Birmingham Christmas Markets 2026

Blazing the trail for cities all over the UK, the first Frankfurt Christmas Market arrived in Birmingham in 1997. A collaboration between the partner cities of Birmingham and Frankfurt, the market had a humble beginning with just 10 stalls. It was 2001 before the market returned to Birmingham, this time bringing 24 stalls and becoming an annual event.

Since then, the Frankfurt Christmas Market has continued to grow in both size and popularity. City professionals pop out on their lunch break to sample German delicacies such as the traditional and highly popular bratwurst. Local sellers provide mulled cider and hot chocolate, alongside Frankfurt traders offering gluhwein and weissbier.

Fancy staying right in the heart of it all? Staycity Aparthotels Birmingham (Newhall Square) puts you just an 11-minute walk from Birmingham New Street station, so you're only a short stroll from the Frankfurt Christmas Market and Ice Skate Birmingham, with an easy train ride out to Birmingham International for the Festive Gift Fair too! Stay with us and make the most of every festive moment!

Frankfurt Christmas Market and Christmas Craft Market

Strolling through a vibrant city centre, the first thing that hits you is the scent. A combination of roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, mulled wine and festive food. Wander around the pretty, wooden shacks to your favourite stall. Pick up Christmas gifts or just enjoy a beer at the pop-up bar. Live music adds to the atmosphere and even Scrooge himself would struggle not to succumb to the holiday cheer.

The largest authentic German Christmas Market outside of Germany or Austria, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market signals the start of the Christmas season in the city. Weekends and evenings get increasingly busy in December so try to visit earlier in the day if you prefer to avoid the crowds. With dates interchanging year to year, the market usually runs from 1st November to 24th December 2026 (to be confirmed), set across the city centre, with opening hours Monday to Thursday 11am–9pm, Friday 11am–9.30pm, Saturday 10am–9.30pm and Sunday 10am–9pm (on Remembrance Sunday, 10th November, the market opens later at 1pm). Check details closer to the time on the Frankfurt Christmas Market website.

Ice Skate Birmingham

Back by popular demand, Ice Skate Birmingham returns to the city centre this year with a temporary ice rink. The rink is undercover with the Ice Lounge café serving hot beverages, mulled wine and cider along with snacks and winter food favourites. There’s a viewing lounge for anyone who wants to watch the action. Situated in the heart of Birmingham City Centre at Centenary Square, the location couldn't be more festive.

The rink is open from 1st November 2026 to 4th January 2027 (to be confirmed), daily from 10am to 10pm, right on Centenary Square. Check the Ice Skate Birmingham website for the latest updates before you go.

The Festive Gift Fair

Not to be outdone by the city centre, NEC Birmingham hosts the Festive Gift Fair. With its indoor venue, this is the ideal place to start shopping whilst staying out of the unpredictable November weather. There’s even a present crèche where exhausted shoppers can leave their gifts and free up their hands for more purchases.

While gifts may be the focus, there’s plenty of other activities going on. Christmas characters and live music entertain visitors every day, whilst their food and drink zone has 40 stalls of artisan goodies. Most of them let you try before you buy, but save room for refreshments from the food court.

Check the website for regular updates and offers from some of the 325 stallholders in attendance. Many offer discounts to gift fair visitors that won’t be available elsewhere. Parking can be paid for in advance and the NEC can also be reached by public transport. Note: Tickets must be pre-booked online from the website (Adults £10–£14, Children 3–16 years £6, free for under 3s) (to be confirmed). The Festive Gift Fair runs from 13th to 16th November 2026 (to be confirmed), open daily from 9.30am to 5pm at NEC Birmingham. Parking can be paid for in advance, though the NEC is also well served by public transport, with regular train services running directly to Birmingham International station, right next to the venue.

Making a Day of the Markets!

With all three events reachable from the city centre, it's easy to string them together into one festive day out! Start at the Frankfurt Christmas Market for a late-morning browse of the stalls and a bratwurst or gluhwein while things are still quiet, then head over to Centenary Square to lace up for a session on the Ice Skate Birmingham rink. If shopping's the priority, save an afternoon for the Festive Gift Fair out at the NEC instead, leaving the evening free to head back into the city centre for dinner and a last wander through the market stalls as they light up after dark.

Getting around is straightforward, too: Birmingham New Street station sits right in the city centre, putting the Frankfurt Christmas Market and Centenary Square within easy walking distance, so there's no need to drive in. For the Festive Gift Fair at the NEC, Birmingham International station connects directly by train, or the National Express West Midlands bus network covers the wider city if you'd rather leave the car at home altogether.

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