It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… Eagle-eyed visitors will surely have spotted hints of the return of festivities in Birmingham City Centre. The return of Frankfurt Christmas Market – the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria – is shaping up nicely. But there are plenty more Christmas markets making their way to the second city too. You’re about to be overwhelmed with more twinkly lights, Christmas trees and Alpine stores than you can handle. So why not prepare by checking out the very best Christmas markets arriving in Birmingham soon? Also, shhhhh… but if you are sick of searching for Christmas gifts and then seeing people never use them, check out these gift cards for tons of experiences.
1. Frankfurt Christmas Market
We have to start with one of the biggest, longest and, arguably, best Christmas markets in the UK. Frankfurt Christmas Market is back with everything from mulled wine and wooden toys to schnitzels and stollen on November 2 until Christmas Eve. That’s an incredible 52 days of Christmas celebrations in the city centre!
Also returning on the very same day is the ice rink at Centenary Square. Open daily until January 7, you’ll also be able to see some spectacular views of Birmingham from the big wheel, and unwind with some hot drinks at the Ice Lounge and Bar.
2. Christmas in Cathedral Square
A smaller but no means lesser Christmas market will be back outside Birmingham Cathedral this festive season. A Christmas lights switch-on event is planned for November 15, which will also launch Christmas in Cathedral Square. Opening at 11am, the market will run for five weeks until December 17. You’ll find everything from fine wines and fried chicken to macaroons and craft beer, as well as a variety of homemade crafts and gifts, plus many more local West Midlands traders.
3. Winter Funland
More of a funfair than another Christmas market in Birmingham, Winter Funland makes a triumphant return. Head indoors (which means you won’t need to worry about the weather) to Birmingham NEC from December 9 to January 1. There’ll be thrilling funfair rides – such as waltzers and dodgems – a slick ice skating rink and a range of festive foods will be available, such as candy floss and mulled wine. And what is Christmas without a trip to Santa’s grotto?