If you wish to seize the magic of the vacations, it’s time to plan a visit to go to a few of Germany’s most charming Christmas Markets. Whereas the large cities like Munich, Cologne, and Nuremberg get quite a lot of consideration, it’s within the smaller cities and cities the place yow will discover the extra genuine German Christmas Market expertise. Fortunately, there are various Christmas Markets close to Frankfurt you can go to in a day journey whereas utilizing town as your private home base.
With so many direct flights from world wide, Frankfurt makes an excellent hub for visiting Germany and exploring a number of the smaller markets within the Hesse area by taking day journeys by practice or automotive. This area is thought for villages lined with half-timbered homes that create a fairytale setting for a German Christmas expertise.
Every of those cities, Fulda, Seligenstadt, Marburg, Kassel, Rudescheim am Rhein, Trier and Heidelberg, provide a unique Christmas Market expertise, ensuring you received’t get bored or having it really feel too repetitive. There are additionally different issues to see and do in every city, making these spots a good selection for a full day journey or an in a single day go to.
Christmas Markets Close to Frankfurt
Editor’s Notice: Parts of my journey to Germany had been hosted by the German Nationwide Tourism Group, together with visits to Kassel, Marburg, Fulda, and Seligenstadt. This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks. Should you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
Remember that the very best time to go to the German Christmas Markets is in early December, as most markets run from late November up till Christmas Eve. Nonetheless, it is very important verify present dates and instances earlier than you go.
Fulda
Of the 14 German Christmas Markets that I’ve visited, Fulda is one in every of my very favorites. This small, under-the-radar metropolis is lower than an hour and a half from downtown Frankfurt by way of practice or automotive. Recognized for its baroque structure, Fulda dates again to the tenth century. If you are on the town, you also needs to go to the Fulda Cathedral, which is the previous church of Fulda Abbey and the burial place of Saint Boniface. The within is vivid and lightweight, with a dome half the dimensions of St. Peter’s and lots of stunning murals.
The Fulda Christmas Market is unfold throughout town with six completely different themed markets together with a winter forest, center age/medieval market, youngsters’s market, and a regional market that includes native makers and artisans. The Fulda market has an actual native really feel and wasn’t crowded, even on a weekend night, making it a real delight.
The Fulda Christmas Market (Weihnachts Markt Fulda) additionally has reside leisure, with 90 completely different performers over the course of the market. Weekends function particular occasions for kids, along with the handful of kid-friendly rides. What I actually appreciated was the regional market that includes native artisans. Recognizing many small companies can’t workers a market day by day for weeks, they permit small begin ups to guide a stand for only a week, which suggests yow will discover completely different presents every time you go.
This market additionally options native meals, together with a stand from a Michelin-star chef! You’ll be able to seize some grub and a glühwein and sit down on the grown-up carousel bar for a magical market expertise (particularly within the snow!)
One other favourite of mine was the center ages market, situated in a courtyard off the primary sq.. It was darkish with colourful uplighting, making a fantasy-type atmosphere. The centerpiece is a bar formed like a Viking ship, with meals and craft distributors throughout. The presents on this market are straight out of a renaissance honest, with leather-based items and potions. I purchased some lovely sheepskin booties for the infants in my household.
Seligenstadt
The small city of Seligenstadt is situated simply half-hour from central Frankfurt by automotive and about one hour by practice and bus. The medieval city middle dates again to the1500s. Fortunately, Seligenstadt was not broken throughout the battle so you may see stunning half-timbered buildings which are 400 years outdated and tour the monastery that dates again to round 830 A.D.
This city of solely 22,000 residents doesn’t even have a Christmas market, however they do have an Creation Market that takes place throughout the first two weeks of Creation from late November till mid-December, when it’s then changed by a big Christmas tree within the city sq. close to the church. The market is small however enchanting, as 1000’s of lights adorn the buildings within the city middle and a small arts and crafts honest is ready up within the courtyard of the Abbey.
In 2023, the Seligenstadt Creation Market happened from Thursday, November thirtieth to Sunday, December 17, 2023.
Along with the Creation Market, you may go to the Seligenstadt Abbey, the place Benedictine monks lived for nearly 1,000 years. At this time you may tour the Abbey, with its spectacular rooms and exquisite gardens. The Kloster Seligenstadt is open for guests till mid-December on Tuesday via Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with guided excursions at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and a pair of p.m. As an outdated mill city, the Abbey nonetheless maintains a bakery and you should purchase a few of its scrumptious bread on the reward store.
Whereas on the town, benefit from the native outlets and have lunch at Klosterstuben or get pleasure from native specialties on the market.
Marburg
The school city of Marburg is just a bit over an hour from central Frankfurt by public transportation. With over one-third of its inhabitants made up of college college students, this historic metropolis has a youthful vibe. Marburg additionally didn’t undergo from any destruction in World Struggle II, so you can find loads of historic buildings, together with one of many first Gothic church buildings in Germany, the Elisabethkirche, which was constructed within the thirteenth century.
Based in 1527, Marburg College is one in every of Germany’s oldest and has a prestigious historical past as the middle of Protestant Reformation theology. The city can also be a pharmaceutical hub and was residence to Emil von Behring, who received the Nobel Prize for his vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria.
On a whimsical observe, the Brothers Grimm studied in Marburg from 1802 via 1805 and all through town you can find tributes to the Brothers with sculptures representing a few of their fairytales. Should you observe the trail up the hill to Marburg Fortress, you will notice many crooked, half-timbered houses that really feel like one thing from a fairytale, which at the moment are used for scholar housing. Though there isn’t a lot to see on the Fortress, apart from a fantastic view of town under, it’s well worth the climb to have lunch on the pretty restaurant Bückingsgarten.
On the town, the Marburg Christmas Market takes place across the historic Elisabeth Church, with market stalls that provide a various choice of items akin to jewellery, winter equipment, ceramics, clay, and toys, in addition to native meals specialties. The Marburg market happened from December 1 via 23, 2023. There’s one other small market in entrance of town corridor in Untermarkt.
Nonetheless, for those who go to on the weekend throughout Creation, it’s value the additional effort to go to the Dagobertshäuser Christmas market, about quarter-hour outdoors of city. Should you don’t have a automotive, there’s a shuttle bus that runs from the P+R automotive park Emil-von-Behring-Straße (Behringwerke) from 12 p.m. to six p.m. and drops off proper in entrance of the farm property the place the market is held.
Whereas fairly small, this market had the very best meals choices of any that I visited and a big indoor, barn-like occasion area with communal picnic tables that additionally present shelter from the chilly and snow. The raclette that I had was wonderful, together with probably the most scrumptious churros (not very German however these had been higher than ones I’ve had in Spain!), and apple beignets (apfel-beignets). There’s an indoor craft market and the out of doors stands are lit by energy-saving LED lights to handle the normal market’s transfer towards sustainability and create a romantic setting, particularly within the snow.
Simply take into account that the Dagobertshäuser Christmas Market is just open on weekends on Fridays and Saturdays throughout Creation from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays and on December twenty third from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Kassel
Kassel is 2 and one-half hours from Frankfurt by automotive however just one and one-half hours utilizing public transportation. Because the third-largest metropolis in Hesse, Kassel has lots to supply by way of historical past and artwork, in addition to a vibrant Christmas Market.
Kassel is residence to Grimmwelt, a contemporary and interactive museum celebrating the lives and legacies of the Brothers Grimm. The museum comprises unique manuscripts, vibrant illustrations, and immersive multimedia displays that convey their iconic tales to life and supply a tribute to their literary legacy.
Excessive above town, the Wilhelmshöhe Palace homes the Previous Masters Image Gallery with 500 European work from late Gothic to Classicism. The palace is ready amidst the expansive Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. After a go to you may discover its manicured gardens, cascading waterfalls, and the Hercules monument, a symbolic landmark overlooking town.
Whereas there may be lots to do within the metropolis, you should definitely depart sufficient time to go to the Fairy Story Christmas Market in Kassel. This is a superb German Christmas Market to go to with children as a result of each night at 4:30 and seven:00 p.m., Santa Claus and his reindeer fly via the sky close to Höhe GALERIA. This thrilling feat is carried out by the excessive ropes artists Falko Traber and his son Fernando.
The Kassel Christmas Market takes place between Königsplatz and Friedrichsplatz and the stalls are jam-packed with individuals, particularly on the weekends, so go to midweek for those who can. You may get above the fray on a experience on the big Ferris wheel or take the children on the favored, luge-like fairytale slide.
The Kassel Market was open from November 27 to December 30, 2023 (besides December 24-Twenty sixth) from 11:00 a.m. to eight:00 p.m., with gastronomy stands till 10 p.m. (the place you may style the European award-winning bratwurst.)
Rüdescheim am Rhein
Located on the Rhine River, the small wine village of Rüdescheim is a very talked-about spot for a day journey from Frankfurt, together with a port for a lot of Rhine river cruises. Image slim, cobblestone streets meandering previous half-timbered homes adorned in twinkling lights, with orderly rows of grapevines lining the hillside that rises up from the Rhine River. Simply over an hour by practice from Frankfurt, Rudescheim is a should in case you are searching for Christmas markets close to Frankfurt.
In comparison with Frankfurt, Rüdesheim’s Christmas Market is an intimate affair, brimming with festive appeal and native aptitude — and completely overflowing with vacationers. Should you can, go early or possibly even keep in a single day to expertise this actually lovely city with out the throngs. There’s additionally a big car parking zone on the outskirts of city for those who determine to drive. Both means, this can be very walkable to see all of the sights of Rudescheim or you may hop on the Niederwalddenkmal cable automotive to the hilltop past to go to the Niederwald Monument, a logo of German unity sitting on stunning overlook above the city, river, and vineyards.
Begin off with a stroll via the crowded however quaint Drosselgasse, a slim lane with half-timbered buildings, outlets, and eating places. Should you can keep after the market closes, this road empties out and you’ll see its true appeal.
The market is unfold all through city, however the coronary heart of the magic lies within the Marktplatz, the place a life-sized nativity scene unfolds and you can find reside leisure. The craft stands in Rüdescheim are a little bit of a disappointment, with extra imported or business items than you discover at some markets, however the meals and picturesque setting made up for it. Right here I had a scrumptious serving of käsespatzle (cheese spatzle) topped with crispy fried onions and heat Glühwein in an lovely memento mug (sure, I introduced mine residence as a substitute of getting my deposit again.)
The Rüdescheimer Weihnachtsmarkt additionally has a babies’s market with rides and, once we visited, a show of enormous rabbits and fluffy chickens, in entrance of the Siegfried’s Mechanical Museum and Brömserhof. The market is open from November twenty first to December 23, 2024, on Sunday via Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to eight:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Should you determine to remain in a single day to see the city at its most peaceable, I’d suggest Breuer’s Rüdescheimer Schloss, which has a implausible location, charming rooms, a full restaurant, and even free parking (as soon as you discover it.)
Trier
Trier is a bit additional, about two and one-half hours from Frankfurt by bus or automotive, however it’s so particular it’s well worth the longer journey or an in a single day keep. I completely liked my keep on the luxurious, boutique lodge Romantik Resort Zur Clock in Trier. It has an unimaginable location, stunning decor, included full breakfast, and it was fairly reasonably priced.
Situated on the Moselle River close to the border with Luxembourg, Trier is Germany’s oldest metropolis. Based by the Romans in 17 BC, you may nonetheless see remnants of that previous, together with the spectacular Porta Nigra, a Roman metropolis gate that dates again to the 2nd century. This wealthy historical past kinds the backdrop for a memorable Christmas expertise.
The Trier Christmas Market is unfold all through the Alstadt (Previous City), with the energetic Hauptmarkt serving as the center of Trier’s Christmas Market. Right here you can find picket stalls brimming with a pleasant choice handcrafted ornaments and crafts, together with tempting treats and rides for kids.
The market extends to the sq. in entrance of the majestic Trier Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and the oldest church in Germany. From Hauptmarkt, observe the twinkling lights down Fleischstrasse to Kornmarkt, the place you can find extra meals stalls and a small ice rink underneath the lights.
The town middle has stunning structure and spacious squares that enable the market to unfold out and never really feel cramped, offering ample alternative to mingle with locals and absolutely benefit from the Christmas Market expertise. Its authenticity made this market actually stand out as one in every of my favorites. The Trier Christmas Market ran from November 24 via December 22, 2023.
Heidelberg
Situated simply an hour south of Frankfurt by automotive (1.5 hours by public transportation), Heidelberg is great day journey from Frankfurt. A college city situated on the banks of the Neckar River, this charming metropolis is a well-liked Christmas Market vacation spot. The Heidelberg Fortress looms over the picturesque Previous City. Should you don’t wish to climb up, you may experience a funicular to the Fortress, or buy a ticket to the highest of the hill for a fair broader view.
On the fortress you may discover the gardens and the courtyard, in addition to take within the sweeping views from the towers. To go inside, you will have to buy a ticket and be part of a guided tour to see Pharmacy Museum and the Fasskeller, a large barrel cellar that when housed the well-known Heidelberg Tun, a large picket barrel that might maintain over 220,000 liters of wine.
The Heidelberg Christmas Market is situated throughout a number of squares, together with the Karlsplatz, the place you can find a small ice rink underneath the fortress’s shadow (and probably the most scrumptious spritzkullen/ cruller donuts I’ve ever tasted!) The Heidelberg Christmas Market runs from November 25 to December 22, 2024.
Within the Marktplatz, you can find tables tucked into wine barrels for a comfy and distinctive spot to get pleasure from your glühwein. Regardless of the city’s reputation, the markets didn’t really feel overcrowded, no less than not midweek, they usually supplied a mixture of craft and meals stalls, together with some vegetarian choices. It’s a pretty city with buying, stunning structure, and historic sights.
If you wish to escape the chilly, I’d extremely suggest a meal at Weinstube Schnitzelbank. This historic restaurant is as genuine as you will get and serves up an incredible schnitzel. It’s standard so attempt to get a reservation or go early.
For those who wish to keep on the town, the Villa Marstall is a comfy inn within the Previous City with small however charming rooms in a fantastic location at an reasonably priced value that features breakfast.
Frankfurt Christmas Markets
In case you are staying in Frankfurt, be certain that to go away no less than a full day to discover the numerous Christmas Markets unfold all through town middle. Should you take the U-Bahn to Hauptwache, you may simply stroll to all the primary markets in Römerberg, St Paul’s Sq., Primary Quay, Hauptwache, and Friedrich Stoltze Sq..
In Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, you can find the Pink Christmas Market to have a good time the area’s LGBTQ+ group, that includes meals and beverage stands which are welcoming to all. The distinct pink lighting and decor make this small market fairly distinctive.
The Robmarkt close to the Zeil buying promenade has a big Ferris wheel and towering Christmas pyramid, making it a spacious spot to get pleasure from meals and drinks with buddies. One among my favourite areas is Römerberg, close to the city corridor, which contains a towering Christmas tree, a two-story carousel, and loads of foods and drinks stalls. Comply with this right down to the river and the Quay Market for some scrumptious potato pancakes on the Kaiser Kartofelpuffer stand.
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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Writer of We3Travel. A former advertising government and journey advisor, Tamara is an award-winning journey author and acknowledged skilled in household journey, named the Media Member of the 12 months for 2023 by the Household Journey Affiliation. Tamara is a member of SATW, the Journey Journey Commerce Affiliation, and the Household Journey Affiliation. She can also be the writer of YourTimetoFly and the co-host of the Trip Experts journey podcast.
