Germany
Christmas Markets in Frankfurt
Frankfurt's Römerberg Christmas market sits in the reconstructed medieval old town, framed by Germany's most famous skyline.
Famous for
The Römerberg market — a skyline of skyscrapers behind a medieval market square.
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About the Frankfurt markets
Frankfurt is the Main river's gateway city, and its Christmas market — on the reconstructed Römerberg square — is one of Germany's oldest and largest. The contrast is the thing: medieval half-timbered stalls and a 30-meter Christmas tree, with the skyscrapers of Germany's financial capital rising directly behind. The local specialty is Bethmännchen, a marzipan ball with a pistachio and a single almond, invented here in 1838. Frankfurt is often the embarkation point for Main and Rhine-Main-Danube sailings.
What to eat
- ❄ Bethmännchen (marzipan)
- ❄ Grüne Soße
- ❄ Apfelwein
What to drink
- ❄ Glühwein
- ❄ Frankfurt Apfelwein
Crafts & gifts
- ❄ Bethmännchen
- ❄ Glass ornaments
- ❄ Quilling
Dates & vibe
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 22
Dates differ by market and year. Confirm the opening calendar for the day your ship visits; festive lights do not mean the stalls are still open.
Vibe: Contrasting — medieval market stalls framed by a modern skyline.
Highlights
Local tip
Cross the Main to the Sachsenhausen district for Apfelwein (apple wine) in a traditional tavern — it's the local drink.
Other markets you might like
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Cologne
Several themed Christmas markets fill Cologne's center, anchored by the Cathedral Market and Heinzel's Winter Fairytale in the Old Town.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
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Nuremberg
The Christkindlesmarkt is one of Europe's best-known Christmas markets, centered on Nuremberg's Hauptmarkt and documented since the 1600s.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 24
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Regensburg
Regensburg offers several different market experiences inside its UNESCO old town, from Neupfarrplatz to the ticketed Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn und Taxis Palace.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
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Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim's Christmas Market of Nations lines the Drosselgasse with stalls from 25+ countries, in a Rhine-gorge wine town famous for Riesling.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
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