“Last updated: 9 August 2025”
Birmingham Christmas Market 2025 runs from 1 November to 24 December 2025 in Victoria Square and along New Street, filling the city centre with mulled wine, bratwurst and twinkling wooden chalets. This guide covers confirmed dates and opening times, maps, travel tips, accessibility, crowd-beating strategies, and where to stay nearby. Expect family-friendly fun, photo spots, the Big Wheel and Ice Rink, plus gifts, crafts, and vegan or gluten-free bites. Trains and park-and-ride make arriving easy; weekdays are best for quieter browsing. Note: on Remembrance Sunday the market opens at 13:00.
Fast Facts at a Glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| 2025 Dates | Sat 1st Nov – Wed 24th Dec 2025 (Remembrance Sunday 10th Nov opens 13:00) |
| Opening Hours | Mon–Thu 11:00‑21:00; Fri 11:00‑21:30; Sat 10:00‑21:30; Sun 10:00‑21:00 |
| Location | Victoria Square → New Street (postcode B1 1BD) – 800 m pedestrian route. Get Directions. |
| Entry Price | Free (pay only for food, drinks & rides) |
| Nearest Stations | Birmingham New Street (2 min walk), Snow Hill, Moor Street |
Tip: Bookmark the official site for any late‑season schedule tweaks due to weather or city events.
What to Expect in 2025
Authentic German Flavours
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Food – Bratwurst, currywurst, käse‑spätzle, hand‑brot and crêpes rule the day. Don’t miss the new vegan brat stall debuting near the Town Hall.
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Drinks – Choose between classic red glühwein, alcohol‑free kinder‑punsch and locally brewed winter ales served in returnable souvenir mugs.
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Sweet Treats – Freshly baked stollen, schneeballen and giant gingerbread hearts you can personalise with icing.
Crowd‑pleaser tip: Queue lengths dip dramatically before noon on weekdays.
Shopping & Crafts
Over 180 Alpine‑style huts sell nutcrackers, hand‑blown glass baubles, sheep‑skin slippers and carved Nativity scenes. Many traders travel straight from Frankfurt, ensuring genuine German craftsmanship. Browse bespoke jewellery from Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter makers, too.
Entertainment & Atmosphere
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Bandstand Live – Free brass bands and carol choirs on Victoria Square every afternoon.
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Big Wheel & Ice Rink – Centenary Square (5 min walk) offers city‑skyline views and a covered rink for all‑weather skating.
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Late‑Night Fridays – Stalls stay open half an hour longer, with DJs and extra lighting for Insta‑ready photos.
Hotels Near Birmingham Christmas Market 2025
Getting There & Around
By Train
Birmingham New Street, Snow Hill and Moor Street stations surround the market; frequent services run from London (1 hr 25 min), Manchester (1 hr 30 min) and Cardiff (2 hrs). Book Advance fares early for bargains.
By Coach
National Express drops at Digbeth Coach Station (10 min walk). Megabus stops at Brunel Street (behind New Street).
Driving & Parking
City car parks fill quickly after 10 am. Cheapest option: Park & Ride on the West Midlands Metro (e.g., Wednesbury Parkway or Longbridge rail park & ride) and ride into Grand Central.
Accessibility Specifics (2025)
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Step-free route: The market runs along Victoria Square and New Street and is fully navigable by wheelchair users via routes that avoid steps.
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Accessible toilets on-site: An accessible toilet block is beside the stage in Victoria Square.
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Changing Places nearby: You’ll find fully equipped Changing Places facilities at Bullring (Upper East Mall, near Selfridges) and Grand Central (Level 2)—both require a RADAR key (ask at Customer Services if needed). The Library of Birmingham (Lower Ground) and The Exchange (Basement) also have Changing Places rooms.
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Mobility scooter hire: Shopmobility, Bullring offers powered scooters and wheelchairs; pre-book is wise (0121 632 1526).
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Blue Badge parking: Blue Badge holders can park free and without time limits at council pay-and-display bays and council car parks. Note: the Navigation Street multi-storey (near the market) has no lift.
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Assistance dogs & quieter times: Assistance dogs are welcome. For a calmer visit, go on weekdays or Sunday evenings; Friday/Saturday evenings are busiest.
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Step-free rail access: Birmingham New Street has step-free access throughout and accessible toilets/Changing Places on the concourse.
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Quiet space nearby: If you need a break from the crowds, the Birmingham Mind Wellbeing Hub (Link Street, between Bullring & Grand Central) offers a calm space Mon–Fri, 10:00–16:00.
What’s new in 2025
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Free live music returns, daily: Lunchtime and evening sessions on the Victoria Square stage Monday–Friday, with all-day sets at weekends. Full programme will be posted closer to opening.
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Family extras coming: Organisers say a free family walking trail and a city Christmas map are “coming soon” for 2025—handy if you’re visiting with kids.
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Clearer safety info: The market highlights Project Servator deployments (visible and plain-clothes policing, plus CCTV/drones) so visitors know what to expect on site.
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Group & schools support: Dedicated help for coach groups and school trips (risk-assessment info and worksheets) is available this season.
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More to do nearby: Sister event Christmas in Cathedral Square is set to run 7 Nov – 24 Dec 2025, giving you extra stalls and local makers right through to Christmas Eve (earlier editions ended mid-December).
Where to Stay: Hand‑Picked Hotels on Booking.com
Luxury (★★★★★)
| Hotel | Distance | Why Book |
|---|---|---|
| The Grand Hotel Birmingham | 400 m | Grade II listed glamour, Art‑Deco cocktail bar, and city‑view suites. |
| Hyatt Regency Birmingham | 700 m | Skyline rooms, 16 m pool & spa – ideal post‑shopping unwind. |
| Staying Cool at The Rotunda | 350 m | Stylish serviced apartments with floor‑to‑ceiling panoramic windows over the market. |
Mid‑Range (★★★–★★★★)
| Hotel | Distance | Why Book |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton Hotel Birmingham | 650 m | Modern décor, grill‑restaurant & spacious rooms – great value. |
| Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Broad Street | 1 km | Free hot breakfast & 24 hr gym; nightlife on your doorstep. |
| Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre | 300 m | Family rooms and kids‑eat‑free deal steps from New Street. |
Budget (★–★★)
| Hotel | Distance | Why Book |
|---|---|---|
| easyHotel Birmingham | 250 m | No‑frills pods, private shower, unbeatable central price. |
| Selina Birmingham (hostel & private rooms) | 900 m | Social vibe, cowork space, live music nights. |
| ibis budget Birmingham Centre | 800 m | Reliable basics, optional buffet breakfast and on‑site parking. |
Insider Tips for 2025
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Beat the Crowds – Arrive before 11 am or after 19 pm Monday–Thursday for elbow‑room browsing.
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Reusable Mugs – Pay your £4 deposit once; swap for a clean mug every round or reclaim cash on departure.
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Card or Cash? – Nearly all traders now take contactless, but carry small change for carousel rides and toilets.
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Dress in Layers – Average December highs are 7 °C; a scarf and waterproof boots keep you cosy during drizzle.
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Photo Spots – The giant illuminated Christmas tree in Victoria Square and the Rotunda backdrop near Bullring deliver the best night‑time snaps.
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Combine with Culture – Walk 6 min to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (free) or catch a festive show at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Final Thoughts
With its heady blend of Continental charm and Brummie hospitality, Birmingham Christmas Market 2025 is the UK’s must‑visit festive experience. Book your accommodation early, travel mid‑week if you can, and follow our insider tips to enjoy twinkling lights, sizzling sausages and seasonal cheer without stress. See you under the giant Christmas tree!
Birmingham Christmas Market 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
When does Birmingham Christmas Market 2025 start and end?
The 2025 market runs Saturday 1 November – Wednesday 24 December 2025. On Remembrance Sunday (10 Nov) it opens at 13:00.
What are the daily opening hours?
Mon–Thu 11:00‑21:00; Fri 11:00‑21:30; Sat 10:00‑21:30; Sun 10:00‑21:00.
Where is Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market located?
Along Victoria Square and New Street in Birmingham city centre (postcode B1 1BD), two minutes from New Street Station.
Is Birmingham Christmas Market free to enter?
Yes. Entry is completely free; you only pay for food, drink, rides or gifts.
Are dogs allowed at Birmingham Christmas Market?
Assistance dogs and well‑behaved pets on leads are welcome. Visit on weekday mornings or Sunday evenings to avoid peak crowds.
Do stalls accept card payments or is it cash only?
All stalls accept cash, and most now take contactless cards and mobile wallets, though coins are handy for rides and toilets.
Is the market wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The route is step‑free, with accessible toilets at Victoria Square and Blue‑Badge parking nearby; scooters can be hired from Bullring Shopmobility.
What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings before noon or mid‑afternoons (14:00‑16:00) are quietest; Friday–Saturday evenings are busiest.
Is Birmingham Christmas Market safe?
The event is monitored by security staff and CCTV. Keep valuables secure, as you would at any busy attraction.
What German food and drink can I try?
Expect bratwurst, currywurst, käsespätzle, pretzels, Berliner doughnuts, stollen and steaming glühwein—plus new vegan options for 2025.
