Frankfurt transforms into a winter wonderland each December, with its blend of historic sights, festive markets, and cozy street scenes making it an ideal place for Christmas experiences. The city’s Christmas markets are legendary, offering everything from handcrafted gifts to traditional treats like roasted almonds and Glühwein. What really sets Frankfurt apart is its combination of bustling markets, historic landmarks like the Römer, and charming alleyways in the New Old Town, all decorated in holiday style. For those short on time, a quick Frankfurt: Christmas Market & Old Town Tour offers a lively 60-minute walk through the highlights. Meanwhile, the private walking tour with a guide provides a more personalized, in-depth experience of the market’s best booths and traditions. If you want to see Frankfurt’s holiday glow from multiple angles, the Magical Christmas Atmosphere tour offers a private, leisurely exploration of the city’s most decorated spots. For a more extensive day-trip adventure, the Xmas Market Hopping combines visits to Mainz, Rüdesheim, and Wiesbaden with wine tasting and charming Christmas scenes beyond Frankfurt.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best Christmas tours in Frankfurt covers a range of options: from quick, German-language city walks to private guided tours of the Christmas markets, and even multi-city day trips with wine tastings and gondola rides. Whether you prefer a short overview or an immersive experience, there’s something for every type of traveler. Now, let’s dive into each one.
1. Frankfurt: Christmas Market & Old Town Tour 60 min-daily 16:00-in German
This one-hour guided walk is perfect if you’re pressed for time but want to soak in the festive atmosphere and key sights. It’s conducted in German, but even non-German speakers can enjoy the visual highlights. Starting from Paulskirche, the tour covers the Römer, New Old Town, and the Iron Footbridge, offering a snapshot of Frankfurt’s heritage amid holiday cheer. The highlight is the visit to Römerberg, the iconic square transformed into a Christmas market filled with stalls selling arts, crafts, and seasonal treats. The guide shares stories about the historic Römer, the Iron Footbridge, and other landmarks, giving you a quick but informative glimpse into Frankfurt’s past and present during Christmas.
This tour scores a perfect 5/5 from reviewers who appreciate the balance of history and festive cheer in a condensed format. It’s ideal for travelers short on time but eager to see the heart of Frankfurt’s holiday magic. The price isn’t listed here, but the short duration makes it a budget-friendly option for a quick holiday overview.
Bottom Line: If you want a fast, informative intro to Frankfurt’s Christmas spirit, this tour delivers. It’s especially good if you’re arriving late or just passing through.
2. Frankfurt Christmas Market Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
For those seeking a more tailored experience, the private Christmas Market walking tour offers an intimate way to explore Frankfurt’s oldest and largest market. Priced at around $258.72 for up to 15 people, this tour allows you to customize your route and focus on what interests you most—be it food stalls, craft booths, or specific landmarks. Your guide, well-versed in Frankfurt’s history and Christmas traditions, will take you through Römerberg, the baroque carousel, and the many food stands, sharing stories about the market’s origins and customs. The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed but comprehensive experience.
Host guides are praised for their deep knowledge and ability to tailor the tour—one reviewer called the guide “very interesting” and appreciated how the guide “shared lots of great stories” and tailored the experience to their interests. This option is excellent for families or groups wanting a personalized holiday adventure.
Bottom Line: For a private, flexible, and in-depth look at Frankfurt’s Christmas market, this tour is hard to beat, especially for groups wanting a more personalized experience.
3. Magical Christmas Atmosphere of Frankfurt – Walking Tour
This 2.5-hour private walking tour is perfect if you want to enjoy Frankfurt’s holiday decorations and major landmarks at a relaxed pace. Your guide will focus entirely on your group, taking you through the Kleinmarkthalle, Frankfurt Cathedral, New Old Town, and the Dom-Römer-Quartier. Along the way, you’ll hear fun Christmas stories and facts, all while admiring the city’s beautifully decorated streets and squares. The tour offers a chance to see the Christmas markets, view city highlights, and learn about the traditions that make Frankfurt’s holiday season special.
Rated highly by reviewers, this tour is a favorite for families and small groups wanting a personal touch. Its flexibility and engaging commentary make it a good choice for those who want to dive deeper into Frankfurt’s holiday ambiance. The tour’s only downside is its price—at $272.04 per person, it’s an investment—but it’s worth it for the personalized experience.
Bottom Line: If you want a leisurely, private look at Frankfurt’s holiday decorations with a guide’s insights, this tour offers a memorable, detailed experience.
4. Private Xmas Market Hopping with wine tasting and gondola ride
Looking for a full-day, multi-city Christmas experience? This private tour visits Mainz, Rüdesheim, and Wiesbaden — three historic towns buzzing with festive markets. It includes visits to famous markets, a vineyard tour with Pinot Noir tasting at Kloster Eberbach, a gondola ride over vineyards, and time in Wiesbaden’s lively Christmas market. Starting early, the trip lasts between 7 to 10 hours, providing a rich taste of Hessen’s holiday traditions.
The tour’s standout feature is its combination of wine tasting at the first Riesling estate and scenic gondola ride, which adds a special touch to the Christmas-market hopping. Reviewers mention their guide Florian as “very knowledgeable,” making the day both educational and enjoyable. This experience is ideal for travelers who want a mix of culture, wine, and Christmas cheer—perfect for couples or small groups eager to explore beyond Frankfurt.
Bottom Line: If you want a full-day, multi-town Christmas adventure with wine and scenic views, this trip offers a luxurious way to enjoy Hessen’s holiday season.
$813.04 per person
5. Frankfurt: Christmas Old Town Walking Tour (2 hours in German)
For an affordable, straightforward experience, this 2-hour walking tour in German covers Frankfurt’s most iconic Christmas sights, including St. Paul’s Church, Römer, and the New Old Town. It also offers a roasted almond tasting at the end, a delicious local holiday tradition. The route includes the Kaisersaal, Eiserner Steg, and historical museums, giving a well-rounded view of Frankfurt’s history and holiday spirit in a compact format.
While reviews aren’t available, the tour’s focus on the key landmarks and the inclusion of local treats make it an appealing option for budget travelers or those with limited time. It’s best suited for German speakers or travelers comfortable with guided tours in German.
Bottom Line: If you want a cost-effective, no-frills way to see Frankfurt’s Christmas highlights and enjoy a tasty treat, this tour is a smart choice.
$23 per person
How to Choose the Best Frankfurt Christmas Tour for You
Picking the perfect tour depends on your time, budget, and interests. If you’re short on time but still want to see the highlights, the Frankfurt: Christmas Market & Old Town Tour offers a quick overview. For a more personalized experience, the private walking tour provides tailored insights and flexibility. If you’re after a comprehensive, leisurely exploration, the Magical Christmas Atmosphere tour takes you through Frankfurt’s festive streets with a private guide.
For those craving a multi-town holiday adventure, the Xmas Market Hopping with wine tasting and gondola rides is unbeatable. And if you’re on a budget or prefer a short, German-language tour, the Christmas Old Town Walking Tour fits the bill.
Practical tip: book early, especially for private and multi-day experiences, to lock in availability during the busy Christmas season.
Frankfurt’s Christmas offerings are diverse and lively, from quick city walks to full-day trips. Two standout options are the private Xmas Market Hopping for its scenic wine and market combo, and the Magical Christmas Atmosphere tour if you want a private, in-depth look at the city’s holiday sparkle. For travelers with limited time, the 60-minute Old Town tour hits the highlights without fuss. With these choices, you’re sure to find a holiday experience that makes your Frankfurt visit memorable.