Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market

A big German-style Christmas market run in partnership with Frankfurt, filling Victoria Square and New Street in Birmingham city centre for around seven weeks.

Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market grew out of the twinning link between Birmingham and Frankfurt, and bills itself as the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany or Austria. Wooden stalls run from Victoria Square, in front of the Council House, down New Street towards the Bullring end of the city centre.

Food and drink is a big part of the visit: bratwurst, pretzels, roasted almonds, glühwein, German wheat beer and hot chocolate, alongside gift stalls selling wooden decorations, glass baubles, star lights, toys and other handcrafted pieces. A bandstand on Victoria Square hosts a live music programme with German and local musicians.

Entry is free and no ticket is needed; it is open every day of the run. Drinks come in mugs or glasses with a refundable deposit (keep the mug as a souvenir or return it with your token to any drinks stall). Stalls take cash and many also take cards. The organisers say the whole market can be reached step-free by wheelchair, with accessible toilets and baby changing by the Victoria Square stage. Dogs on leads are allowed, but Friday and Saturday evenings get very busy, so weekdays and Sunday evenings are quieter. Three mainline stations are within walking distance, and the city centre is inside Birmingham's Clean Air Zone.