Gifted to us in 1997 by Frankfurt, the Second City’s iconic Christmas market has grown into the largest authentic German Christmas outside of Germany and Austria. But, while we all know and love Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, what do you know about Frankfurt’s Frankfurt Christmas Market?
This year, Birmingham’s celebrates its 25th market, but the original Frankfurt Christmas Market dates from 1393—making it one of the oldest in the world. Back then, it meant locals could purchase much-needed winter essentials, and it wasn’t until the 19th century, it evolved into something you might recognise.
It’s at this point that the fir tree became a popular Christmas decoration, often sold at the market, while handcrafted goods were also for sale, like wooden toys and traditional sweets. Until the 1880s, it was customary for Frankfurt parents to buy toys for their children exclusively from the Christmas market.
What is the Frankfurt Christmas Market like today?
With more than 200 decorated stalls selling handicrafts and Christmas specialities from around the world, the Frankfurt Christmas Market stretches from the Roßmarkt, along the famous Zeil promenade to the River Main. Pick up traditional local goods, like the famous Bethmännchen, a sweet marzipan pastry, and a Quetschemännchen souvenir, meant to bring good luck.
A towering Christmas tree sits at the heart of the market, at Römerberg, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Old Town. Every Wednesday and Saturday evening, the Playing of the Tower Horns will also fill the streets with Christmas spirit. There’s also planned carol singing and a visit from Santa himself.
It’s not as long as Birmingham’s Christmas market (running from November 24 to December 22, 2025), but it’s certainly more impressive—with many more markets around the city turning the city into one BIG Christmas market. This includes the LGBT+-friendly Pink Christmas, the Finnish and Swedish Christmas Market for a Nordic festive twist, and the Sachsenhausen Christmas Market set on the fringes of a wintry forest.
How do I get there?
You can fly directly from Birmingham (BHX) to Frankfurt am Main (FRA), taking 1 and a half hours. Here’s the bad news: It’s not going to be cheap. You’re looking at least £300+ this December for the flight alone, so maybe it’s better if you stick to Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market this year…
To learn more about the Frankfurst Christmas Market head here.