Frankfurt Christmas Market facts for kids
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is a famous outdoor Christmas market held every year in central Frankfurt, Germany. In German, it's called Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt.
This special market opens in late November. It stays open until just before Christmas, usually around December 22nd. This time of year is known as Advent. The market covers a large area in central Frankfurt. It includes places like Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, Hauptwache, Mainkai, Paulsplatz, and Römerberg.
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Discovering the Frankfurt Christmas Market
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest "Weihnachtsmärkte" (Christmas markets) in Germany. Its history goes way back to the year 1393! That makes it over 600 years old.
What Makes It Special?
This market is known for its festive atmosphere. Visitors can find many traditional German Christmas items. These include handmade crafts, ornaments, and delicious food.
Food and Treats
You can enjoy many tasty treats at the market. Some popular foods include:
- Bratwurst: A grilled sausage, often served in a bun.
- Glühwein: A warm, spiced wine. For kids, there's also non-alcoholic punch.
- Lebkuchen: Traditional gingerbread cookies.
- Stollen: A sweet bread with dried fruit.
Shopping for Gifts
The market is a great place to find unique gifts. You might discover:
- Hand-carved wooden toys.
- Beautiful glass ornaments.
- Warm wool scarves and hats.
- Local crafts and artwork.
Market Locations
The market spreads out across several historic squares and streets in Frankfurt. Each area offers something a little different.
- Römerberg: This is the main square, famous for its beautiful old buildings. It's often the most crowded part of the market.
- Paulsplatz: Located near the historic St. Paul's Church.
- Hauptwache: A busy central square where many shops and cafes are found.
Other Christmas Markets
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is so popular that other cities have created similar markets. For example, there is an affiliated market in Birmingham, England. This shows how much people love the festive spirit of German Christmas markets!