Frankfurt transforms into a winter wonderland every December, offering a mix of historic charm, lively markets, and festive atmosphere. Its Christmas markets are among the oldest and largest in Germany, with stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and warm Glühwein. One reason we like Frankfurt for holiday experiences is its blend of history and lively street life—walking through the decorated squares feels like stepping into a holiday postcard. For a personalized touch, the Frankfurt Christmas Market Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide provides an intimate way to see the market’s highlights efficiently, especially if you’re short on time. We also love the Magical Christmas Atmosphere of Frankfurt – Walking Tour for its focus on Frankfurt’s most iconic spots decorated for the season. And if you’re after a day of festive exploration combined with wine and a scenic ride, the Private Xmas Market Hopping with wine tasting and gondola ride offers a comprehensive and relaxed experience.
Below, you’ll find a variety of tours—each offering a different way to enjoy Frankfurt’s Christmas spirit. Whether you prefer a short and snappy walk, a deeper city tour, or a full-day visit to nearby markets, there’s something here to make your holiday special.
1. Frankfurt Christmas Market Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
At number one, this private walking tour offers an efficient way to explore Frankfurt’s historic Christmas market with a knowledgeable guide. The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and is perfect for travelers who want a curated experience without missing the highlights. You’ll visit the iconic Römerberg square, which during Christmas becomes a scene straight out of a fairy tale, with over 200 stalls, a vintage merry-go-round, and traditional food stands. Your guide will make sure you see the best booths for local treats like roasted nuts and sweets and share interesting stories about Frankfurt’s holiday traditions.
What makes this tour stand out is its personalized approach—it’s private, for up to 15 people, so your guide can tailor the experience to your interests. Reviews highlight guides like Heidrun and Eric, who brought the market’s history and stories alive, making it engaging and fun. The tour’s value lies in its efficiency—maximizing your short time in Frankfurt while experiencing the festive atmosphere intimately.
Bottom Line: If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive, personalized market experience, this private walking tour is a top choice.
2. Magical Christmas Atmosphere of Frankfurt – Walking Tour
Second on our list, this 2.5-hour private walking tour takes you through Frankfurt’s most decorated spots during Christmas, including Kleinmarkthalle, Frankfurt Cathedral, and the New Old Town. The focus here is on seeing Frankfurt’s highlight sites all decked out for the festive season, with your guide sharing fun facts and stories along the way. You’ll visit the bustling Plaza Hauptwache, the renowned Christmas Market at Thurn-und-Taxis-Platz, and the cozy Paulsplatz, each bursting with holiday cheer.
This tour is especially suited for travelers wanting a deeper dive into the city’s Christmas traditions, wrapped in a private, relaxed setting. The guide’s commentary helps you appreciate the city’s seasonal transformation, from the decorated squares to the local delicacies and crafts. It’s ideal for families or groups wanting a personalized, leisurely stroll through Frankfurt’s holiday scenes.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a detailed, immersive city tour with a festive touch. It offers a richer look at Frankfurt’s Christmas decor and traditions.
3. Private Xmas Market Hopping with wine tasting and gondola ride
For a more extensive holiday experience, this full-day private tour visits three of Germany’s most beautiful Christmas markets—Mainz, Rüdesheim, and Wiesbaden. Starting from Frankfurt, it combines market visits, wine tasting, a gondola ride, and sightseeing, making it perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive holiday adventure. The tour includes stops at Mainz’s historic Christmas market and cathedral, Rüdesheim’s lively market and famous Drosselgasse, and Wiesbaden’s charming festive scene.
One highlight is the visit to Schloss Johannisberg, the world’s first Riesling wine estate, where you can taste the local specialty. The gondola ride over the Niederwald vineyards offers spectacular views, adding a scenic element to the wine and Christmas cheer. With insightful commentary on German Christmas traditions and regional specialties, this trip combines culture, gastronomy, and scenic beauty.
While this tour is more expensive at $813.04 per person, it’s ideal for those wanting an all-in-one holiday experience with a relaxed pace. Reviewers appreciate the flexibility and deep local knowledge of Florian, who makes the day memorable.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a full-day, multi-location Christmas experience with wine, scenic views, and festive markets in nearby towns.
How to Choose the Best Frankfurt Christmas Tour for You
Choosing the right tour depends on your priorities—if you’re pressed for time but want an insider’s look at Frankfurt’s Christmas market, the Private Walking Tour is ideal. For a broader city experience with lots of sights and stories, the Magical Christmas Atmosphere offers a more immersive stroll. Want to combine city sights with nearby markets, wine tasting, and scenic rides? The Xmas Market Hopping is the comprehensive choice.
Consider your budget, time availability, and whether you prefer a quick overview or a full-day adventure. Book early—especially for the private tours—since they fill quickly during the busy holiday season. Each tour offers a unique way to enjoy Frankfurt’s Christmas magic, so pick one that matches your interests and travel style.
In summary, Frankfurt offers a wonderful range of Christmas tours—from quick, personalized market walks to full-day excursions exploring nearby festive towns. For a brief, intimate experience, the private guided market walk tops the list. If you want to absorb the city’s holiday spirit at a relaxed pace, the detailed walking tour is perfect. And for those eager to combine city sightseeing with regional Christmas traditions, wine tastings, and scenic rides, the Xmas market hopping tour delivers a memorable adventure.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early is wise. Christmas in Frankfurt is a special time, packed with history and holiday cheer—ready to make your holiday season truly memorable.