Birmingham's celebrated Frankfurt Christmas Market is back for 2025, transforming the city centre into a winter wonderland. As the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria, it attracts thousands of visitors eager to experience its unique festive charm.
What to Expect at the 2025 Market
This year's market boasts 60 beautifully decorated stalls offering a genuine taste of Germany. Visitors can indulge in classic treats like hot gluhwein, schnitzel, and bratwurst, while browsing a splendid selection of handcrafted gifts, decorations, toys, and jewellery.
The festivities are centred in Victoria Square, in front of the Birmingham Council House, with additional stalls and bars extending down New Street to Rotunda Square near the iconic Bullring bull. The square also features the traditional merry-go-round and the beloved singing Chris Moose.
Entertainment and Attractions
A vibrant programme of performances brings the market to life. The Victoria Square bandstand will host German musicians on weekday lunchtimes and evenings. Local Brummie talent takes over on Saturdays and Sundays between 12pm and 6pm.
A special Monday open mic event showcases upcoming performers, with the two best acts winning a primetime slot in December. The programme is further enriched by choirs from local schools, charities, and community groups.
For more family fun, the popular Big Wheel and Ice Rink in Centenary Square return, operating from 10:00am to 10:00pm until January 5, 2026 (closed on Christmas Day).
Essential Visitor Information
Opening Hours:
- Monday - Thursday: 11am – 9pm
- Friday: 11am – 9.30pm
- Saturday: 10am – 9.30pm
- Sunday: 10am – 9pm
The market is open daily until December 24.
Drink Deposits: When you buy a drink, you pay a deposit for the glass or mug and receive a green token. Return both to any drinks stall to get your deposit back. If you wish to keep it as a souvenir, you forfeit the deposit. In 2024, deposits were £5 for mugs and glasses, and £7 for steins.
Payments: All traders accept both cash and card payments.
Getting There: The market is easily accessible, being just a short walk from New Street and Snow Hill train stations, as well as West Midlands Metro tram stops. For those driving, nearby car parks include:
- Town Hall multi-storey car park
- Grand Central car park
- Bullring car parks
- Snow Hill Train Station car park
Kurt Stroscher, Director of Festivals and Events at Frankfurt City Council, expressed his pride: "I am proud and delighted that we have succeeded in establishing our ancient Christmas market tradition so successfully in Birmingham... The acceptance and enthusiasm of Birmingham's citizens and visitors is both confirmation and encouragement for us."
For more information, visit the official website at www.thebfcm.co.uk.
