I don’t know about you, but I love Christmas time. It’s the whole atmosphere for me. Everybody is starting do wind down for the year, nobody is on a diet anymore, and simply staying at home watching movies all day is 10 times cozier. And also: Christmas markets! If somebody suggested to me to stand outside and have a drink, even a warm one, in the middle of February, I would probably think they had lost it. But in December, it’s a whole different ball game. To me, nothing says Christmas and coziness more, than a Christmas market. So here are the five best Christmas markets in Frankfurt for 2022.
1. The official Frankfurt Christmas market
The “official” Christmas market of Frankfurt is located right in the city centre: the “new old town” by the Römerberg, Hauptwache, Paulsplatz as well as Mainkai. Basically it stretches throughout the entire centre. And with all of the old (and newly renovated) timber-framed houses, see the picture above, it is absolutely beautiful. There’s also everything you could ever want: Glühwein (mulled wine), candied almonds and other delicious christmassy foods, as well as little stands with handcrafted bits and bobs.
The downside to its beauty: it is absolutely crowded. So much so, that it can take you absolute ages to get a drink or snack. And if you were lucky enough to get ahold of that, there isn’t really a lot of space to sit or even just stand, as there’s so many people. So if you want to go, try to get there before dark, as it might be a little less busy.
2. CityAlm Frankfurt
This Christmas market is located on the top of the parking garage at the Konstablerwache, which of course means you get the most stunning views over Frankfurt. Especially after dark, when the Christmas lights all over the city come on, it is worth to go. Plus, they always put up a lot of festive decorations. However, the space on top of the parking garage is limited, and it can get quite busy. If you want to save yourself a spot inside their Almhütte, you can do so here.
3. Sachsenhausen and Alt-Sachsenhausen
The Christmas market in Sachsenhausen (check it out here) is located right by the Goetheturm. Since it is on the other side of the Main, and maybe also a bit less well known, it isn’t quite as crowded as the one in the city centre. However, you still get everything you need: the Glühwein, waffles, candied almonds… just less hecticness.
The Christmas market in Alt-Sachsenhausen is actually not the same thing! This one is probably one of the smallest Christmas markets in Frankfurt, with around 10 huts. The good thing: virtually no tourists go here, so it’s a homey, friendly atmosphere. There’s also a petting zoo and a carousel for the little ones, as well as special offers for kids on Tuesdays and students on Thursday (check it out here).
4. Pink Christmas
Last but certainly not least, the most unusual of them all: the pink Christmas market at the Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz. It’s exactly what you would imagine it to be – pink. Absolutely everything. The trees, decorations, even the drinks. This Christmas market is hosted by the gay community, but of course isn’t limited to gay visitors only. So if you’re feeling a bit less traditional, this is the one for you!
There you have it, my top five recommendations for your Christmas market visits in Frankfurt this year. Obviously, there are quite a few more, as a lot of parts of the town have their own Christmas markets. And in my humble opinion, it’s pretty hard to mess them up. So if you stumble upon one on your way through, enjoy a cup of Glühwein and think of me. Maybe also let me know, so I can check it out next.
Lots of Love,
Lena