We’re so much closer to last year’s Christmas (115 days) than we are to this one (251 days). So why are we talking about the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market? Well, it’s undeniably the biggest event in Birmingham all year and, with the dates now announced, it seems the 2024 market will be better than it’s ever been before.
As you may know, it’s the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria. Originally brought over from Birmingham’s twin city of Frankfurt in 1997, it has grown into over a hundred stalls and attracts around 5.5 million visitors each year. It’s also signed on to take place every Christmas until at least 2027.
“My heart belongs in Birmingham and I have celebrated Christmas with the people of Birmingham for so many years now,” said Kurt Stroscher last year – who runs the Christmas markets in both Birmingham and Frankfurt – to the BBC. “It is always a pleasure to share our Christmas with the city.”
Not content with being the biggest, it’s often the longest Christmas market in the UK. Stretching from the start of November until Christmas Eve, it seems to start sooner and sooner every year. This year is no exception, with Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market confirmed to happen from Friday, November 1 to Tuesday, December 24.
That’s one more day than last year if you weren’t aware – a total of 54 days, and just shy of eight weeks. Taking over New Street and Victoria Square once again, you’ll be able to grab everything from mulled wine and schnitzels to wooden toys and glass baubles. Also returning on November 1, is the legendary big wheel and ice rink, between 10am and 10pm.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market opening hours
Monday to Thursday: 11am to 9pm
Friday: 11am to 9.30pm
Saturday: 10am to 9.30pm
Sunday: 10am to 9pm
On Remembrance Sunday (November 10) the market will only open from 1pm.