The Birmingham Christmas Market, officially the Frankfurt Christmas Market, runs from Thursday 5 November to Thursday 24 December 2026 along New Street and in Victoria Square. It is a German-style market with wooden chalets, bratwurst, Glühwein and beer stalls, set right outside Birmingham New Street station. Entry is free, and the Big Wheel and ice rink in Centenary Square run alongside it into the New Year.
Birmingham Christmas Market 2026: key facts
| Dates | 5 November – 24 December 2026 |
| Opening hours | Mon–Thu 11:00–21:00, Fri 11:00–21:30, Sat 10:00–21:30, Sun 10:00–21:00; opens 13:00 on Remembrance Sunday, 8 November |
| Remembrance Sunday | 8 November: opens at 13:00 |
| Location | Victoria Square and New Street, craft stalls on High Street |
| Big Wheel and ice rink | Centenary Square, 5 November 2026 – 3 January 2027, 10:00–22:00 (closed Christmas Day) |
| Entry | Free |
Birmingham City Council has confirmed the 2026 dates and hours. Roadworks on Bennetts Hill and Temple Street mean there are no stalls on the stretch of New Street between Nando’s and the Apple Store this year.
Where is the Birmingham Christmas Market?
The stalls start in Victoria Square, in front of the Council House, and run down New Street towards the station. Craft and gift stalls continue on High Street. In 2026 there is a gap on New Street between the Apple store and Nando’s because of public realm works, and the market picks up again past Corporation Street.
The Big Wheel and ice rink are a separate attraction in Centenary Square, a short walk west past the Library of Birmingham. They open on the same day as the market but keep going until 3 January 2027.
Food and drink
Most people come for the German food. Bratwurst in a bread roll is the classic order, and you’ll also find schnitzel, pretzels, potato pancakes, roasted nuts and gingerbread. Glühwein comes in a souvenir mug with a deposit you can reclaim, and the beer stalls pour German lager.
If you want something stronger, look for Feuerzangenbowle, mulled wine served with a rum-soaked sugarloaf set alight over the top. Food stalls get busy from late afternoon, so eat early if you want a seat.
Things to do around the market
- Ride the Big Wheel in Centenary Square for views over the city centre after dark.
- Skate on the rink next to it, open daily from 10:00 to 22:00 except Christmas Day.
- Do your Christmas shopping at the Bullring and Grand Central, both a few minutes from New Street.
- Walk down to the canals at Brindleyplace for a drink away from the crowds.
Getting to the Birmingham Christmas Market
Birmingham New Street station is at the bottom of New Street, so you step off the train almost straight into the stalls. Moor Street and Snow Hill stations are both about a 10-minute walk away, and the West Midlands Metro stops at Corporation Street and Town Hall, close to Victoria Square.
Saturdays in December are very busy and city centre car parks fill up early, so the train is the easier choice. For official updates, see Birmingham City Council’s market page.
Luggage storage near the Birmingham Christmas Market
New Street is narrow once the chalets are up, and dragging a suitcase through the crowds is hard work. If you’re arriving on a day trip or checking out before an evening train, leave your bags with Radical Storage first. Partner shops and hotels around the city centre are a short walk from the stalls. You can see storage spots near Victoria Square on the map and book online in a couple of minutes.
Each bag is protected up to €10,000, cancellation is free, and Radical Storage has 16.5K+ locations in 2.3K+ cities, rated 4.8/5 by travellers.
Tips for your visit
- Visit on a weekday before 4pm for the shortest queues.
- Wear a waterproof coat and comfortable shoes. December in Birmingham is cold and often wet.
- Bring a little cash as a backup for busy stalls.
Birmingham Christmas Market FAQ
It runs from Thursday 5 November to Thursday 24 December 2026 in Victoria Square and along New Street.
Monday to Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday 11am to 9.30pm, Saturday 10am to 9.30pm and Sunday 10am to 9pm. On Remembrance Sunday, 8 November, it opens at 1pm.
Yes, entry is free. You only pay for food, drinks and anything you buy. The Big Wheel and ice rink are ticketed.
Yes. Frankfurt Christmas Market is the official name of the German market on New Street and Victoria Square.
The Big Wheel and ice rink in Centenary Square are open from 5 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, daily from 10am to 10pm except Christmas Day.
Radical Storage has partner locations around Birmingham city centre, a short walk from New Street station and Victoria Square. Book online and each bag is protected up to €10,000.