Birmingham launches Christmas markets and festive attractions

Summarised from 4 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 5 Nov, 12:55 · Archive

Birmingham's German Christmas Market and other festive attractions opened on Thursday November 5.

Birmingham's festive season launched on Thursday November 5 with the opening of multiple Christmas attractions across the city centre. The German Christmas Market, described as the largest authentic market of its kind outside Germany or Austria, opened in Victoria Square and New Street. Dozens of stalls sell traditional German food and drink including schnitzel and bratwurst, alongside handcrafted gifts, decorations and jewellery. The market will run for seven weeks until Christmas Eve.

The market operates from 11:00–21:00 Monday to Thursday, 11:00–21:30 on Fridays, 10:00–21:30 on Saturdays, and 10:00–21:00 on Sundays, with extended hours on Remembrance Sunday from 13:00. Entertainment from German and local musicians will feature at lunchtimes and evenings on weekdays and throughout weekends. A change to the layout this year means no stalls are positioned between Nando's and the Apple store on New Street due to roadworks on Bennetts Hill and Temple Street.

Alongside the German Market, Ice Skate Birmingham and the Big Wheel opened in Centenary Square, whilst Christmas in Cathedral Square launched nearby offering locally-made gifts, food and drink, a pop-up pub and a helter skelter. BirminghamLive reports that prices have risen this year and stalls are now spread across three locations.

How it is being reported

• Everything you need to know about Birmingham German Christmas Market 2026 as it opens todayIt's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas as Birmingham’s annual Frankfurt Christmas Market opens today.Express & Star · 5 Nov, 12:56
• Everything you need to know about Birmingham German Christmas Market 2026 as it opens todayIt's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas as Birmingham’s annual Frankfurt Christmas Market opens today.Birmingham World · 5 Nov, 12:56
• Birmingham Christmas Market LIVE updates on opening day, prices and what to expectAs well as the launch of the German Market 2026, Ice Skate Birmingham, the Big Wheel and Christmas in Cathedral Square are launching across the cityBirminghamLive · 5 Nov, 08:01
• Birmingham Christmas Market 2026: What you need to knowHere's the lowdown on this year's Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market as it opens on Thursday.BBC Birmingham And Black Country · 5 Nov, 06:04
• The huge Christmas events launching in Birmingham today - and we can't waitThe German Christmas Market, Cathedral Square Christmas Market, Ice Skate Birmingham and the Big Wheel are all launching on the same day. Oh, and it's Bonfire Night too!BirminghamLive · 5 Nov, 05:30

In this story: Birmingham · Victoria Square · New Street · Centenary Square · Cathedral Square · Fort Shopping Park

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