Police warn visitors as Birmingham Christmas Market opens

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 5 Nov, 06:05 · Archive

West Midlands Police are warning visitors to stay vigilant and keep valuables secure as Birmingham Christmas Market opens on 5 November.

West Midlands Police is warning visitors to stay vigilant as Birmingham Christmas Market opens on 5 November for the festive season. Police patrols are set to increase around the German Market, with plain clothes and covert officers deployed across the city centre. Visitors have been urged to keep valuables close by, secure and to keep an eye on family and friends.

Neighbourhood Policing Manager Ellis Turner said the return of the market signals the start of festivities for the region, with thousands expected to attend holiday events across the city in the November-to-December period. The force has been working with the council, British Transport Police and Birmingham Colmore to prepare for the expected influx of visitors.

Specialist Project Servator officers will carry out pre-planned deployments, trained to spot signs of hostile reconnaissance. Officers will be deployed alongside police dogs, drones and CCTV operators to disrupt criminality.

The market's layout has changed significantly this year. Ongoing infrastructure works on Bennetts Hill and Temple Street mean there will be no stalls between the Apple store and Nando's on New Street. However, the Christmas Market will resume beyond Corporation Street, with craft stalls also along High Street.

This year's market features 42 decorated stalls selling handcrafted gifts, glühwein, schnitzel, bratwurst and hot chocolate. Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture for Birmingham City Council, said the Frankfurt Christmas Market is a highlight of the season for residents and visitors, bringing in millions of visitors and attracting up to 5 million people each year.

How it is being reported

• Huge change to Birmingham Christmas Market for 2026 with additional places to look for stallsThe layout and route is different with stalls on alternative roads to previous yearsBirminghamLive · 5 Nov, 05:30
• Birmingham Christmas Market visitors handed warning hours before openingPolice patrols are set to increase around Birmingham's annual Christmas MarketBirminghamLive · 4 Nov, 17:00
• Police issue warning to Birmingham Christmas Market goers ahead of 2026 event openingWarning to stay vigilant ahead of Birmingham Christmas markets re-openingBirmingham World · 4 Nov, 15:55
• Police issue warning to Birmingham Christmas Market goers ahead of 2026 event openingWarning to stay vigilant ahead of Birmingham Christmas markets re-openingExpress & Star · 4 Nov, 15:55

In this story: West Midlands Police · Birmingham · Ellis Turner · Birmingham City Council · British Transport Police

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