Frohe Weihnachten! The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is now open for 2023!
As the largest authentic German Christmas market in the UK, and in fact outside of Germany or Austria, the annual festive market draws in huge crowds. From Brummie residents to tourists from far and wide, it is estimated that 5.5 million people visit the market every year, and for good reason too!
The market spans a big chunk of the city centre, all the way round from New Street to Victoria Square. With a huge number of wooden cabin stalls kitted out with lights, santas, candles and evergreen branches , why not sip on a German beer, snack on a savoury crepe and shop until you drop in a truly festive setting this holiday season?
New to the Birmingham Christmas Market? There’s plenty to do and see – here are some of the highlights:
1) Enjoy an authentic German Hofbräu
One of the big draws for the Christmas Market is the delicious German beer. You can sample a half pint for just £4.50, or a full pint for £6.50. Feeling bold? Why not tackle the double pint, for £12.50! Be prepared – you’ll be charged a deposit of £5 for the pint glasses, but as long as you return them unscathed with your glass token, you’ll be fully reimbursed. The brave folks who opted for the double pint tended to take the glasses home as trophies, and we don’t blame them!
2) Grab a bite to eat – or several
The plight of a market visit is the amount of food stalls which all smell delicious. From a ½ metre bratwurst to vegan falafel, there is much to sample, so come on an empty stomach! We tried the currywurst, with slices of sausage in a thick curry sauce, and a hearty hunk of bread on the side. It went down a treat!
3) Treat yourself to something sweet
As if there wasn’t enough to try in the savoury department, there are also a whole range of dessert stalls, selling crepes, chocolate marshmallows, churros, and doughnuts! We love the vegan-friendly marshmallows, which come in so many different flavours and will only set you back £1.50! The crepes are also a fan-favourite, and we queued for a good ten minutes in the rain just to sample one, but it was absolutely worth it!
4) Keep out the cold with a toasty beverage
From warming mulled wine to a delicious hot chocolate, there are plenty of seasonal drinks to keep the frost at bay on a chilly winter evening. The hot chocolate glasses are also adorable – we usually forfeit the deposits and take one home with us each year to add to the collection! The hot chocolates this year also have the option to add spirits, including baileys or rum.
5) Get started on your Christmas shopping
Scratching your head trying to find a gift for your mother-in-law or secret-santa-assignment? Fear not, there are plenty of stalls selling a wide variety of gifts. From Christmas stars to jewellery, wooden carvings to tiny houses, and pop culture memorabilia to chocolate art, there is something for everyone. We’re heading back next week with our shopping bags to get started on our gift shopping!
6) Have a sing-along
The Christmas Market is home to some cracking live music, from German musicians to Birmingham’s very own, performing their work, traditional German tunes, and some well-loved British classics. With artists performing in the Victoria Square bandstand and speakers around the site to share the music with everyone, you’re bound to walk into a sing-song during your visit.
7) Try ice-skating
Pop on your skates and hold on for dear life – in Centenary Square outside the city library, the market hosts a huge ice rink for those confident in their balancing ability. For all ages, with skates provided and seats for onlookers, the ice rink is a great spot to hit up to get you in the festive season. Book your tickets here.
8) Go for a spin
Another unmissable staple is the big wheel, situated right next to the ice rink, which provides gorgeous views of the market and the square in all its Christmassy-glory. Not a fan of heights? Keep your feet firmly in the stirrups on the carousel instead, located amidst the food and drink stalls in the heart of the market.
The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market opened on Thursday 2nd November 2023, and will remain open until Sunday 24th December 2023, so there’s plenty of time for you to head on down (likely more than once) this festive season.
