Birmingham’s internationally renowned Christmas Markets return to the city for almost six weeks from Thursday, 12 November, to Tuesday, 22 December. Consisting of both the Frankfurt Christmas Market and the Christmas Craft Market and spanning approximately a mile through the city centre, the Birmingham Christmas Markets will be open from 10am to 9pm each day, offering visitors the chance to sample an array of delicacies and delights from around the world. Last year’s event drew 5.5 million visitors to the city.

The Frankfurt Christmas Market, organised by Birmingham City Council in partnership with Frankfurt Tourism and Congress, is firmly established as a flagship event for the festive season in the city. Situated in Victoria Square and New Street, the market offers a wide array of goods, including handcrafted jewellery, wooden toys and Christmas decorations, as well as the famous bratwurst, German beer, gluhwein (mulled wine) and pretzels.

This year, the Christmas Craft Market will be based in Centenary Square only, as Chamberlain Square will be closed due to the Paradise redevelopment work. The market offers a wide range of items, from handmade crafts, soaps and candles by local artisans through to locally produced food, mulled cider and real ales. Also returning to Centenary Square will be the popular ice rink and big wheel, which will remain open until Sunday, 10 January, from 10am to 9pm.

Pedestrian access to Centenary Square from Victoria Square will be via Fletchers Walk – a route that is well signposted.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Raymond Hassall, will officially open the Christmas Markets on the following dates and times:

Thursday, 12 November at 5.30pm – Frankfurt Christmas Market, Victoria Square

Saturday, 14 November at 12pm – Christmas Craft Market, Ice Rink and Big Wheel, Centenary Square

The Lord Mayor said: “It is a tremendous honour to be able to officially welcome the Christmas Markets back to Birmingham.

“This is one of the most anticipated events in Birmingham’s calendar, drawing millions of visitors to our city each year, and for many its arrival marks the start of the festive season in Birmingham.

“With two distinct markets offering a wide array of gifts, food and drink, plus the ice rink and big wheel, there will truly be something for everyone.”