Christmas Market takes shape in Victoria Square ahead of 5 November opening

Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is taking shape in the city centre, with the giant Christmas tree now standing in Victoria Square and dozens of wooden stalls already in place, less than two weeks before the market opens.

New footage of the preparations shows traders getting ready for the return of what is arguably the city's biggest festive attraction. The market opens on Thursday 5 November and runs until Christmas Eve, giving Birmingham seven weeks of German food, drink, gifts and seasonal cheer.

Getting ready

The latest pictures give an early glimpse of how the market is coming together. The tree, which towers over the stalls every year, has been put up in Victoria Square, and traders have been setting up dozens of the familiar wooden huts around it in front of the Council House. Over the coming days the stalls will be fitted out, stocked and lit, ready for the first visitors on Thursday week.

Work has also been under way in Centenary Square, where the ice rink and big wheel have been taking shape over the past week. Together, the two sites stretch the festive offer right across the city centre, from Broad Street to the Bull Ring end of High Street.

When it is open

This year the market opens a little later than it did in 2025. The opening hours, confirmed by Birmingham City Council, are:

• Mondays to Thursdays: 11am to 9pm
• Fridays: 11am to 9.30pm
• Saturdays: 10am to 9.30pm
• Sundays: 10am to 9pm

As a mark of respect on Remembrance Sunday, 8 November, the market will not open until 1pm.

What to expect

The stalls will serve traditional German favourites including bratwurst, schnitzel and hot glühwein, alongside handcrafted gifts, decorations, toys and jewellery. Thousands of people visit every day while the market is open.

Prices for this year have not yet been confirmed. As a rough guide, last year half a pint of Hofbräu cost about £4 and a full pint about £7, with a two-pint stein at £12.50, the same as in 2024.

A slightly different layout

Visitors will notice one change. Because of public realm works on Bennetts Hill and Temple Street, there will be no stalls on the stretch of New Street between the Apple store and Nando's this year. The market picks up again beyond Corporation Street, and there will also be craft stalls along High Street.

Skating and the big wheel

The market is only part of the festive offer. The ice rink and big wheel in Centenary Square open on the same day as the market, 5 November, and run until 3 January 2027, open daily from 10am to 10pm except on Christmas Day. Tickets are booked through the Ice Skate Birmingham website.

Between the market, the rink and the lights, the first week of November marks the start of Christmas in the city centre. Full details are on the market's website, thebfcm.co.uk.