The German Christmas Market is back in Birmingham for the 2024 festive season from today(November 1) and here is everything you need to know from opening time and dates to prices.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market has become one of the most popular festive attractions in the UK putting the city on the international map.
Here’s some of the essential information to make your visit run more smoothly.
When is Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market taking place in 2024?
The German market opens today (Friday November 1) and continues until Christmas Eve, December 24. See what entertainment is playing at the main band stand every day here.
What time is the Birmingham German Market open til?
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is open during the following times every day except on Remembrance Sunday – November 10 – when it is only open from 1pm to 9pm.
It will be open:
Mondays to Thursdays – from 11am to 9pm
Fridays – 11am to 9.30pm
Saturdays – 10am to 9.30pm
Sundays – 10am to 9pm
Where do I find Birmingham’s German Market?
The main hub of the Frankfurt Christmas Market is at Victoria Square, next to Birmingham Town Hall, where there is a huge Christmas tree and live music next to the many beer and sausage stalls.
Market stalls run from Victoria Square down New Street and end at the entrance to Bullring shopping centre – where you can also get a selfie with the the city’s famous bull. It is within a few minutes’ walk of Birmingham’s New Street Station. Make sure you check out Ozzy the Bull at the train station concourse too, a remnant of Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games.
How much do drinks cost at Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market?
Every drinker has to give a £5 deposit for a glass or mug that is given back to them when they return it. For 2024, a mug of Gluhwein or hot cherry wine costs £6.50, a hot red wine with rum or amaretto is £8 and if adding cream, £9.
A non alcoholic hot punch or hot apple juice are £4. Anyone who looks under the age of 25 will be asked to show photo ID.
What other attractions are in Birmingham near the German Market?
There’s so much to see and do in Birmingham from top restaurants to first class shopping. Here’s some of the highlights you won’t want to miss while in Birmingham:
World famous shopping to suit everyone – From the world’s biggest Primark in High Street to independent shops in beautiful, historic Great Western Arcade and Piccadilly Arcade, you won’t be short of Christmas shopping ideas.
The Bullring and Grand Central boast renowned stores of Selfridges, The Sidemen’s new SDMN Clothing store and Pop Mart toy shop. A new Sephora and huge Zara open in November too.
Find something unique in stores like Cass Art in Corporation Street, fine clothing in Slater’s Menswear or shop for a Peaky Blinders’ style hat in the wonderfully traditional Peter Forson Hat Shop in Great Western Arcade.
Restaurants, pubs and bars to suit every taste – From Michelin-star restaurant Adams in Waterloo Street to Italians La Galleria in Ethel Street or Riva Blu in Temple Street , the city centre is packed with eateries. Bennett’s Hill, Temple Street and John Bright Street are hotspots to go for rows of bars and restaurants including pizza at Rudy’s, The Botanist, The Stable, Brewdog, Turtle Bay and one of Birmingham’s must-see bars Cherry Reds.
Unmissable pubs include the quirky underground Bacchus Bar off New Street, The Post Office Vaults in New Street and the Good Intent in Great Western Arcade.
Birmingham boasts many first-rate independent coffee shops including Medicine Bakery in New Street, Faculty Coffee in Piccadilly Arcade, Yorks Cafe in Stephenson Street, 200 Degrees in Lower Temple Street, Morridge at Great Western Arcade and The Coffee Bar Birmingham in Temple Row.
Get a selfie with Paddington Bear – Sit down next to a statue of much-loved Paddington Bear on his special bench at Medicine Terrace in Selfridges at Bullring.
See top shows including Alison Hammond in panto – Christmas shows in Birmingham include The Book Of Mormon at Alexandra Theatre from December 3 to 28 and Brum’s panto Peter Pan starring everyone’s favourite Brummie Alison Hammond and Danny Mac at Birmingham Hippodrome from December 21 to February 2.
There’s also Mark Gatiss’ version of A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story starring Rufus Hound at Birmingham Rep theatre from November 14 to January 5. While Birmingham Royal Ballet under the leadership of world renowned Carlos Acosta perform Christmas ballet The Nutcracker at Birmingham Hippodrome from November 22 to December 14.
There’s festive concerts in the historic, beautiful Birmingham Town Hall and nearby Symphony Hall. See BMusic here for the full list that includes Jools Holland and The Muppets Christmas Carol and Love Actually with live orchestras.
Big Wheel and Ice Skate Birmingham – Take a spin on the big wheel or have fun ice-skating a short walk away at Centenary Square. Open from November 1 until January 5. Book ahead at Ice Skate Birmingham’s website here. Tickets cost between £13 – £15 adults, £11-£12 children aged 12 and under and £12 students. There is a family ticket for £42-£45. Off peak times are cheaper at 10am or 11am, Monday to Friday.
Christmas in Cathedral Square – Another festive market to check out surrounding Birmingham Cathedral with local producers selling crafts, gifts, food and drink. There’s even a helter skelter and the Pigeon in the Park pub.
What is the final day I can visit the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market?
Birmingham’s German Market closes for the 2024 festive season on Christmas Eve December 24, which is a Tuesday, so it will shut at 9pm that night.
Look out for our friendly Central BID team on the streets of Birmingham during Christmas time as they are happy to help.