Christmas Markets in Frankfurt am Main 2024

Frankfurt boasts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, and a careful look beyond the city limits reveals a range of enchanting alternatives. In this part of Germany, the markets lure visitors with historical settings, traditional food and drinks, and handmade gifts for a festive start to the holiday season. Most of the markets listed below are within an hour's drive from Frankfurt.

Frankfurt Christmas Market (November 25–December 21, 2024)

The Frankfurt Christmas Market, known as Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt in German, is one of the largest and oldest in Germany, dating back to 1393. Held at iconic locations such as Römerberg, Paulsplatz, Mainkai, Hauptwache, Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, and Roßmarkt, the market features a magnificent Christmas tree and dozens of stalls offering delicious food and drinks.

Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz stands out with its enchanting pink illumination, where charming wooden huts serve hot cocktails and homemade soups, among other delightful treats. The entire square is beautifully adorned with intricate pink details, creating a festive atmosphere. Notably, in 1498, the market hosted a historic Royal Christmas Wedding, adding to its rich heritage. The Frankfurt Christmas Market is a must-visit for anyone seeking holiday cheer and traditional German festivities.

2024 Programme

The 2024 Programme for the Frankfurt Christmas Market includes a Signing Language Choir, the Grand Bell Ringing of Frankfurt, and an Artists' Christmas Market featuring local artisans. Visitors can enjoy rides on the Historical Railway and participate in the Ecumenical Advent Carol Singing, creating a festive and inclusive atmosphere for all.

Opening Hours

The opening hours of the market are Monday to Saturday, 10 am–9 pm, and Sunday, 11 am–9 pm.

Hanauer Weihnachtsmarkt (November 25–December 22, 2024)

Hanau's beautiful town center transforms into a magical wonderland during the traditional Christmas market season, filled with the enticing aromas of mulled wine, cinnamon, and vanilla. As the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, Hanau offers a true fairy tale atmosphere throughout the holidays. The market boasts over seventy-five stalls featuring unique gifts, handcrafted items, and delicious foods. Children will delight in the mini Ferris wheel, two vintage carousels, and a charming fairy tale train.

Every day, visitors can enjoy performances by various artists, bands, music clubs, and choirs, creating a festive ambiance. For the past twenty years, the town hall has been transformed into the world's largest Advent calendar, unveiling a new scene to eager spectators at 6 pm each evening. Located just thirty minutes east of Frankfurt, the market is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm. It's a perfect destination for holiday magic and family fun!

Mainzer Weihnachtsmarkt (November 28–December 23, 2024)

The Christmas Market in Mainz immerses visitors in a magical fairy tale atmosphere. With over one hundred beautifully decorated stalls set against the backdrop of the 1000-year-old Martinsdom (Martin Cathedral), the market is perfect for holiday shopping. The artists' factory offers unique handmade items, while a diverse program of concerts, performances, workshops, postcard printing, and carousels enhances the festive spirit.

A highlight is the richly decorated 36-foot (11-meter) Christmas pyramid, adorned with depictions of local figures like carnival-goers and Gutenberg. Nearby, life-sized, hand-carved nativity figures in front of St. Martin's Cathedral impress visitors. At the market's lower entrance, 18 angel figures gracefully circle atop a nine-meter-high music box. The charming Christmas village, featuring a cozy campfire and mulled wine, invites guests to relax, with reservations for the wooden barrel huts recommended for a memorable experience.

Opening Hours

Opening Hours to the Mainzer Weihnachtsmarkt are Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 8:30 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm.

Michelstädter Weihnachtsmarkt (November 29–December 22, 2024)

Christmas market in historical Michelstadt features over one hundred picturesque wooden stalls near the famous town hall building, which dates back to 1484. The highlight of the market is traditional nativity scenes with life-sized figures. There is also a seven-meter Christmas pyramid and a musical box adding to the magical atmosphere. Kids will be delighted to visit the Toy Museum and see Father Christmas, while adults attend the castle's wine tasting hall or enjoy Christmas concerts and the art fair.

Opening Hours

The Michelstädter Weihnachtsmarkt operates on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2 pm to 8 pm, Fridays from 2 pm to 9 pm, Saturdays from 11 am to 9 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 8 pm. Please note that the market is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Sternschnuppenmarkt Wiesbaden (November 26–December 23, 2024)

The Christmas market in Wiesbaden stretches from the town hall to the neoclassical city palace, encompassing the area around the Marktkirche. Festive lighting is provided by 21 illuminated lilies and four gates at the market entrances, along with 20 small lilies in the pedestrian zone and 51 along Wilhelmstrasse. Stars, snowflakes, and fairy lights in the trees add to the dazzling ambiance. The Twinkling Star Christmas Market features an entertainment stage in front of the Rathaus and nearly 130 stalls offering a wide variety of traditional Christmas gifts, decorations, and delicious treats for everyone.

Events & Highlights

The children's shooting star market will be located on Luisenplatz, offering a varied program for winter 2024/25. From November 26, 2024, to January 12, 2025, visitors can enjoy Hessian specialties at the WinterStubb, along with "the highest Christmas market in Hesse" featuring a Ferris wheel. Additional events will include wine and mulled wine tastings in the gondola, as well as hot gin, Jacky, and Äppelwoi rides. This year, the Hessische Winterstubb will provide even more space than before, with an enlarged winter garden allowing guests to enjoy a wide selection of mulled wines and festive delicacies at standing tables outside. The Bowling Green in front of the Kurhaus will once again be transformed into Germany's largest mobile ice rink from November 26 to January 12.

Aschaffenburger Weihnachtsmarkt (November 23–December 22, 2024)

The Aschaffenburg Christmas Market takes place near the stunning Johannisburg Castle, creating a magical atmosphere with twinkling lights and the inviting aromas of cardamom and mulled wine. Visitors can enjoy a glass of Äpplewoi or apple wine while exploring stalls featuring various traditional German crafts. The market is known for its local specialties and unique decorations, including a large nutcracker at Schloßplatz, life-size nativity scenes, and two Christmas pyramids. Children will enjoy rides on a Christmas train and an old-fashioned Ferris wheel. Additionally, the entertainment program features theater performances, pipe organ concerts, and other special events, ensuring a festive experience for all.

Opening Hours

The opening hours of the Aschaffenburg Christmas Market are Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm.

Darmstädter Weihnachtsmarkt (November 18–December 23, 2024)

Every winter, the Darmstadt Christmas Market welcomes visitors to the city's royal castle. With bright decorations, handcrafted goods, and the inviting scents of roasted almonds and mulled wine, it's the perfect place to boost your Christmas spirit. Colorful stalls offer a variety of German foods as well as international specialties. Highlights include impressive ice sculptures, fire shows, and a diverse cultural program. Notably, Darmstadt has a "Glühweinprinzessin" (mulled wine princess), elected each year since 2011, who unveils the new design for the mulled wine glasses at the market's opening.