Frankfurt’s Christmas Festivities
A visit to Frankfurt’s Christmas Markets
A delight in the Hesse region of Germany
Frankfurt was the 3rd stop on our 2017 Christmas Market road trip after we had enjoyed a couple of days in Strasbourg and three in Munich.
The never ending Christmas market
The never ending Christmas market
After Frankfurt, we were then heading north to Cologne.
Frankfurt can trace its Christmas market history back 1393. However, it wasn’t until the early 19th century that the Christmas tree was introduced.
Quick Links
The Christmas tree in Römerberg
Now the huge tree takes pride of place in front of the Rathaus (town hall). The tree for 2017 came from a mountain range in Schmallenberg Sauerland.
A selection of meats on the Christmas market
A reference guide
I love nothing more than planning a trip and so often I use the DK Eyewitness books. I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our Germany road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
Unexpected Treat
When I did my initial research on the festive season in Frankfurt, I thought the market was going to be reasonably small.
The Drexel grill
When I did my initial research on the festive season in Frankfurt,
I thought the market was going to be reasonably small.
Glühwein at Hauptwache
All gather for Glühwein
The roasted nut stall
Sweet fruits
Don’t forget
Your comfy shoes and warm clothing
When the sun goes down
We were staying at the west of the city near the Main River, so after our arrival, we strolled along the river bank to Mainkai, where the market starts from the south.
The Glühweinhutte
We had arrived at our favourite time when the sun starts setting, and the stalls are awash with twinkling lights.
So, no time like the present and it was time for a Frankfurter & glühwein.
The Christmas Pyramid
The Grill
Go with the flow
You don’t need a map here, as the markets flow along, immediately you are heading up to Römerberg.
This is a delightful square with half-timbered buildings encircling it and where the tree stands high above.
The main Christmas tree
One of the carousels
Adding to the joyful atmosphere is a carousel for all ages and plenty of festive stalls, with different varieties of food and a fantastic selection of glühweins.
Here a local specialty here is apfelwein (apple glühwein) and also brombeerwein (blackberry glühwein), I got Gary an extra topping of cream.
Local tipples
Merry Christmas from Römerberg
Now, I know we are in Germany, but we couldn’t resist trying a fondue, Gary just loves them.
The Cheese fondue
Similar to Munich
We were given tokens again when we bought a glühwein, so when you returned your mug for a refund, you also needed the token.
Singing Moose
As we jostled with the revellers, we head onto St Paul's Square. This is quite a large market and once again full of a wide range of gifts.
What we did notice about Frankfurt in comparison to other markets, was that there was quite a lot of seating. So, you could take the weight off your feet and sit and hug your hot chocolate
That Singing Moose
It was in this square that we also enjoyed the dulcet tones of a carol singing moose, what could be better?
The singing Moose
For the sweet tooth
As we wander up towards Hauptwache passing through Liebfrauenberg, there are even more stalls; it was along here that we couldn’t resist a Schokoküsse (chocolate kiss).
Chocolate Kisses
This is a marshmallow, covered in chocolate with a thin biscuit base; the marshmallow filling is available in so many different flavours it’s difficult to choose. They can be a bit messy, but they are adorable.
Local Delicacies
There are great things to eat on the markets, and you are spoilt for choice. I know the obvious is often a wurst, and there is such a wide variety of these.
Gary even sampled the Käsekrainer a cheese sausage, that had a really strange texture.
A Cheese Sausage
One of my favourite dishes that you can get in restaurants and on the markets is gulaschsuppe, such a hearty dish for the cold winter days.
Gulaschsuppe
Have You
Visited any German Christmas markets, we’d love you to share them with us?
Frankfurt - Old & New
Frankfurt has quite an eclectic mix of architecture as you may expect
It is great to see around Altstadt that new buildings which are being erected, are being sympathetically built in line with the past.
The centrepiece of Roßmarkt
The Old Opera House
Equally it is always good to see the modern blend in any city.
Old and New
Why not?
Start creating your own German Christmas Market adventure. Search for your flights in one easy place with ebookers.com. Over 400 airlines are scanned for your favoured routes and chosen dates.
Or alternatively, like us discover a few of Germany’s Christmas markets on a road trip. If you’re venturing from the UK, jump on Le Shuttle.
Although, if you’re unable to bring your own car or you are flying into this lovely country give Rental Cars a go. They search multiple well-known car hire brands for the best deals.
Inspired to visit Frankfurt at Christmas?
Does the hot apple wine tempt you? Or the thought of an almost seamless wander from the river, through the Old Town to the top of the market appeal to you?
Why not check out the latest deals on Booking.Com?
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