Birmingham Christmas Market set to return next week - Here's what to expect! [+ VIDEO]

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, as Birmingham’s popular Frankfurt Christmas Market returns this month to get the city in a festive mood.

With a tempting selection of food and drink, alongside stalls selling traditional toys, ornaments and gifts; the annual festive markets are back in the city centre from next week.

The Frankfurt Christmas Market is back in Birmingham from next Thursday

The popular market will open on Thursday 15 November, bringing with it the festive aroma of hot gluhwein, schnitzel and spicy sausage, which will be filling New Street and Victoria Square for more than five weeks. Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr John Lines, will officially open the market at 5.30pm.

Due to the ongoing refurbishment of Centenary Square and Paradise works, the big wheel and ice rink will be located at Eastside City Park, near Birmingham City University and Millennium Point, and will run from Saturday 17 November 2018 until Sunday 6 January 2019, between 10am and 10pm, except on Christmas Day.

The Christmas 'Big Wheel' and ice rink will be located at Eastside City Park, near Birmingham City University and Millennium Point — The Christmas ‘Big Wheel’ and ice rink will be located at Eastside City Park, near Birmingham City University and Millennium Point

What is Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market?

Each winter Birmingham city centre comes alive with the arrival of the German Market, a clear sign Christmas is just around the corner. With great food, warming drinks, traditional gifts and live music, the Frankfurt Christmas Market attracts visitors from across the city and the UK.

The market has run for over 15 years and is the centrepiece of the city’s Christmas events. This year the market will run up to 23 December.

The signing of Frankfurt-Birmingham Partnership Agreement in 1966, began an unprecedented period of collaboration between both cities that has resulted in numerous joint projects, initiatives and collaborations.

What’s at the market?

The market offers a large range of traditional goods and gifts, such as handcrafted decorations, toys, jewellery and more. There’s also a selection of tempting food and drink. Pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, and roasted almonds will tempt your taste buds, and can be washed down with glühwein, weissbeer, or hot chocolate.

There will also be a market at Birmingham Cathedral. Find out more about Christmas at the Cathedral here.

Where is the ‘Big Wheel’ and ice rink moving to?

Christmas 2018 will see the return of the popular outdoor ice rink and big wheel, this year on New Canal Street, close to the Woodman pub in the Eastside area of the city.

The Big Wheel

Riding the big well gives you the opportunity to enjoy fantastic views of Birmingham. Relax and enjoy some of Birmingham’s most impressive sights.

Dates: 15 November 2018 to 27 January 2019, except Christmas Day

Opening times: 10am to 10pm

Location: New Canal Street

Ice rink

Experience the magic of ice skating outdoors in the heart of Birmingham, right next to the big wheel. Feel like you’re in a scene from a Hollywood film on 600 sq metres of real ice. There isn’t a better way to celebrate Christmas!

The ice rink comes with a roof, so the unpredictable weather won’t stop you from skating.

Dates: 15 November 2018 to 27 January 2019, except Christmas Day

Opening times: 10am to 10pm

Location: New Canal Street

For more information about the ice rink and to book tickets visit: www.iceskatebirmingham.co.uk.