As October draws to a close and Halloween season makes way for Christmas, many Birmingham locals will have noticed the return of the iconic wooden structures that have begun to line New Street. That’s right, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is returning yet again, bringing a quintessentially European form of festive cheer to the centre of the UK’s second city. But what’s there, when does it begin, and where does it originate?
The Frankfurt Christmas Market runs from Thursday 2nd November to Sunday 24th December 2023, giving you seven weeks to enjoy the market before it hides away for another year. Each day, the market will be open from 10am to 9pm, with the exception of Remembrance Sunday on 13th November when the market will only be open from 1pm to 9pm.
Festive markets actually date back to the thirteenth Century when Vienna’s population was encouraged to stock up on supplies in early winter to last them throughout the colder season ahead. These winter markets later became a place for locals to sell their wares to eager gift-givers and eventually transformed into a celebration of Christmas. The fifteenth Century Dresden Strietzelmarkt is deemed to be the first of these more elaborate festive icons. The success of such markets across Germany encouraged the adoption of similar markets in the UK, hence our beloved Birmingham version of the Christmas market.
Since then, Christmas markets across Europe have become pivotal in warming up the ever-darker winter nights with glistening lights, good food and a festive atmosphere.
The Frankfurt Christmas Markets run along Birmingham’s core city centre high street, New Street, and into the famous Victoria Square.
The central location of the market makes it immensely easy to reach! New Street, where the market runs, is adjacent to – you guessed it – Birmingham New Street Station, making it easily accessible by rail. Similarly, thanks to the variety of buses running through Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, locals will easily be able to reach the market.
The new extensions to the West Midlands Metro also make the market easy to reach from Birmingham suburbs such as Edgbaston, whilst also being a simple tram ride from Wolverhampton.
With over 120 stalls available, it’s no surprise that the Christmas market draws in crowds from far and wide. It’s estimated that more than 5 million people visit the attraction each year and it is considered to be the largest and most authentic Christmas market outside of Central Europe.
There is no shortage of stalls at the Frankfurt Market, offering something for everyone regardless of their tastes! Here are some of our favourite staples at the Market that we encourage you to explore:
With carousels and helter skelters galore, there’s sure to be a festive activity for everyone!
A German Market would be incomplete without the famous frankfurter sausage! Eager foodies can even treat themselves to a half-meter of frankfurter – because why not!
Don’t fancy a frankfurter? Don’t worry, there’s plenty more options for those looking for an alternative, from grilled burgers and traditional sauerkraut to fresh filled savoury pretzels, you’re sure to find something to whet your appetite!
Sample authentic German beer in classic steins, boozy Baileys coffee, or festive flavoured mulled wine offerings (try asking for Glühwein to sound particularly impressive).
Bratwurst not for you? Thankfully there is a broad range of indulgent sweet treats on offer at the market, from chocolate-filled crepes, chocolate fountains and marshmallow filled teacakes, to traditional sweet stalls to tempt every appetite.
Looking to get in the Christmas spirit? Victoria Square’s Christmas singalongs will be sure to get you ready for Santa Claus! If you’re feeling particularly festive, make sure to have a duet with Victoria Square’s famous Mr Moose!
The German Market offers a variety of niche Christmas gifts that truly feel like a step back in time. Traditional children’s toys, handmade tree ornaments and authentic German knitwear can all be found at several of the market’s 120 stalls.
Centrick are proud to be your local residential and commercial experts, with a passion for everything Birmingham! With our offices a few paces away from Victoria Square – which is the heart of the Christmas Market – we’re exceptionally excited to explore the festivities of the German Market this season. For more information on Centrick, the Birmingham property market, and why the Midlands is an exceptional place to live, get in touch with us by filling in the form below: we’d love to help!
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