The most amazing Christmas Markets in Frankfurt are something everyone needs to experience in person, at least once in their lifetime.
Let’s set the mood for you. There is a chill in the air & it’s calling for warm boots, scarves, and mittens. As you walk outside, you are met with the aroma of grilled bratwursts & warm gluhwein, and in the background, there is the sound of laughter, and Christmas carols as well as loud chatter. This amazing atmosphere simply has to be experienced…
In Frankfurt, there has been a Christmas market taking place since 1393. The main one is located at Römerberg (Roman Square), and from there it spreads out all over the city center. You can find stalls of goodies in almost every square as well as every street corner.
The Food & Drinks
The food at the Christmas markets is so amazing, We are talking Bratwursts, Pretzels, and Goulasch – the choices are endless, and the decision of what to eat can be difficult. Let’s not forget the sweets – chocolate-covered fruit, gingerbread as well as snowballs.
You will want to try at least one bratwurst, the german sausage, which is normally served in a breadroll with mustard. In addition to the bratwurst, there are many other varieties of sausages available. Another must-have is the Kartoffelpuffer which is a German potato cake. It is enjoyed freshly made with a good amount of applesauce on top.
Gluhwein
If you have a sweet tooth, there is always something for you as well at all the stalls at the Christmas market. Why not try a German gingerbread, the so called Lebkuchen? Soft, tasty and with a few spices that will make your mouth tingle.
The focus drink is of course the famous Gluhwein. The aroma of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange is lingering in the air. Sometimes they will spike it with some rum or other liquor and you will want to try them at all the different stands, as they will offer different varieties.
Most places has the standard Gluhswein while others are focusing more of the quality of wine they use. Some offer red as well as a white variety, and we all have our favorites. In addition, some stands add a special liquor, like egg liqeur, hazelnut liqeur or a fruit variety. In addition, there is an apple variety made out of appelwine, a so called Bratapfel gluhwein.
On a cold winter night, a cup of Gluhwein is simply amazing, and the cups will make a wonderful keepsake should you decide to keep it. You have to pay a small deposit for your cup, and you can decide to keep it or return it.
The Restaurants
Frankfurt has a lot of amazing restaurants. Some will serve the typical German menu of various pork dishes. Schwarzer Stern is one that I can recommend, and it is centrally located by the big square Romerberg. We have always had a very good dinner when visiting it. Another favorite is an Italian Restaurant – Bistro Salvatore where the food as well as the staff is amazing. You cannot go wrong with either choice.
Shopping
Frankfurt is a city of great shopping. The main shopping street is the Zeil, where you will find department stores, boutiques etc. Most of the souvenir stores are located in the old town Romer.
You can find a few treasures in all the stalls at the Christmas market as well, which is probably the main reason you came here in the first place. Some of the things they offer are handmade Christmas ornaments, paper lanterns, Christmas decor, candy, and cookies amongst other things. Keep in mind that some of the stalls only accept cash, while others take creditcards.
Hotel Miramar
This is my hotel of choice when visiting Frankfurt, and throughout the years it has been quite a few times. The location is perfect as it is literally one minute away from the Christmas market. The room is basic, clean & and breakfast is included.
A Few Must-Do’s While In Frankfurt
- Enjoy a Bratwurst & Gluhwein at the Christmas market
- Take a walking tour and learn more about this city
- Visit the Foodmarket – Kleinmarkt Halle.
- Visit the History Museum
I hope you have enjoyed coming along on our trip to “The most amazing Christmas Markets in Frankfurt”, and if you would like to read more about our Christmas market adventures, click here.
