For many Frankfurters and visitors to the city, it is a firm Christmas tradition: the Great City Ringing on Christmas Eve. On 24 December, from 5 to 5.30 pm, the bells of a total of ten inner-city churches ring out, creating a festive atmosphere that delights young and old alike.
"The bell concert is a wonderful Frankfurt tradition," emphasizes City Treasurer Bastian Bergerhoff, who is responsible for the city's churches. "It not only puts us in the mood for Christmas, but is also a sign of hope and confidence in difficult times."
The civic bell of St. Paul's Church opens the concert, while the famous Gloriosa in the cathedral closes it. Popular places to listen to the sound of the 50 bells are the Römerberg, Liebfrauenberg, Hauptwache, Paulsplatz and the Eiserne Steg. However, the organizers recommend a tour of the city centre to enjoy the unique sound experience in all its diversity. If you can't be there, you can experience the Glockenspiel online: An audio file is published on the City of Frankfurt's website on Christmas Eve.
The Great City Ringing only takes place four times a year - in addition to Christmas Eve, also before the first Advent, before Easter and before Whitsun. The tradition dates back to 1347, when all the city's bells rang out for the funeral of Emperor Ludwig IV. Since 1856, the bells have been rung regularly at Christmas, Easter and Whitsun. The current sound was designed in 1954 by Professor Paul Smets, a bell expert from Mainz.
This special event invites you to leave the hectic moments of the Christmas season behind and pause for a moment in the historic setting of Frankfurt's city center.
