It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Birmingham. As of today (November 3), the Frankfurt Christmas Market – the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria – has returned to Victoria and New Street. Which only means you’re about to start seeing a lot more lights and decorations popping up. And hearing the gentle hum of Jingle Bells on the breeze. But there’s more than just one Christmas market in Birmingham, don’t you know. All are worth a visit, and a great place to pick up a present or two. Because even if you’re not ready for the holidays, the Christmas markets in Birmingham are.
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 on from until December 23, where you can grab everything from mulled wine and wooden toys to schnitzels and stollen. It will be open everyday from 10am to 9pm for an incredible 50 days of Christmas celebrations in the city centre! The ice rink has also returned, alongside the ferris wheel, which will both hang around Centenary Square until January 8, between 10am and 10pm.
Christmas in Cathedral Square
The Christmas lights will switch on at Cathedral Square on November 16 to officially start Birmingham’s Christmas 2022 celebrations. Until December 18, a variety of homemade crafts and gifts, as well as food and drink stalls, will be available on the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral. Christmas in Cathedral Square will open Monday to Wednesday from 11am to 8pm, Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 9pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 8pm.
The Flapper Winter Market
On November 27, canalside pub The Flapper will host an independent Christmas market in Birmingham. Encouraging people to ‘shop small’, the regular music venue will host 17 stalls from independent traders and small businesses. From 1pm to 6pm, the market will be free to attend and include live music, as well as food and drink. Stalls holders include Birmingham locals such as Punks and Chancers, Crafted By Indi, and The Little Jewellery Shop.
Winter Funland
More of a funfair than another Christmas market in Birmingham, Winter Funland makes a triumphant return. Head indoors (meaning no worrying about the weather) to Birmingham NEC on December 10 to January 2. 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?
Edgbaston Village Christmas Market
Edgbaston’s all-year round village market transforms into one of the best Christmas markets in Birmingham on November 12. Known for selling artisanal items, you can get your hands on a range of food and drink, handmade arts and crafts, as well as Farmer’s Market stalls selling cheeses, bakery and butcher produce. There’ll also be a Christmas lights switch on to accompany the market, along with carol singing, musical performances and even a visit from Santa. If that’s too soon for you, Edgbaston Village Christmas Market will return on December 10.