

Before I left Moscow someone asked me if I felt Christmasy. I didn’t feel too Christmasy at the time, but there is no doubt that I did as I walked around the magical Frankfurt Christmas market. Let me know in the comments below if you plan to visit or what you love about the market!

Visiting Information

Where

The center of the Christmas market in Frankfurt is in the Alstadt (Old Town) around the Römer (Town Hall). You really can’t miss it!

When

The 2019 Frankfurt Christmas Market runs from November 25th to December 22nd. It is open Monday – Saturday from 10:00 – 9pm and Sundays 11:00 – 9pm.

How to Get There

Accessible on foot from most areas in Frankfurt.

More Information

For information on events, hours and more see this website.

Toilets

There are pay toilets at the Christmas market in the Alstadt. If you get a hotel nearby, like the one I recommend below, you can easily go back to the hotel when you need a toilet.

Where to Stay

I recommend Hotel Spenerhaus, where I stayed. It was only about a 5 minute walk to the Christmas market, but had a much lower price tag then most other hotels. Other than the church bells in the morning it is very quiet. A different treat on my pillow every night was a nice touch. It was an economical choice that was nice and clean. For some other options I would recommend the Alstadt and surrounding area. I wouldn’t stay directly around the train station or the Red light district. Click here to look for some options.