Special Events in Frankfurt

January
Throughout January: Performance. Renowned artists, ensemble groups and other traveling acts perform regularly at the Alte Oper Frankfurt, Opernplatz 8. For information and tickets, call 134-0400. Continues through mid June

Throughout January: Dance. When the company is not traveling, Ballett Frankfurt performs at Opernhaus, Stadtische Buhnen, on Willy Brandt Platz, and Bockenheimer Depot. For tickets, call 134-0400. Continues through late April

Throughout January: Opera. Oper Frankfurt performs regularly at the Opernhaus, Stadtische Buhnen, on Willy Brandt Platz. For schedule information and tickets, call 134-0400. Continues through late June

March
Early-Late March: Soccer. FSV Frankfurt plays home games at Bornheimer Hang Stadion. For information and tickets, call 420-8980. Season continues through mid June

April
Early April: Mainfest. Beer drinking and frivolity reign in this traditional folk fair along Romerberg, Fahrtor and the Main Quay. For information, call 2123-8990 or 2123-8800.

July
Mid July: Germany Triathlon. More than 300,000 spectators watch approximately 1,700 athletes from around the world participate in this test of endurance, featuring a 2.5-mile swim, 112-mile bike races and 26-mile footraces. For information, call 6181-42254. Various venues throughout the Frankfurt area.

Early July: Mainfest. Beer drinking and frivolity reign in this traditional folk fair along Romerberg, Fahrtor and the Main Quay. For information, call 2123-8990 or 2123-8800.

Late July: Museum Summer Festival. Cultural and arts festival held along both sides of the Main River. International artists and arts-and-crafts vendors add excitement to this impressive collection of museums. For information, call 2123-8990 or 2123-8800.

September
Mid- September: Fall Dippemess. Traditional fair with carnival rides and a handicrafts market. Festplatz, Ratsweg Fairgrounds. For more information, call 2123-8990 or 2123-8800.

October
Early October: Frankfurt Book Fair. More than 6,500 writers, agents, publishers and illustrators gather at the world's largest and oldest book fair. The fair exhibits more than 300,000 titles, among them new, innovative works. It also features more than 2,000 cultural and special events, including readings by authors. Messe Frankfurt, Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1. 21020.

End of October: Frankfurt Marathon. This race is open to both runners and in-line skaters. The flat course for runners begins in downtown Frankfurt, crosses into the residential suburb of Sachsenhausen, goes through Hochst and returns along Mainzer Landstrasse to the finish line at the downtown Trade Fair Tower. For information, call 3700-4680.

November
Late November: Weihnachtsmarkt. The annual Christmas fair takes place at Romerberg, Paulsplatz, Fahrtor, Neeve, Kramer and Mainkai. Features food, drink and handicrafts. The opening ceremony is highlighted by traditional holiday music performed by choral groups and a carillon and appearances by Santa Claus. For more information, call 2123-8990 or 2123-8800. Continues through 22 Dec

Late November: Weihnachtsmarkt. The annual Christmas fair takes place at Romerberg, Paulsplatz, Fahrtor, Neeve, Kramer and Mainkai. Features food, drink and handicrafts. The opening ceremony is highlighted by traditional holiday music performed by choral groups and a carillon and appearances by Santa Claus. For more information, call 2123-8990 or 2123-8800. Continues through late December. 134-0400. Continues through mid June.

December
Early December: Soccer. FSV Frankfurt plays home games at Bornheimer Hang Stadion. For information and tickets, call 420-8980. Season concludes early December

1-22 December: Weihnachtsmarkt. The annual Christmas fair takes place at Romerberg, Paulsplatz, Fahrtor, Neeve, Kramer and Mainkai. Features food, drink and handicrafts. The opening ceremony is highlighted by traditional holiday music performed by choral groups and a carillon and appearances by Santa Claus. For more information, call 2123-8990 or 2123-8800. Concludes 22 Dec

6 December: St. Nicholas' Day. Children busily clean their shoes in the hope that Santa Claus will fill them with sweets and presents.

Throughout December: Weihnachtsmarkt. The annual Christmas fair takes place at Romerberg, Paulsplatz, Fahrtor, Neeve, Kramer and Mainkai. Features food, drink and handicrafts. The opening ceremony is highlighted by traditional holiday music performed by choral groups and a carillon and appearances by Santa Claus. For more information, call 2123-8990 or 2123-8800. Concludes late December.

31 December: New Year's Eve. Called Silvester in German. Most businesses close around 1 pm, and in the evening, fireworks erupt throughout the city.