When we proclaimed that we were traveling to Birmingham in December, we were met with looks of skepticism.
Apparently, not everyone is in-the-know about the Birmingham Christmas Markets and how they transform the city center into a festive winter wonderland brimming with cheer.
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To be completely honest, we had a few doubts ourselves. In the past decade, our travels have taken us to some incredible European Holiday Destinations.
We wondered how the Christmas markets in Birmingham, UK would stack up to the London Christmas and the iconic German markets.
We spent four days experiencing the magic of Christmas in Birmingham. We hopped from one market to the next, hoisting steaming mugs of mulled wine and immersing ourselves in quintessential holiday activities.
As it turns out, visiting Birmingham at Christmastime was an excellent way to usher in the spirit of the season!
Why Visit Birmingham Christmas Markets?
We made plans for our trip based on one event: the iconic Birmingham German Christmas Market. It’s touted as the largest German-style Christmas market in the United Kingdom – and it doesn’t disappoint.
In addition to the traditional fair, Birmingham also hosts modern Xmas markets, musical entertainment and a wintertime ice-skating rink. Plus, the entire city is bedecked in decorations.
Despite the often grey and drizzly weather, we discovered a plethora of Things To Do in Birmingham beyond the winter markets, too.
During our trip, we relished in the bright lights, merry marketplaces, city attractions and delicious food. All in all, it was an utterly fabulous time in an absolutely jolly atmosphere!
Birmingham, England Christmas Market: Top Experiences
We absolutely loved our time at the Birmingham, UK Christmas markets – and there are a few experiences not to be missed!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Birmingham Christmas Market Guide for your UK trip!
#1 Get Merry at the Birmingham German Christmas Market
Officially called the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham, the traditional German holiday fair on Victoria Square is the highlight of the festivities.
Complete with German-style half-timbered houses, a Weihnachtspyramide Christmas Pyramid and a gigantic tree decorated in colorful lights, it evokes the quaint charm of an enchanting village.
At the epicenter of the celebration is the main stage, where musical acts perform for merry revelers.
A colorful carousel and Chris Moose – a legendary caroling moose – add a touch of magic for the kids (and the adults, too!).
We found ourselves returning here time and again – both during the day and at night – as it was always bustling with festiveness.
#2 Have a Holly Jolly Shopping Experience on New Street
Stretching from Victoria Square to the Bullring Shopping Center, New Street is lined with glowing lights and a slew of joyfully decorated holiday huts.
An extension of the German market, peddlers on New Street sell hand-crafted goods, keepsake ornaments and unique Christmas gifts – as well as traditional German market treats.
Buskers and charity carol singers entertain the crowds on Birmingham New Street, too – and we often found ourselves pausing to listen.
Not nearly as crowded as the main market square, we loved how there were plenty of open gathering places for meeting up with friends and soaking in the Christmassy vibes.
#3 Feast on Classic German Christmas Fare
One of the best things about the Birmingham Xmas markets is all of the fabulous eats – and we couldn’t get enough of it!
Traditional German food – including bratwursts, bretzels and frikadellen (German-style hamburgers) – are an essential part of the Birmingham Christmas fair.
Classic German Christmas sweets – like Stollen Cake (a fruit-and-nut bread) and Berliners (jam- and cream-filled donuts) – are sure to satisfy sweet tooth cravings.
But it’s not just about German food! We noticed a few places churning out international Christmastime confections – like French crepes, Dutch poffertjes and Spanish churros.
Of course, it wouldn’t truly be a German Christmas market without steins of beer and hot Gluhwein. Don’t fear, there is plenty of both at the Birmingham Xmas Festivals!
Visitors can also warm up with creamy hot chocolate or a creative concoction of Gluh-gin, a fun German-English mashup cocktail.
What we liked best about imbibing at the festival is that all of the drinks are served in traditional German Christmas mugs, which visitors can opt to keep as souvenirs!
#4 Have Festive Sips at Pigeon in the Park
Christmas in Cathedral Square is a relatively new addition to the fantastic line up of Birmingham Christmas events – and it’s absolutely outstanding!
Located in the space surrounding the Birmingham Cathedral, this market is more typically British. In the wooden chalets, we found vendors selling Birmingham-made gifts and regional wares.
Even more enthralling, was the merchants doling out sumptuous English fare and local craft beer.
We couldn’t resist ordering Christmas Dinner in a Yorkshire Pudding Wrap and trying Pork Scratchings, a regional specialty from nearby Black Country.
For fun entertainment at the Birmingham Cathedral Square Market, there is a Helter Skelter tower slide for kids.
People of all ages were enjoying roasting marshmallows over hot coals, which we believe is a must-do wintery food experience!
We lingered at the market for quite some time, thanks to the 2-story, pop-up Birmingham Christmas bar – Pigeon in the Park Pub.
From the upper-level balcony, we had had a prime view of the atmospheric square and the elevated seating provided a stellar vantage point of the live entertainment.
#5 Lace Up Skates and Twirl on the Ice
Ice skating is one of the best winter activities – and Birmingham hosts the most fabulous ice-skating rink!
Situated in Centenary Square, the rink sits under cover so that skaters can glide across the ice in any weather. The Birmingham Ice Skate rink is fun for families and friends of any age!
After a twirl around, we recommend relaxing in the adjoining Ice Lounge, which features a full bar and pub food.
If you want to take another spin around the square, head for the sky. The enormous Ferris wheel and thrilling fair rides offer a different kind of dizzying Christmas experience.
#6 Get Cozy at Apres Ski Bar at Bullring and Grand Central
The Bullring and Grand Central Mall doesn’t host a traditional event, but we still think it is one of the best places to visit in Birmingham during December.
Not only does the mall twinkle with some of the best Birmingham Christmas lights, but the shopping center opens a wintertime, alpine-style lodge bursting with yuletide joy.
Located on St. Martin’s Balcony overlooking the historic Victorian church, the Apres Ski Bar doles out winter cocktails, hot mulled wine and steins of German bier.
The lodge is open from the middle of December to the end of the month and often features live entertainment.
More Things To Do at Christmas in Birmingham
We have highlighted our top picks of fun Birmingham Christmas activities at the City Centre markets, but there are a few more festive things to do!
Check Off Your Christmas Shopping List
Birmingham is a shopping destination – and the perfect place to get holiday gifts. Go on a spree at Selfridge’s at the Bullring Mall or shop for something sparkly in the Jewellery Quarter.
Alternatively, head to the Red Brick Market in Digbeth for one-of-a-kind Christmas presents. Housing more than 50 independent retailers, you are certain to find something unique.
Stroll through Luminate Birmingham Botanical Gardens
During our short trip we didn’t get to the Winter Light Trail at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham. We can just imagine how it would brighten the holidays with magnificent illumination!
After dark, guests are invited to wander through the enchanting space while listening to the sounds of music. Tickets required.
Soak in the Splendor of the Season at Warwick Castle
Located 20 miles southeast of Birmingham (about a 45 minute train ride), Warwick Castle spoils guests with an array of splendid holiday events.
We didn’t make it to Christmas at Warwick Castle, but visitors can expect ornately decked halls, holiday afternoon tea, a beautifully lit trail, an ice-skating rink and even an appearance from Santa himself!
Birmingham Christmas Markets FAQs
Now that we have highlighted what to do in Birmingham at Christmas, we are answering a few frequently asked questions about planning a holiday trip.
When is the Christmas Market in Birmingham?
Each market sets their own schedule – and the exact dates change from year to year. The famous German Market in Birmingham typically runs from early November until Christmas Eve.
The ice-skating rink is open even longer – usually from the beginning of November through the first week of January.
However, the Cathedral Square Market is open for just one month, running from mid-November to mid-December.
We believe it’s best to plan a trip to Birmingham in late November or early December, when all of the markets are open at the same time.
- Find the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market Dates on the event website.
- For Ice Skate Birmingham dates and tickets, check the official site.
- Get dates for the Birmingham Cathedral Christmas Market on the Colmore District Site.
- Check times for the Bullring Apres Ski Bar.
Where are Birmingham Christmas Market Festivities?
All of the Christmas markets in Birmingham are located in the City Centre. It was easy to walk from one to the next.
- The German Market occupies the entirety of Victoria Square and trails down New Street.
- The ice rink can be found on Centenary Square.
- The Cathedral Market takes place on Cathedral Square.
- The Apres Ski Bar is right outside Bullring Mall overlooking St. Martin’s Square.
Map of Christmas Markets Birmingham, UK
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Birmingham Christmas Market Map.
Plan Your Trip to the Birmingham Holiday Market
With so many things to do in Birmingham at Christmas, it’s time to start planning your visit! We have just a few travel tips to help make your trip a breeze.
Where To Stay in Birmingham
The Grand Hotel is an exquisite 5-star hotel located on the north side of Cathedral Square. The rooms are pricey, but the service is impeccable.
Briar Rose, well positioned between the German Market and Cathedral Market, offers affordable rooms that are both clean and comfortable.
What To Pack for Birmingham
When packing for your Christmas trip to Birmingham, UK, bring clothing that can be layered. We also recommend a warm winter coat as well as a top-layer raincoat for drizzly days.
A pair of comfortable travel shoes, a durable day bag for traveling and a good camera are a few more items that you will want in your backpack or suitcase.
Organize Your Trip to England
As you start to make plans to visit the Xmas markets in Birmingham, organization is key. We recommend using our Travel Planning Printables to stay on top of all the details!
More Christmas Markets in the UK and Europe
The holiday market in Birmingham is one of the best – but there are heaps more in the UK and Europe where you can have a jolly good time!
Christmas in London is always a festive affair, but Manchester and Edinburgh have grand Xmas parties, as well. Additionally, smaller cities like Bath and Bristol, host intimate Christmas markets.
We love Amsterdam at Christmastime – and markets in Germany (like the ones in Frankfurt and Dusseldorf) – are sublime. And while you’re there, don’t miss Vienna and Graz!
Looking for warmer European Christmas destinations? We get it! We’ve also celebrated the season in Barcelona, Madrid and Lisbon.
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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