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🎄 Christmas Markets UK
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Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market 2025 Guide

Birmingham, West Midlands • 1 Nov – 24 Dec 2025 • England

The largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria returns to Victoria Square and New Street with bratwurst, pretzels, glĂźhwein and live music.

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Why visit in 2025?

  • German crafts, glassware and wooden decorations
  • Daily sets on the bandstand from visiting musicians
  • Traditional food favourites including schnitzel and roasted almonds

At a glance

Location

Victoria Square & New Street, Birmingham, B1 1BB

Opening hours (2025)

  • Daily: 10am – 9pm
  • Food & drink open later until approx. 10pm
  • Closes at 6pm on Christmas Eve

Costs

Free to enter. Rides (Big Wheel, Carousel, Ice Skate Birmingham) are ticketed separately.

Contact

thebfcm.co.uk

Why Birmingham’s Frankfurt market is special

Birmingham has hosted the official Frankfurt Christmas Market since 1997, making it one of the largest authentic German markets outside of Germany or Austria. More than 100 chalets bring bratwurst, glĂźhwein, schnitzel, stollen and handcrafted gifts to the heart of the city. The bandstand in Victoria Square hosts daily sets from Bavarian musicians, while local performers take to the fountain stage.

The market stretches from Victoria Square down New Street towards the Bullring, linking neatly with the neighbouring Craft Market and Ice Skate Birmingham at Centenary Square. Don’t miss Chris Moose—the animatronic singing moose who’s become a Birmingham Christmas icon.

Getting there

By train

Birmingham New Street is two minutes from Victoria Square and offers direct services from London, Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff, Nottingham and many more. Snow Hill and Moor Street stations are also within a 10-minute walk.

By coach

National Express coaches arrive at Digbeth Coach Station, about 12 minutes on foot. Megabus and FlixBus also run seasonal services. Local buses and the West Midlands Metro tram stop at New Street and Centenary Square.

Driving & parking

City-centre parking fills quickly—try the Mailbox, Great Charles Street, Snow Hill or Bullring car parks. Alternatively use Park & Ride sites at Longbridge, Four Oaks or Stourbridge and hop on the train or tram.

Accessibility

The market sits on wide pedestrian streets with some gentle gradients. Accessible toilets are available in Victoria Square and Grand Central. Assistance dogs are welcome and there’s step-free access from all nearby stations.

Need-to-know details

  • Tell me something unusual: Look out for the singing moose, “Chris Moose”, who belts out Christmas classics from his perch above the glĂźhwein stall.
  • Year established: 1997, celebrating nearly three decades in 2025.
  • Typical attendance: Around 5.5 million visitors each season.
  • Official opening: Traditionally led by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham alongside delegates from Frankfurt.
  • Entry cost: Free—only food, drink, rides and souvenirs incur charges.

Top things to do

  • Authentic German stalls: Browse nutcrackers, carved wooden toys, amber jewellery and traditional decorations shipped from Frankfurt.
  • Food village: Feast on bratwurst, currywurst, kartoffelpuffer and Bavarian pretzels; wash them down with glĂźhwein, weissbier or hot chocolate spiked with rum.
  • Live entertainment: Oompah bands and local choirs perform daily on the Victoria Square stage.
  • Rides & attractions: Pair your visit with the Big Wheel and ice rink at Centenary Square or pop into the neighbouring City Social craft market under the Floozie in the Jacuzzi.

Make a weekend of it

Birmingham is the UK’s “second city” with a vibrant arts and food scene. Combine market browsing with the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, the National SEA LIFE Centre, Library of Birmingham viewpoint, Cadbury World in Bournville or independent shopping in the historic Jewellery Quarter.

Plan your trip

Accommodation

Book hotels or guesthouses as early as possible—weekend dates around the market book up quickly. Consider nearby villages for boutique stays.

Travel

Rail is often the most convenient way to arrive. If driving, look for park and ride services to avoid city-centre congestion.

Accessibility

Most markets provide accessible routes, but cobbles and temporary surfaces can be uneven—check the organiser accessibility guide linked below.

Weather Ready

Pack layers, waterproof footwear and gloves (touchscreen-friendly for photos). Early sessions are quieter; evenings bring the best atmosphere.