The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. In 2024, it will once again attract numerous visitors from near and far, who can look forward to a unique atmosphere, delicious specialties and a varied program. This article provides an overview of the highlights of the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2024 and explains why a visit is worthwhile.
What makes the Frankfurt Christmas Market so special?
The Frankfurt Christmas Market has a long tradition and is considered one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. It stretches from Römerberg down to the banks of the Main and offers a unique atmosphere with festively decorated stalls, a huge Christmas tree and a varied program. Around three million visitors are drawn to the Frankfurt Christmas market every year, which is also known as the “Christkindchesmarkt”.
What attractions are there on the Römerberg?
The Römerberg is the heart of the Christkindchesmarkt. This is where the largest Christmas tree in Germany stretches up into the sky and spreads a festive atmosphere. Around the Römerberg there are numerous stalls selling arts and crafts, Christmas decorations and culinary specialties such as Bethmännchen, mulled wine and bratwurst. Advent concerts and scenic performances regularly take place on the stage on Römerberg.
What can visitors expect on Paulsplatz and at the Hauptwache?
St. Paul’s Square with the historic St. Paul’s Church is another popular location for the Frankfurt Christmas market. There are also numerous stalls with Christmas specialties and arts and crafts. At the Hauptwache, the beginning of the Zeil, Frankfurt’s largest shopping street, food stalls and heated pubs invite you to linger. Families with small children will enjoy the children’s carousels and nostalgic tin toys.
What specialties should you try at the Frankfurt Christmas Market?
The Frankfurt Christmas Market has a lot to offer in terms of culinary delights. Specialties include Bethmännchen, a marzipan pastry with almonds that is only available in Frankfurt am Main. Hot apple wine is also a popular specialty that you should definitely try. Other delicacies include roasted almonds, chestnuts and, of course, the obligatory bratwurst.
What is the tower blowing all about?
The tower blowing from the balcony of St. Nicholas Church is a popular tradition at Frankfurt’s Christmas market. Every half hour, Christmas melodies are played by wind players from the Rhine-Main region. The tower blowing always takes place on the Saturday before the 1st Advent and on Advent Saturdays and attracts numerous visitors.
The Frankfurt city bells – a unique sound experience
A special highlight at Frankfurt’s Christmas market is the traditional city bell ringing. Four times a year, including on the Saturday before the 1st Advent and on Christmas Eve, all 50 bells of the ten inner-city churches ring out in harmony. This unique sound experience attracts thousands of visitors to Frankfurt’s city center every year.
The tradition of city bell ringing dates back to 1347, when all the bells rang out together for the first time at the funeral mass for Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian. Since 1856, the Great City Bell Ringing has been held regularly to mark important church festivals. The half-hour concert begins with the ringing of St. Paul’s Church, followed by St. Catherine’s Church, Church of Our Lady, St. Peter’s Church and the Dominican Monastery Church. Then Leonhardskirche, Karmeliterklosterkirche, Alte Nikolaikirche and Dreikönigskirche join in, until finally the mighty Gloriosa of the Kaiserdom with its almost 12 tons rings in the finale.
The Sachsenhausen Christmas market – cozy and traditional
In addition to the large Christmas market on the Römerberg, there are other Christmas markets worth visiting in Frankfurt. The Sachsenhausen Christmas market on Paradiesplatz and Klappergasse is particularly popular. Visitors can enjoy traditional arts and crafts, Christmas decorations and culinary specialties such as apple wine in a cosy atmosphere. There is also a varied stage program with music and performances. The Sachsenhausen Christmas market captivates with its village charm and invites you to take a relaxed stroll and linger. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is a nice alternative to the hustle and bustle on the Römerberg.
What other special Christmas markets are there?
In addition to the main locations Römerberg, Paulsplatz and Hauptwache, there are also a few special locations at the Frankfurt Christmas market. These include the Pink Christmas Market on Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, which is aimed specifically at the gay community and offers a colorful program. The Christmas market on Opernplatz at the Alte Oper is also worth a visit.
What does the program look like?
The program at the Christmas market is varied and offers something for every taste. Advent concerts and scenic performances regularly take place on the stage on Römerberg. The tower blowing from the altar of St. Nicholas Church is also a highlight. For children, there are carousels, tin toys and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus.
When will the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2024 take place?
The 2024 Christmas Market takes place from November 25 to December 22. It is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, on Sundays from 11 am to 9 pm. Admission is free.
What is the best way to get to the Frankfurt Christmas Market?
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is easy to reach by public transport. The nearest S-Bahn stations are Hauptwache and Römer, the nearest U-Bahn station is Dom/Römer. The Christmas market is also easy to reach by bus or streetcar. Those arriving by car should use the parking garages in the city center.
Why is a visit to the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2024 worthwhile?
A visit to the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2024 is worthwhile for many reasons:
- It offers a unique atmosphere with festively decorated stalls and a huge Christmas tree.
- There are numerous stalls with arts and crafts, Christmas decorations and culinary specialties.
- The program is varied and offers Advent concerts, scenic performances and the popular tower blowing.
- For children, there are carousels, tin toys and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus.
- The Christmas market in Frankfurt looks back on a long tradition and is considered one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.
In summary, the Frankfurt Christmas Market 2024 is a celebration of the senses and traditions that should not be missed. With its unique atmosphere, delicious specialties and diverse program, it is a highlight of the Advent season and attracts millions of visitors every year. If you have the opportunity, you should definitely stop by and be enchanted by the Christmas spirit.