Visiting the Christmas market in Birmingham, UK

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Traditions come and go, that’s life and not something I normally hold on to. An annual visit to the Christmas Market in Birmingham, UK however has been something I’ve clung on to since it launched in 2001. Despite several house moves – progressively further from the city, early every December I hop on a train and wander the stalls. It really starts the festive season for me. Officially called the Frankfurt Christmas Market, ask any Brummie if they’re visiting the German market and they’ll know what you mean.

reindeer on top of christmas market stall

Over the years my visits have changed, what started in my late teens as a gaggle of girls getting tipsy on gluhwein to watching my toddler ride the carousel 100 times on repeat to current days of food snobbery and one too many steins – consistently regretted the next morning. It’s not just my approach thats changed, the market has exploded in popularity in recent years, going from just 25 original stalls to the many roads covered in 2019 boasting over 80 authentic German stalls.

Why Birmingham for the Frankfurt market?

The Frankfurt Market in Birmingham is the largest authentic German Christmas Market outside of Germany or Austria. Birmingham in England and Frankfurt in Germany have been twinned since 1966 and have taken part in many different collaborations over the years but the German market is easily the most well known.

gluhwein stall

In the market you’ll find many traditional German festive treats including roasted almonds and pretzels alongside classic German gifts such as charming wooden toys and decorations, hand crafted leather work and fragile glass baubles. I can never resist a new one for my tree. 

What to eat at the Frankfurt market

My best advice is to arrive hungry. There’s loads of choice and you’re bound to want to try a few things. I’ll alway have a Bratwurst hotdog with plenty of onions and my favourite cheesy garlic bread prepared fresh in front of you. You’ll also find curry wurst, white Bratwurst and a 1/2 metre sausage option – not for the faint-hearted! Artisan chocolate, churros, crepes and poffertjes will satisfy the sweet tooth amongst you.

colourful mug of gluhwein

For keeping warm you’ll find many stalls serving rich hot chocolate or for something a little stronger a mug of Gluwein always hits the spot. The German Market is the only place I know that serves 4 pints steins of beer – these are lethal, approach with caution! I’ve also seen stalls selling shots and bottles of alco pops, I’ve never tried these but think I’ve seen the staggering results at the end of the night!

If you fancy a full meal before or after your visit to the Christmas market then I highly recommend booking into Dishoom Birmingham an amazing Bombay style restaurant serving the best curry in the city. Or if Chinese is more your thing then head to Tattu Birmingham in Barwick Street for a super luxurious night out.

How to get to the Christmas market in Birmingham

The German market is located right in the centre of Birmingham. It used to be only based around the Town Hall and Victoria Square but has now expanded all the way down New Street towards the Bullring Shopping Centre.

If you’re getting the train in (which I highly recommend) get off at New Street Station, exit via the back entrance, cross the road and cut through Piccadilly Arcade. The market is right on the other side.

Piccadilly shopping arcade

The Christmas Market is also just a 10 minute walk from Digbeth Coach Station if you’re arriving by coach.

If you’re driving then it’s always best to park somewhere safe and well lit. Snow Hill Train Station is good choice, a bit on the expensive side but definitely a safe choice and and under 5 minutes walk to the stalls. If you get lucky, you might find a space around Colmore Row which is always the area I head to for dinner after a visit to the market.

When is the best time to visit the German market in Birmingham?

It really does depend on what you’re there for. As previously mentioned, the Frankfurt Market is hugely popular so gets extremely busy. If you’re heading in with kids and want to try out the Ice Rink and Carousel then I would definitely recommend getting there before lunch. The market opens at 10am and is always pretty quiet then. What you miss in terms of atmosphere you’ll more than make up for with lack of crowds.

santa head on a market stalll

For a spot of shopping and quick drink then late afternoon is my favourite time to visit, that way you can be gone before the real craziness begins. If you’re in a party mood then you have until 9pm to gulp as many steins as crowds at the bar allows.

One of my favourite ever visits was a few years ago when we had heavy snow, this seemed to keep most people away so the market was crowd free and the festivity levels were high. Weekend nights are always busiest – I’d avoid if at all possible.

What to wear to the Birminghams Christmas Market

Basically pick out your warmest clothes then put something cosy over the top. I’ve had too many visits where I chosen style over practicalities and regretted my choice the minute I stepped off the train. Ive seen women in heels slip on the ice so flat boots are a must and an umbrella is an absolute must, the market  is all outdoors.  

elaborate stall at the german christmas market

Is the Birmingham Christmas Market suitable for kids?

I would definitely recommend a visit to the German market with kids. It’s a great way to get the whole family excited for Christmas and my daughter looks forward to our annual trip. There’s plenty to keep them entertained with the carousel, Christmas lights and pretty craft stalls. Make sure to keep a look out for the singing moose, guaranteed to make little ones smile. Just a short walk away is the covered ice rink and Birminghams big wheel. Just try to visit early in the day before it gets too busy and keep a close eye on them in the crowds. I’d also probably avoid weekends when it’s uniformly busy all day.

young girl riding a carousel horse

I would probably suggest leaving the buggy at home, negotiating through the crowds will just be a big headache.

Facilities at the Christmas Market

There are public porta loo style toilets next to the stage in Victoria Square and a few accessible toilets.   If you’re there during the day, you could always pop into the Birmingham Museum and use their facilities. But if that’s closed, I’d hold off and pop in somewhere on your way home – you have been warned! 

Cost of visiting the German Market

Entrance to the market is completely free. Food and drinks however are quite expensive. For drinks, you’ll need to put a deposit down for your mug or glass, you can get this back when you return them but crowds can be quite off-putting – I have a fair few gluwein mugs on my shelves at home!

market stall selling craft items

Birminghams Frankfurt Market dates for 2021

All things being well, the Frankfurt Christmas Market will be back for 2021. Current dates are 4th November until 23rd December. Market opening hours will be 10am until 9pm. Make sure you check the Official Frankfurt Christmas market website before your visit.

birmingham market in the daylight

If you fancy making a festive weekend of it, I highly recommend the Belfry at Christmas. Less than half an hours drive out of the city, this luxury hotel is a great place to recharge your batteries, ready for the big day.

Read next: Birmingham weekend breaks for every travel style.

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