Festive visitors driving to Birmingham's famous German Christmas Market for its final weekend are being alerted to a significant increase in parking costs at a key city centre location.
Substantial Hike at Key Market Car Park
New analysis from the AA reveals that the Town Hall multi-storey car park, one of the closest and most popular parking spots for the market, has raised its charges by 12 per cent over the past year.
This increase means the price for a two-hour stay has risen by 50p to £4.80. For a longer, four-hour visit, the cost has gone up by 70p, bringing the total to £7.30—an 11 per cent rise.
National Context and Expert Advice
The motoring organisation issued the warning after studying parking costs in 36 UK cities with major Christmas markets. Using Freedom of Information requests, it ranked locations where prices had risen the most between 2024 and 2025. Where council-owned car park data wasn't available within a one-mile radius, the costs of the nearest privately-run facility were used.
Coppergate Centre Car Park in York topped the national list, with a staggering 50% increase for two hours (now £10.60) and a 29% rise for four hours (now £17.50).
AA Patrol of the Year, Shaun Jones, commented: “Christmas markets are a fantastic seasonal draw, but drivers should be aware that parking charges vary dramatically by city and by car park.”
He offered clear advice to those planning a trip: “If you’re planning a short festive trip, check the latest local parking tariffs before you go and consider public transport or park-and-ride options in city centres where parking is most expensive. A small change in where you park can save you money and lots of stress when the market is busy.”
Council Focus on Reducing Car Use
Responding to the findings, a Birmingham City Council spokesperson explained the rationale behind the pricing strategy. They stated: "Parking tariffs within the city centre are regularly reviewed as part of our wider transport strategy, which is focused on reducing car trips and the associated emissions that these can produce, and to encourage people to use public transport."
The warning comes as thousands are expected to descend on Birmingham for the final days of the popular German Christmas Market, with the convenient Red Cage Town Hall Car Park often seen as a prime parking solution.
