The Most Amazing Christmas Markets in Frankfurt pandemic style took place during the year 2021. I have been there so many times, but it never gets old. Every year, I cannot wait to breathe in all the familiar smells of the Gluhwein, bratwursts, and fried potato pancakes with apple sauce. Every time we go, it feels like coming home. We were so fortunate to be able to visit during a time when Life was not normal due to the pandemic.
The Christmas Markets of Frankfurt
Visiting in 2021 would be different as the Pandemic was still going on. There were a couple of areas you needed to show your vaccination certificate and a mask was needed almost everywhere when not sipping on a gluhwein.
There were only 2 places that requested to see the vaccination certificate, one area in Römerberg and at the City Christmas market. The markets were not as busy as they usually are, and there were fewer stands than in a normal year. The stalls were socially distanced from each other as only half of what is usually present. But it was so amazing being able to wander through the aisle of all the goodies and sip on a gluhwein.
Römerberg Christmas Market
When visiting the Most Amazing Christmas Markets in Frankfurt Corona style, this is the original Christmas market. It has the iconic Christmas tree as well as the merry-go-round or carousel as I call it. The location is in Römer, in front of the city hall.
Due to the pandemic, there was no official lighting of the Christmas tree and no stage set up for entertainment. Compared to prior years, there were fewer booths and not so many people. It was still so nice to walk through it. One of the ¨musts¨for me is to buy an ornament or two at the Käthe Wohlfahrt store. One of my favorite restaurants is also located on the corner of the market. The Scgwarzeer Stern had changed its menu, and the food was amazing.
Behind the Römer…
If you walk right behind the Römer towards the Cathedral, you will see a newly renovated as well as a newbuilt area. This is called The New Frankfurt Oldtown, or the Dom-Römer Quarter.
The renovation took place between the years 2012-2018. The buildings look as if they have been there forever. There are a lot of nice little shops and restaurants. This is where you can find one of the best Gluhwein in town, made from really good quality wine. You should try the white one. It was delicious.
Mainkai Christmas Market
This area is right south of Römerberg, in front of this history museum. Many may think it is part of Römerberg. This area is not so busy, but it is worth a visit. It was also smaller than before the pandemic started. We usually stop at the bratwurst stand. The aroma from the sausages over the fire is amazing. This is also where you can find a giant Christmas pyramid on top of one of the stalls.
Paulsplatz Christmas Market
This part of the Christmas market is just north of Römerberg. Multiple rows of stalls selling amazing handicrafts, sweets, and food. We purchased beautiful colorful ornate paper lantern stars to bring with us home. Make sure to try either a snowball – schneeballe or a gingerbread – Lebkuchen. The gingerbread makes for special souvenirs for loved ones.
Hauptwache Christmas Market
If you continue north, you will end up at Hauptwache Christmas Market. It is spread out all over the shopping street. More stalls of fabulous food, gluhwein, and amazing goods that you can buy.
Roßmarkt Christmas Market
The Roßmarkt Christmas Market is a new area, south of Hauptwache They had very nice stalls with different types of Gluhwein, Apfelwein, and various street food. This market was fenced in, and everyone had to prove they complied with the 2G rule (vaccinated or recovered).
City Christmas Market
The Most Amazing Christmas Markets in Frankfurt Corona style had one surprise in store for me. There was one market I had no idea even existed. It turned out this will be one of my favorite Christmas markets to visit. You go to this parking garage and take the elevator up to the top floor. Once there, you see stairs all lit up with Christmas lights. They will check your vaccination status before you can climb up to the rooftop. And what an amazing sight!!! It feels as if you have entered a completely new world.
High above Frankfurt, the skyline shows wherever you look. Lots of stalls offering drinks and food. It was so unexpected. I was introduced to hot apple beer Glühwein in a bottle and a “Mispelchen”. The Mispelchen is a typical drink from Frankfurt. It is a combination of a shot of Calvados with a special pickled fruit. This fruit is called “medlar”. The taste will remind you of a combination of apples and peaches. It is usually the last drink after a few rounds of apple wine.
The Most Amazing Christmas Markets in Frankfurt Corona style was a nice break during the pandemic. It was the third stop on our trip. You can read more about Dusseldorf and Stuttgart.
If you would like to read about other Christmas market trips, click here
