Birmingham Christmas Market 2026: Dates, locations and tips

Le Birmingham Christmas market, The Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria. Every winter, its stalls take over the heart of the city, offering pretzels, grilled sausages, mulled wine, and handcrafted goods. Here are the 2026 dates, a map of the market, and our tips.

In short: The Birmingham Christmas Market 2026 takes place from Thursday, November 5th to Thursday, December 24th, 2026, in Victoria Square and New Street. It is open from 11am to 9pm on weekdays and from 10am on weekends. Admission is free.

Dates for the Birmingham Christmas Market in 2026

According to the city of Birmingham, the Frankfurt Christmas Market opens on November 5th and closes on Christmas Eve, offering seven weeks of festivities. Unlike some other markets, it does not reopen between Christmas and New Year's Day. Finally, check the schedule on the official website. Visit Birmingham.

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Days	2026 Timetable
From Monday to Thursday	From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday	From 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
SATURDAY	From 10am to 9:30pm
Sunday	From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Where are the chalets located?

The chalets are set up in Victoria Square, in front of the Town Hall and Council House, and then along New Street, the main pedestrian thoroughfare leading to the Bullring shopping centre. This year, however, a section of New Street remains without chalets due to construction work near Bennetts Hill.

German specialties

The market's most distinctive feature is that most of the stalls come directly from Frankfurt, Birmingham's twin city. So you can sample bratwurst, pretzels, gingerbread, strudel, and mulled wine served in souvenir mugs. The large covered bars also host live music in the evenings.

Crafts and decorations

Between tastings, the chalets offer carved wooden decorations, candles, toys, jewelry, and handmade gifts. It's a great place for your Christmas shopping.

What to do in Birmingham during the holidays?

• Visit the Library of Birmingham and its panoramic terrace, free of charge.
• Discover the Jewellery Quarter, the historic district of jewelers.
• Next, explore the canals in the city center, which are more numerous than in Venice.
• Visit the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and its Pre-Raphaelite collections.
• Finally, immerse yourself in the world of Peaky Blinders, the series filmed and inspired by the city.

Fans of the series? Discover our Peaky Blinders tour of England.

Our tips for visiting Birmingham's Christmas market

First, come during the week, preferably during the day: Friday evenings and Saturdays are very crowded. Second, take the train: Birmingham is about 1 hour and 20 minutes from London, and New Street station is right at the end of the market. Also, keep your reusable mulled wine mug; it makes a lovely souvenir.

Finally, pack warm clothes: temperatures are often between 2 and 8 °C in December.

Combine Birmingham with other Christmas markets

Birmingham is located in the center of England, making it easy to combine visits to several cities. For example, the Manchester Christmas market is about 1 hour 30 minutes by train, just like the Bath Christmas market. Compare also with the The best Christmas markets in England and Christmas markets in London.

Frequently asked questions about the Birmingham Christmas market

When will the Birmingham Christmas Market take place in 2026?

It takes place from November 5 to December 24, 2026, on Victoria Square and New Street.

Is entry free?

Yes, access is free. You only pay for your purchases and tastings.

Why a German market in Birmingham?

Birmingham has been twinned with Frankfurt since 1966. The market is also organised with traders who come directly from the German city.

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