Frankfurt Christmas Market returns for its 18th year

Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is returning to the city centre for five weeks, and the Lord Mayor is preparing to open it officially and switch on the city's festive lights.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Anne Underwood, will open the market in Victoria Square on Thursday 16 November at 5.30pm.

Eighteen years of German Christmas

The market, now in its 18th year in the city, has become the biggest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria. It is organised by Birmingham City Council in partnership with Frankfurt's tourism and congress organisation, and sponsored by Fortem.

This year there will be 93 festive stalls in Victoria Square and along New Street, selling gifts, crafts and food, along with live performances on the bandstand.

"This is one of the most anticipated events in Birmingham's calendar, drawing millions of visitors to the city, and for many it marks the start of the festive season," the Lord Mayor said. "Therefore it's a great honour to officially welcome the Frankfurt Christmas Market back to the city."

Ice rink and big wheel on the move

There is a change this year for two of the most popular attractions. The big wheel and ice rink have moved to Eastside Green on New Canal Street while refurbishment work continues in Centenary Square. The Lord Mayor will attend their launch on 15 November.

Both will be open from 16 November until 7 January, from 10am to 10pm, with ice rink sessions running on the hour. Tickets can be booked in advance.

Supporting children

Birmingham is one of 11 places in the country supporting the NSPCC's Light Up Christmas for Children campaign in their festive displays. The lights around Victoria Square will feature the campaign, which is raising money to help the charity support young people who need it.

Plan your journey

Visitors are being reminded to use public transport wherever possible, as work continues on the Paradise redevelopment around Chamberlain Square, and on other projects in the city centre.

The market has grown steadily from just 24 stalls in its early years. It takes its name from Frankfurt, which is twinned with Birmingham and whose own Christmas market dates back to 1393. It now draws visitors from across the country, many arriving on coach trips, and it has become one of the busiest events in the city's year.

For traders in the city centre, the weeks of the market are among the most important of the year. Shops, bars and restaurants all benefit from the extra visitors, and the market has helped to make Birmingham one of the country's leading destinations for a festive day out.

For many Brummies, a mug of mulled wine and a bratwurst in Victoria Square have become as much a part of the build-up to Christmas as the lights themselves.