Birmingham German Christmas Market Guide

WHAT ARE THE BIRMINGHAM GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS?

Officially called the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, the Christmas markets consist of lots of open-air stalls. There is some handy overhead cover in places for when it is raining, so you won’t get drenched. You can buy a wide range of crafts, perfect for Christmas presents, such as toys, jewellery and knick knacks. The produce is mostly from Frankfurt in Germany but there are also plenty of locally-made arts and crafts by Birmingham artists.

The market makes a great afternoon/evening out in the city centre as there are plenty of food and drink stalls (both sit-down and stand-up ones). These consist of German pub-style beer stalls as well as places to sample a Glühwein – a traditional German drink of hot wine to sip at a Christmas market (or on the ski slopes!). A trip will certainly get you in the festive spirit!

For children and families there are small fairground rides too such as helta-skelters and merry-go-rounds as well as plenty of appetising food stalls for hungry nippers.

Birmingham’s 2022 Christmas market is one of the biggest and best in the UK. The markets are an annual event in the city’s calendar usually launching six to seven weeks prior to Christmas. 

WHEN ARE THE BIRMINGHAM GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS?

The 2022 Birmingham German Christmas Markets are estimated to run from Thursday 3rd November to Friday 23rd December. The markets are open daily between 10am and 9pm, except Remembrance Sunday when the market will be open from 1pm – 9pm.

BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL SQUARE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Local stalls, food and drink and live music will also be opening in nearby Colmore Business District this year with the return of Christmas in Cathedral Square. Brum-made crafts and gifts as well as food and drink from other regional businesses will be on offer. The dates are a little different to the main German markets with the festival estimated to run from Wednesday 16th November to Sunday 18th December 2022.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS?

The markets run from right outside our front door at Rotunda (part of the Bullring), all the way to the top of New Street and into Victoria Square outside the Town Hall and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. They are over a kilometre long. 

HOW DO I GET TO THE MARKETS?

You can take the bus, tram, train or car to reach the Birmingham Christmas markets. Taking the train is one of the easiest ways to travel into Birmingham in the busy lead up to Christmas. Coming into either New Street or Moor Street train stations and you’ll be just a couple of minutes’ walk from the start of the markets. We recommend you start at the Rotunda Square end of the markets and work your way up New Street to Victoria Square.

If you do decide to travel by car, the Bullring’s underground car park is a good bet although it can get very busy in the run-up to Christmas. To find out more information on how to get to Rotunda Square, visit the Travel Tips section of our website. And if you are staying with us at Rotunda, an independent aparthotel in the heart of Birmingham city centre on New Street, we offer discounted overnight parking at Bullring. See the special offer at the end of this blog post too.

Is there disabled access for visitors?

You’ll find Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market located along Victoria Square and New Street and the whole market can be accessed by wheelchair users and visitors with mobility impairments. It is possible to take a route that avoids steps although there is a slight incline at the Victoria Square end.

Can I visit with a registered assistance dog?

Yes, visitors with assistance dogs are welcome. This particular Birmingham Christmas Market can be very busy on Friday and Saturday evenings, so you may wish to time your visit for earlier in the day or on alternative evening.

Where should I park when visiting the Birmingham Christmas Markets?

You will find ample parking in the vicinity of the Christmas Market. Details of all city centre car parks can be found on the Parkopedia website. The Birmingham City Council car park on Navigation Street does not have a lift and may therefore be unsuitable for some visitors. The Bullring car parks are also nearby.

Are there toilet facilities at the Birmingham Christmas Markets?

You can find public toilets at the junction of Victoria Square and on Waterloo Street (in the area adjacent to the stage). There are no public toilets inside the Council House. Birmingham New Street station (a two minute walk away) also has plenty of free public toilets.

Accessible toilet facilities for people with disabilities are also available on site in the area adjacent to the stage on Victoria Square.

Do I need to bring ID to the Birmingham Christmas Markets?

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is committed to selling alcohol responsibly. As part of that commitment, they operate Challenge 25 for the sale of alcoholic and certain non-alcoholic drinks. If you are lucky enough to look under 25 you will be asked to prove that you are aged 18 or over when you buy age-restricted products. Acceptable forms of ID are:

1. Photographic driving licence
2. Passport

Bar staff do not have the discretion to accept any other forms of ID.

ARE THE ICE RINK AND BIG WHEEL ATTRACTIONS NEARBY?

Yes, you can combine a trip to the Christmas Markets with a skate at the ice ring and a ride on the big wheel. Both are located in nearby Centenary Square and run from early November until early January each year, between 10am and 10pm, except on Christmas Day. Find out more and book tickets online.

What else can we visit near the Birmingham Christmas Markets?

NATIVITY! The Musical is returning to Birmingham Rep this Christmas, between Saturday, November 19-Saturday January 7, 2023.

Described as ‘feel-good, funny and full of joy’, this cracker of a musical was adapted for the stage by Debbie Isitt, the creator of the much-loved films.

It features the sing-a-long hits from the movies including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment, She’s the Brightest Star and a whole host of new songs.

One of the country’s biggest pantomimes, Birmingham Hippodrome’s Dick Whittington, starring the brilliant ‘Honorary Brummie’ Matt Slack, is between Saturday December 17-Sunday, January 29.

Join hero Dick Whittington (and his trusty cat!) as he seeks fame, fortune and happiness journeying to become the Lord Mayor. Guided by the magical Fairy Bow Bells on an adventure that sends him from London town to the High Seas headed for Morocco don’t miss the action-packed pantomime full of laughter, music and dance.

Meanwhile, over at Thinktank Science Museum your help is needed to get Minibrum all festive this year. Decorate the Christmas tree, design your own Christmas card to be displayed on a board and check out the craft station and bring a little festive gift home with you.

Available Saturday 3rd December and Sunday 4th December, 11.00am-3.30pm in the Minibrum gallery.

This event is included in the Thinktank entry price. No booking is required for this event, but it is recommended that visitors pre-book an admission ticket.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY TO BEST ENJOY THE BIRMINGHAM CHRISTMAS MARKETS?

With the Christmas Markets starting right outside our front door, our Rotunda aparthotel is in an unbeatable location. One major benefit is that you can keep dropping your purchases off at reception. Our team will take them up to your room for you so you don’t have to struggle with bags while you enjoy the markets.

Special thanks to Visit Birmingham for providing us with some of the beautiful festive imagery featured above.