Originally, the Frankfurt market wasn’t designed as a festive event. It was just a place where people could stock up on warm clothes, food and other essentials before the winter season arrived. It was transformed into a festive Christmas market in the 19th century. That’s when most of its traditions originated including a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the city’s main square and nativity plays.
The Frankfurt Christmas market historically takes place in the city’s Old Town (Altstadt). This part of the city was almost completely destroyed during the World War II, so the market was held in other parts of the city for several decades after the war. In 1983, it returned to central Frankfurt. The market occupies a large area, including Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, Hauptwache, Mankai Street, Paulsplatz, and Römerberg Square where the city hall (Römer) is located.
Today’s Christmas market in Frankfurt am Main features over 200 beautifully decorated stalls and booths with Christmas decorations and souvenirs, handicrafts from around the globe, delicious Christmas treats and traditional German delicacies, spicy Glühwein and hot cider. During the market, the city’s main square is dominated by a tall Christmas tree decorated with lights and garlands.
Merchants and craftsmen from all over Germany offer an impressive array of Christmas gifts for your nearest and dearest. Here you can find a lot of traditional handicrafts such as children’s toys and puppets, candles, nutcracker dolls, Christmas decorations, ceramics, etc.
Among the classical Christmas treats sold at the market are Quetschemännsche (small figurines made of nuts, prunes and raisins), Frankfurter Brenten and Bethmännchen (marzipan pastries), gingerbread and Christmas cookies. Food stalls also offer traditional German dishes such as Bratwurst (sausage) served with potato salad or sauerkraut, roasted chestnuts and almonds, Stollen (Christmas fruit bread), and more. If you get cold, there are hot drinks to keep your warm such as spicy Glühwein (mulled wine), hot cider, punch and hot chocolate.
As far as entertainment is concerned, the Frankfurt Christmas market offers plenty of events and activities such as live performances, nativity plays, fairground rides, etc. Every day of the market has its unique program. If you want to experience something special, you should attend the market on a special day such as Saint Nicholas Day (December 6) or one of the Saturdays or Sundays during Advent. The city’s church bells chime at designated times, helping create a festive atmosphere.
