Birmingham Christmas Market 2024: A German Market

Unlike elsewhere in the UK, Birmingham’s market is uniquely aligned with the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Germany. It’s the largest market of its kind outside of Germany and Austria.

Below are the confirmed 2024 dates, opening times, locations and local specialties.

Birmingham Christmas Market 2024

Dates – Confirmed

Birmingham Christmas market dates: 1st November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).

Update: Dates were announced in March. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the event organiser’s website, available here.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Location: Victoria Square and New Street.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 11am to 9pm.
Friday: 11am to 9.30pm.
Saturday: 10am to 9.30pm.
Sunday: 10am to 9pm.
Remembrance Sunday – 10th November: 1pm to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Travel and Accommodation

Recommended tour: Canals and city centre walking tour.
Public transport: Tram stop: Town Hall and Grand Central. Train: Birmingham New Street.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Note that the market is located within Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone. Find parking here. Note: Navigation Street car park does not have a lift.
Tip: Visit during the week or early in the day if you wish to avoid the peak crowds.
Where to stay: The Grand Hotel is a historic hotel 3 minutes from Victoria Square.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: No switch on date announced.
Santa: Not announced. Check the events page for the latest.
Ice skating: Ice Skate Birmingham at Centenary Square. Dates: 1st November to 7th January 2025 (unconfirmed). Tickets from £11. Tickets can be booked online or turn up and pay as you go. It’s best to book online in advance. Book here.
Big Wheel: Booked online or turn up and pay as you go. Book here.
Carousel: A vintage-style carousel.
Reason to visit: A traditional German market in the UK.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Some options. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: German style bratwurst, pretzels, Stollen, schnitzels, chocolate and banana crepes, glühwein and weissbeer.

Accessibility

Accessibility: The entire market is wheelchair accessible. Electric scooters are available for hire if required.
Accessible toilets: Next to the stage on Victoria Square.
Pet-friendly: No. Assistance dogs allowed.

Convenient Hotels

If you want to stay near the festivities, anywhere in the city centre close to the Town Hall and Victoria Square would be ideal. I suggest staying at the Grand Hotel, as it’s in this area.

My guide to hotels in Birmingham has plenty of other places to stay, with options for various budgets.

Plan your market itinerary with this UK Christmas Markets List. Discover where to go and dates for each location.

Location Map

From twinkling lights to festive foods, we love seeing your holiday adventures. Use #UltimateChristmasMarkets to share your moments with us!

Ice Skate Birmingham

Ice Skate Birmingham and the Big Wheel are iconic parts of Birmingham’s festive season, returning to Centenary Square in 2024 from 1st November to 7th January (unconfirmed), except for Christmas Day.

Activities are open from 10am to 10pm, perfect for both early birds and night owls, and are fun for all skill levels.

The Big Wheel provides stunning views of the city by day or night. Tickets for both attractions can be booked online or at the venue.

Book your tickets here.

Another ride, the City Flyer, also has great views and is available for booking only at the venue.

Christmas in Birmingham

The Birmingham event, often called the German Market, began in 1997 through a partnership with Frankfurt.

Attracting over 1 million visitors weekly, it features traditional German items such as handmade toys, decorations and food like pretzels, schnitzels and glühwein, bringing German and Austrian traditions to the Midlands.

Wrap up warm and enjoy festive shopping, delicious food, an ice rink and the Big Wheel in the heart of Birmingham.

At the Market Stalls

• Mince Pies: Always massively popular.
• Bratwurst: The German classic.
• Pretzels: Eat at the market or take home later, but they’re best served warm.
• Stollen: Another import from Germany.
• Crêpes: Typically served with chocolate sauce and banana, but many varieties are available.
• Roasted chestnuts: Delicious winter street food snack.
• Hot pork rolls: Perfect for the British winter food experience.
• Mulled wine: Another that’s not to be missed. Look out for versions made from German red wine.

What to Buy

• Decorations: Intricate glass ornaments, wooden candle holders, wreaths, angels, lights and table decorations.
• Birmingham-made jewellery: Great if you’re looking for a unique gift.
• Soaps and fragrances: These are nice as stocking fillers or affordable gifts.
• Locally produced foods: Cheeses, chutneys and jams all packaged beautifully.
• German crafts: Interesting items by German makers and artists.
• British wool products: Scarves, gloves, socks and hats.
• Artisan chocolates, sweets, beer and spirits: A huge range to choose from.

Sustainability Tips

• Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
• Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
• Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
• Stay in hotels. Short-stay apartment accommodation can lead to a lack of affordable housing for locals.
• Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
• Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
• Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
• Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
• Support the arts and attend local events.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.