This evening after work we went into Frankfurt to visit the Christmas market there. It’s a big one, filling the Römerberg old town center and St Paul’s Square. The shops and kiosks branch down many streets in the area, so you can wander for several hours.
The history of the Frankfurt market stretches back to the end of the 14th century, when mystery plays were performed on the Römerberg. Now there are special activities, music playing, church bells, and the crowds bringing a lot of excitement.
With its sheer size and crowds of visitors (about 3 million each year), the Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in all of Germany. The stands are elaborate and creative and the setting is breathtaking! A massive Christmas tree that stands about 3-4 stories high is brought in and well lit. We had a really fun evening. Here are some pics:
Each little shop is festive and well decorated. Here’s a candied almost shop:
Cookies and baked goods:
A double-tiered carousel:
Here is the massive Christmas tree:
Live musical performers
The plaza was so crowded, body to body!
Quetschemännchen, which are figures made out of prunes and nuts. These go back to the days when young men would send these figures to the girls they fancied. If the figure was not returned to sender, he knew that he had a chance to win the hand of the girl.
Lots of Wurst and sausages!
There are beer and wine shops everywhere you look. Gluhwein is a popular drink, served warm.
Lebkuchen:
Pretzels in every variety:
Lots and lots of french fries, served with catsup and mayo:
These hanging grills were great! And the Brats smell so good!
My favorite: Stollen!
Here you have salmon being flame grilled on cedar planks:
These special Christmas stars were glorious! They’re very popular here–you see them hanging in windows. We’re taking a few home with us.
Chocolate tools!
How to provide condiments to the masses:
Herbs and spices:
Candied popcorn:
This year’s Frankfurt mug:
We found the Kathe Wohlfahrt store as we were leaving. We’ll save it for another time (it’s my FAVORITE place).
Here’s a look in the window:
In the next posts I’ll show some of the food we tried. YUM.
Our Frankfurt Germany Mission 