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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. Turns out, 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!
Top 6 Experiences at the Birmingham, England Christmas Market
We absolutely loved our time at the Birmingham, UK Christmas markets. Now we are highlighting the must-do activities for fellow visitors.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Birmingham Christmas Market Guide to plan your trip to the UK!
#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 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 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!).
We found ourselves returning to this market time and again – both during the day and at night – as it was always brimming 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 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.
Buskers and charity carol singers entertain the crowds on New Street, too. All in all, 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 – and we couldn’t get enough of it!
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. Don’t fear, there is plenty of both at the Birmingham Xmas Festivals.
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 Have Festive Sips at 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 absolutely outstanding! The space 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. 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 on the Ice
Ice skating is one of the best winter activities. 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 spin around the square. 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 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!
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 the city is bedecked in festive decorations.
Despite the often grey and drizzly weather, we relished in the bright lights and merry markets that 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. We were pleased how easy it was 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.
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 and eat during your trip.
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 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 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 2024 Dates on the official event website.
- Get dates for the Birmingham Cathedral Christmas Market on the Colmore District Site.
- Check times for the Bullring Apres Ski Bar.
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 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.
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 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 Google Map for an interactive version of our Birmingham Xmas Market Map below.
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, 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 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 Xmas parties, as well. Additionally, smaller cities like Bath and Bristol, host more intimate Christmas markets.
We love Amsterdam at Christmastime – and holiday markets in Germany (like the ones in Frankfurt and Dusseldorf) – are sublime. For even more spots, read 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 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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