We spent a December day wandering Frankfurt’s sprawling Christmas Market, one of the world’s oldest, through historic squares, festive stalls, and a cathedral tower with views over it all. This guide covers the best market sections plus the top things to do in Frankfurt any time of year.
Frankfurt is often known for its modern skyline and role as a global financial hub, but beneath the skyscrapers is a historic city with medieval squares, museums, churches, and one of Germany’s most impressive Christmas markets. Whether you’re visiting in December for the festive atmosphere or at another time of year to explore its cultural sights, Frankfurt has a rich history, with Roman roots, enchanting old town squares, and excellent museums.
We visited Frankfurt on a winter trip through northern Germany and Poland’s Christmas markets, traveling from Berlin to Wrocław, then on to Dresden, Cologne, and Frankfurt. We spent one day in the city wandering the historic center, touring landmarks, drinking apple wine in Sachsenhausen, and exploring the Frankfurt Christmas Market. We really enjoyed our short time here.
Frankfurt is a city best suited to travelers who love history and art, since most of the top things to do are historic sites and museums. It’s not a place we’d build an entire trip around, but if it fits into your itinerary, it’s a rewarding stop that tends to surprise people.
This guide is organized so it works year-round. We start with the Christmas market experience for winter travelers, then move on to the best things to do in Frankfurt at any time of year.
When is the Frankfurt Christmas Market Open?
Dates: November 23 to December 22, 2026
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm; Sundays, 11 am to 9 pm
Cost: Free
Get updated dates and hours on the Visit Frankfurt website.
Frankfurt Christmas Market
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest in the world, first documented in 1393. Rather than being confined to a single square, the market spreads across Frankfurt’s entire historic center. While it may feel like several smaller markets on neighboring squares, it is officially considered one large Christmas market.
The heart of the market is Römerberg Square, but stalls extend to the banks of the Main River, up to Hauptwache, east toward Zeil, and west to Roßmarkt. Exploring the Christmas market often means walking through much of Frankfurt’s old town, with each square revealing another festive scene.
Below are a few key squares you won’t want to miss when exploring this large Christmas Market.
Römerberg
Römerberg Square is the historic heart of Frankfurt and the most iconic section of the Christmas market. The square is framed by half-timbered houses, museums, and churches, and it sits just steps from Frankfurt Cathedral.
The market stalls here are beautifully decorated, many topped with animatronic figurines, animals, and festive scenes. Most stalls sell food and drinks, so we tried bratwurst, tacos, and plenty of hot chocolate spiked with Jägermeister, our new favorite winter drink.
A large carousel dominates the center of the square. We could not resist taking a ride, which added to the nostalgic charm of the market.
Römerberg is also home to several important historic landmarks, including the Fountain of Justice, which was once filled with wine during imperial coronations, and the Book Burning Memorial Plaque, which commemorates the voices silenced during Nazi Germany.
You can also step inside the Old St. Nicholas Church, a striking red and white medieval Lutheran church, and see the patrician houses that make up Frankfurt’s town hall since 1405.
From Römerberg, the Christmas market continues south toward the Main River and the Iron Footbridge, as well as north through Paulsplatz.
Pink Christmas (Rosa Weihnachtsmarkt)
Pink Christmas takes place on Friedrich Stoltze Square and offers a very different vibe from the traditional markets. This is a lively, party-focused market known for hot cocktails, creative drinks, and homemade soups served from wooden huts and white tents.
Everything here is thoughtfully designed, from pink Christmas trees and ornaments to the lighting and décor. It is a fun stop if you are looking for something more modern and energetic within the broader Christmas market scene.
Roßmarkt
Set beneath Frankfurt’s modern skyscrapers and surrounded by upscale shops, Roßmarkt is one of the most visually striking sections of the Christmas market.
A tall Christmas pyramid rises above the stalls, and cascading lights stream over the market, illuminating the festivities below. Wooden stalls sell food, drinks, and handmade gifts, making this a pleasant area to browse as you walk between the old town and Frankfurt’s shopping streets.
The Frankfurt Children’s Market
Located on Mainkai, this market has tents where kids can create gifts for friends and family, storytellers, magicians, and live theater shows. Kids can also roast bread over the fire pit and go for a ride on the holiday train.
Things to Do in Frankfurt
Cathedral of St. Bartholomew (Frankfurt Cathedral)
Built in the thirteenth century, the Frankfurt Cathedral played a significant role in German history as the coronation site of ten Holy Roman Emperors. The Gothic interior features impressive red sandstone walls and a soaring nave. Definitely take a step inside the cathedral on your visit here.
For a small fee, you can climb the 328 steps to the top of the tower for panoramic views over Frankfurt’s historic center and skyline. We always enjoy doing these, and we loved the view at the top over the Christmas markets and the contrasting modern versus historic sections of the city.
A separate museum within the cathedral complex displays treasures from three Frankfurt churches: St. Bartholomew, St. Leonhard, and Liebfrauenkirche. Admission to the museum requires an additional ticket.
Kaiserpfalz Franconofurd
Located next to Frankfurt Cathedral, the Kaiserpfalz Franconofurd is an archaeological site that reveals more than 2,000 years of the city’s history. Here you can see the remains of a Roman bath, the walls of the Carolingian royal court, and late medieval cellars.
It is a fascinating stop that adds historical context to the cathedral and Römerberg area.
See the website for hours and information.
St. Paul’s Church (Paulskirche)
St. Paul’s Church is one of Frankfurt’s most important political landmarks. In 1848, it hosted the first freely elected German parliament, where representatives drafted Germany’s first constitution.
Today, the church serves as a memorial to German democracy. Visitors can step inside the rotunda to view exhibitions and a large mural illustrating the development of German unity.
Historical Museum Frankfurt
Situated between Römerberg and the Iron Footbridge, the Historical Museum Frankfurt offers an in-depth look at the city’s past. Its collections span Frankfurt’s development from medieval times to the modern era, using artifacts, models, and multimedia exhibits to tell the city’s story.
Iron Footbridge (Eiserner Steg)
The Iron Footbridge is a pedestrian bridge built in 1869 and one of Frankfurt’s most recognizable landmarks. It spans the Main River just south of Römerberg and is covered in love locks.
From the bridge, you get excellent views of Frankfurt’s skyline, making it a popular spot for photos.
Sachsenhausen
Cross the Iron Footbridge to reach Sachsenhausen, a neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, traditional taverns, and lively nightlife. We walked around during the day, and it was pretty quiet, so best to come here in the evening when more bars and restaurants are open.
Sachsenhausen is the best place to try apfelwein, Frankfurt’s traditional apple wine. We visited Apfelweinwirtschaft Dauth Schneider, a welcoming local restaurant that serves classic Hessian dishes alongside their house apple wine.
Städel Museum
The Städel Museum is Frankfurt’s most important art museum, housing more than 700 years of European art. Its collection includes over 3,000 paintings and 600 sculptures, spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary works.
The museum sits on the south bank of the Main River, about a ten-minute walk from the Iron Footbridge.
Get hours and pricing on the official website.
Liebieghaus
The Liebieghaus is one of the world’s leading sculpture museums, with around 3,000 works ranging from ancient Egypt and classical antiquity to the Renaissance and Neoclassicism.
The collection is housed in a Gründerzeit era villa that resembles a small castle and is surrounded by gardens, making it as enjoyable outside as it is inside. The Liebieghaus is located just east of the Städel Museum.
Get hours and pricing on the official website.
Goethe House
Goethe House is the preserved childhood home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany’s most famous writer. Touring the rooms offers insight into everyday life in the eighteenth century and the environment that shaped Goethe’s early years.
Tickets are sold on site, and visiting details can be found on the museum’s website.
Kleinmarkthalle
Located in Frankfurt’s historic center, Kleinmarkthalle is a large indoor market with more than 60 vendors. Locals come here to buy fresh produce, flowers, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and wine. It is a great place to sample regional specialties or grab a casual lunch.
Main Tower
Main Tower offers Frankfurt’s highest public viewing platform at 240 meters above the city. Tickets are sold at the entrance, and the observation deck provides sweeping views over the skyline and surrounding region. See all information on the official website.
Alte Oper
The Alte Oper is Frankfurt’s former opera house, built in the late nineteenth century. Today it functions as a major concert hall, hosting international orchestras, conductors, and performers.
It can only be visited on a guided tour. Find all visiting information on the official website.
Palmengarten
The Palmengarten is one of Germany’s largest botanical gardens, home to more than 13,000 plant species. Its greenhouses showcase environments ranging from desert landscapes to tropical rainforests and subantarctic climates.
Frankfurt Map: Christmas Market & Things to Do
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
How Much Time Do You Need in Frankfurt?
One day is just enough time to see Frankfurt’s highlights, especially if your focus is the historic city center. Many of the main attractions are within walking distance of one another, making Frankfurt easy to explore on foot in a single day.
Consider adding a second day if you want a more relaxed pace or plan to visit attractions farther from the center, such as the Palmengarten or the Schirn Kunsthalle. These can be squeezed into a busy one-day itinerary, but an extra day allows more time for museums, neighborhoods, and viewpoints.
We spent two days in Frankfurt. The first day we explored the city center, primarily focusing on the Christmas markets, but also climbing the tower of the Frankfurt Cathedral and visiting Sachsenhausen. Day two was used for a day trip to Heidelberg (well worth it!).
How to Get to Frankfurt
Frankfurt is home to one of Europe’s largest international airports, making it a convenient stop at the beginning or end of a trip. Many travelers use Frankfurt as a gateway to Germany or as a short city break between destinations.
Frankfurt is also extremely well-connected by train. High-speed Deutsche Bahn and EuroCity trains link the city with major European destinations, including Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, and many more.
Day Trips from Frankfurt
Heidelberg
We took a day trip from Frankfurt to Heidelberg by car, though it is also easy to reach by train or bus. Heidelberg is a charming university town known for its colorful Baroque buildings, cobblestone streets, and a hilltop castle overlooking the city. We originally came to see the Christmas market, but we ended up enjoying the city itself even more.
Heidelberg is just about one hour from Frankfurt, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips.
Würzburg
Würzburg is another excellent day trip from Frankfurt, located roughly 1.5 hours away by train or car. Like Heidelberg, it features a historic old town and a fortress perched on a hill above the city.
Highlights include the Old Main Bridge, the twin spires of St. Kilian Cathedral, the bright red St. Mary’s Chapel, and the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO listed Baroque palace.
Würzburg also hosts a Christmas market beneath the cathedral, making it a lovely winter destination. We explored Würzburg as a day trip from Nuremberg, but it works just as well from Frankfurt.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber can take up to three hours to reach from Frankfurt by train or car, but many travelers still visit it as a long day trip. This well-preserved medieval town is one of Germany’s most iconic fairytale destinations, with intact city walls, colorful half-timbered houses, and winding streets.
We were not especially impressed by Rothenburg’s Christmas market itself, but the festive atmosphere during the holiday season makes the town feel especially enchanting. Because Rothenburg is small, it does not take long to explore the old town, making it a viable, though longer, day trip from Frankfurt.
Where to Stay in Frankfurt
Highly-rated mid-range hotels in city center:
- Motel One Frankfurt-Römer – excellent location
- Premier Inn Frankfurt City Centre – located closer to the train station
- Moxy Frankfurt City Center – located on the north end of the city center
- Hotel Hübler – located in Sachsenhausen
The Westin Grand Frankfurt and the JW Marriott Hotel are upscale hotels in the city center and they are among the highest rated hotels in Frankfurt.
Visit More Christmas Markets in Germany
Our visit to Frankfurt came at the end of a long trip through northern Germany and Poland in December 2025. This was our second German Christmas market trip and our fourth European Christmas market trip.
The year before, Mom (Julie) and I did a road trip through southern Germany and France, visiting the Christmas markets in Munich, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Würzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Stuttgart, Ravenna Gorge, Colmar, and Strasbourg. This was our favorite Christmas market trip, and you can see the full itinerary in our Bavaria Christmas Market Itinerary.
Prior to our trips to Germany, we have also visited the Christmas markets in London, Vienna, and Prague.
You can see all of our Christmas market articles in our guide to the European Christmas Markets ↓
If you have any questions about the Frankfurt Christmas Market, let us know in the comment section below.
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