The Birmingham Christmas Market is officially partnered with Frankfurt’s Weihnachtsmarkt, making it the largest German-style market outside of Germany and Austria. That’s not just a tagline: the stalls, the food traders, and many of the vendors travel directly from Frankfurt each year, which gives it an authenticity that most UK markets can only imitate.
Birmingham Christmas Market 2026
Dates
Status: Confirmed
Birmingham dates: 5th November to 24th December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Update: Dates were announced in April. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Verified by Ultimate Christmas Markets via BFCM.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Victoria Square and New Street.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 11am to 9pm.
Friday: 11am to 9.30pm.
Saturday: 10am to 9.30pm.
Sunday: 10am to 9pm.
Remembrance Sunday – 10th November: 1pm to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Canals and city centre walking tour.
Public transport: Tram stop: Town Hall and Grand Central. Train: Birmingham New Street.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Note that the market is located within Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone. Find parking here. Note: Navigation Street car park does not have a lift.
Tip: Visit during the week or early in the day if you wish to avoid the peak crowds.
Where to stay: The Grand Hotel is 3 minutes from Victoria Square.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: No switch on date announced.
Santa: Not announced. Check the events page for the latest.
Ice skating: Centenary Square. Dates: 1st November to 5th January 2026. Tickets from £11, booked online or turn up and pay as you go. Book here.
Big Wheel: Booked online or turn up and pay as you go. Book here.
Carousel: A vintage-style carousel.
Reason to visit: A traditional German market in the UK.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Some options. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: German style bratwurst, pretzels, Stollen, schnitzels, chocolate and banana crepes, glühwein and weissbeer.
Accessibility
Accessibility: The entire market is wheelchair accessible. Electric scooters are available for hire if required.
Accessible toilets: Next to the stage on Victoria Square.
Pet-friendly: No. Assistance dogs allowed.
Convenient Hotels
If you want to stay near the festivities, anywhere in the city centre close to the Town Hall and Victoria Square would be ideal. I suggest staying at the Grand Hotel, as it’s in this area.
My guide to hotels in Birmingham has plenty of other places to stay, with options to suit various budgets.
Read our complete UK Christmas Markets guide.
Location Map
From twinkling lights to festive foods, we love seeing your holiday adventures. Use #UltimateChristmasMarkets to share your moments with us!
Ice Skate Birmingham
Ice Skate Birmingham and the Big Wheel are iconic parts of Birmingham’s festive season, returning to Centenary Square, except for Christmas Day.
Activities are open from 10am to 10pm, perfect for both early birds and night owls, and are fun for all skill levels.
The Big Wheel offers stunning views of the city, both by day and night. Tickets for both attractions can be booked online or at the venue.
Another ride, the City Flyer, also has great views and is available for booking only at the venue.
Christmas in Birmingham
The Birmingham event, often referred to as the German Market, began in 1997 through a partnership with Frankfurt.
Attracting over 1 million visitors weekly, it features traditional German items, including handmade toys, decorations, and food such as pretzels, schnitzels, and glühwein, bringing German and Austrian traditions to the Midlands.
Wrap up warm and enjoy festive shopping, delicious food, an ice rink and the Big Wheel in the heart of Birmingham.
At the Market Stalls
- Mince Pies: Always massively popular.
- Bratwurst: The German classic.
- Pretzels: Enjoy them at the market or take them home to eat later, but they’re best served warm.
- Stollen: Another import from Germany.
- Crêpes: Typically served with chocolate sauce and banana, but many varieties are available.
- Roasted chestnuts: Delicious winter street food snack.
- Hot pork rolls: Perfect for the British winter food experience.
- Mulled wine: Another that’s not to be missed. Look out for versions made from German red wine.
What to Buy
- Decorations: Intricate glass ornaments, wooden candle holders, wreaths, angels, lights and table decorations.
- Birmingham-made jewellery: A great option if you’re looking for a unique gift.
- Soaps and fragrances: These are nice as stocking fillers or affordable gifts.
- Locally produced foods: Cheeses, chutneys, and jams, all beautifully packaged.
- German Crafts: Interesting Items by German Makers and Artists.
- British wool products: Scarves, gloves, socks and hats.
- Artisan chocolates, sweets, beer and spirits: A vast range to choose from.
Sustainability Tips
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you need.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Stay in hotels. Short-stay apartment accommodation can lead to a lack of affordable housing for locals.
- Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
Can we come along to the market as a coach trip and if so where is the best place to park a coach and how much would this cost?
I’m not sure. It’s probably best to ask the council for this kind of information.