Frankfurt, Christmas: The best time of the year is knocking at your window. The shimmering strings of tinsel hang on trees, and the lights are bright in the town square.

In Frankfurt, the Christmas Market in Römerberg, a beautiful square in the city, is amongst the most popular attractions of the season. One of the oldest in Germany, its origins can be traced back to 1393.

When it first started, the festival did not have the same cultural fervour that we see now, and its sole purpose was to offer the locals a chance to stock up on essentials before the bitter winter set in.

While earlier, only people residing in Frankfurt were allowed to enter the market, today, it has become one of the go-to spots to visit for people coming in from all over the world during Christmastime.

Several gorgeously lit-up wooden huts selling various sweetmeats, hot soup, cheese fondue, apfelwein or apple wine, and almonds of every flavour imaginable will greet you here. Soak up the festive feels with giant Christmas trees and warm taverns where loved ones meet, making Christmas truly the best time of the year.