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The Birmingham Christmas markets are brimming with holiday cheer! Boasting a multitude of festive activities, Birmingham at Christmas is a pure delight.
As part of our longer trip to England, we spent four days experiencing the magic of Christmas in Birmingham and it was an excellent way to usher in the spirit of the season. With our top tips and advice, we make it easy to plan a trip to visit the Christmas markets in Birmingham, UK!
Birmingham Christmas Markets FAQs
Before we get to our list of what to do in Birmingham at Christmas, we are answering a few frequently asked questions about planning a holiday trip.
Why Visit Birmingham at Christmas?
Christmastime is one of the best times to go to Birmingham! The city organizes numerous dazzling Christmas events. The most notable is the iconic Birmingham German Christmas Market, which is touted as the largest German-style Christmas market in the United Kingdom.
In addition to the traditional holiday fair, Birmingham also hosts a local Christmas market and a wintertime ice-skating rink. Plus, all of Birmingham is bedecked in festive decorations.
Despite the often grey and drizzly weather, the bright lights and merry markets create an utterly jolly atmosphere!
Where are the Birmingham Christmas Market Festivities?
All of the Christmas markets in Birmingham are located in the City Centre – and it is quite easy to walk from one market to the next.
Later in the article we share a Birmingham Christmas Market map that pinpoints where each festival takes place.
When is the Christmas Market in Birmingham?
Each of the Birmingham Christmas markets has their own set 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 early November through the first week of January. However, the local market is open for just one month, running from mid-November to mid-December.
We think it is best to plan a trip to Birmingham in late November or early December, when all of the markets are open at the same time.
What Else To Do in Birmingham in December?
The Birmingham winter markets are the top reason to visit, but there are other fun things to do! Use our complete guide of Things To Do in Birmingham for tips of what to see, do and eat.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Birmingham Christmas Market Guide to plan your trip to the UK!
Top 6 Experiences at the Birmingham, England Christmas Market
We absolutely loved our time at the Birmingham, UK Christmas markets – and we are highlighting the must-do activities for fellow visitors.
#1 Experience Merriment at the Birmingham German Christmas Market
Officially called the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham, the traditional German holiday market on Victoria Square is the highlight of the holiday festivities.
Complete with German-style half-timbered houses, a Weihnachtspyramide Christmas Pyramid and a gigantic tree decorated in colorful lights, the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market evokes the quaint charm of an enchanting Christmas 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 caroling moose – add a touch of magic for the kids (and the adults, too!).
#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 Birmingham Christmas market stalls.
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 (which we highlight next on our list!).
Buskers and charity carol singers entertain the crowds on New Street – and there are plenty of gathering places for meeting up with friends and soaking in the Christmassy vibes.
#3 Feast on Classic German Christmas Fare and Festive Drinks
One of the best things about the Birmingham Xmas markets is all of the fabulous festive food!
At the Birmingham German markets, visitors can indulge in a culinary feast. 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. However, some vendors churn 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…and there is plenty of both at the Birmingham markets. Additionally, guests can enjoy Gluh-gin, a German-English mashup cocktail or warm up with creamy hot chocolate. Best of all, the drinks are served in traditional German Christmas mugs, which visitors can opt to keep as souvenirs.
#4 Sip Something Festive at the Pigeon in the Park Pop Up Pub
Christmas in Cathedral Square is a relatively new addition to the fantastic line up of Birmingham Christmas events – and it’s outstanding! The market surrounding the Birmingham Cathedral features vendors selling local wares from wooden chalets and the Helter Skelter tower slide for kids.
In addition to the huts selling Birmingham-made gifts, merchants sell sumptuous fare and local craft beer. We recommend eating Christmas Dinner in a Yorkshire Pudding Wrap and trying Pork Scratchings, a regional specialty from nearby Black Country. In our opinion, however, roasting marshmallows over hot coals is the top wintery food experience at the Birmingham Cathedral Square Market.
Also, not to be missed is the 2-story, pop-up Birmingham Christmas bar – Pigeon in the Park Pub – which serves holiday drinks and warm mulled wine. From the upper-level balcony, patrons have a prime view of the square and the elevated seating offers a stellar vantage point of the live entertainment.
#5 Lace Up Skates and Twirl around the Ice
Ice skating is one of the best winter activities – and in Birmingham at Christmastime, Centenary Square hosts the most fabulous ice-skating rink. 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 the ice, guests can relax in the adjoining Ice Lounge, which features a full bar and pub food.
That said, the ice rink isn’t the only place to twirl around the square. The enormous Ferris wheel and thrilling fair rides offer a different kind of dizzying Christmas experience.
#6 Get Cozy at the Apres Ski Bar at Bullring and Grand Central
The Bullring and Grand Central Mall might not be a traditional holiday fair, 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 hosts an 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 the top Birmingham Christmas activities at the City Centre markets, but there are a few more Christmassy things to do in the region.
Check Off Your Christmas Shopping List
Birmingham is a shopping destination – and the perfect place to check off your list of holiday gifts. Go on a spree at Selfridge’s at the Bullring Mall or shop for something sparkly in the Jewellry Quarter. Alternatively, head to the Red Brick Market in Digbeth for one-of-a-kind Christmas presents.
Stroll through Luminate Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Winter Light Trail at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham brightens the holidays with magnificent illumination. After dark, wander through the enchanting garden while listening to the sounds of music. Tickets are required.
Soak in the Splendor of the Season at Warwick Castle
Christmas at Warwick Castle invites guests to enjoy an array of splendid holiday events. Visitors can expect ornately decked halls, holiday afternoon tea, a beautifully lit trail, an ice-skating rink and even an appearance from Santa himself! Tickets are essential.
Map of Christmas Markets Birmingham, UK
Use this link to Google for an interactive version of our Birmingham Xmas Market Map.
Plan Your Trip to the Birmingham Holiday Market
Now that you know the best 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 planning a breeze.
Where To Stay in Birmingham
We think it is best to stay in City Centre so that the Birmingham Christmas markets are right out your door.
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.
The 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, it’s best to pack clothing that can be layered.
We also recommend bringing a warm winter coat for spending extended time outdoors at the markets – 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 to pack in your backpack or suitcase.
When To Go to Birmingham, UK
As already mentioned, we think the best time to enjoy the Birmingham markets at Christmas is in late November or early December – but be sure to check the dates before planning your trip.
- Find the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market Dates on the official event website.
- Find info about the Birmingham Cathedral Christmas Market on the Colmore District site.
- Find dates for the Bullring Apres Ski Bar here.
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 of your trip!
More Christmas Markets in the UK and Europe
The Birmingham Christmas market is one of the best – but there are heaps of holiday markets in the UK and Europe.
Christmas in London is always a festive affair, but Manchester and Edinburgh have grand markets, as well. Additionally, smaller cities like Bath and Bristol, host more intimate Christmas markets.
We love Amsterdam at Christmastime – and Christmas markets in Germany (like the ones in Frankfurt and Dusseldorf) – are sublime. For more of the top holiday markets, use our guide of the Best Places to Spend Christmas in Europe.
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 travel planning 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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