Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market celebrates 25 years 

The official opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, 1 November at 5:30pm in Victoria Square, where the Lord Mayor of Birmingham and the Deputy Mayor of Frankfurt will together switch on Birmingham’s festive lights.

This year’s market features 60 beautifully decorated stalls serving German food and drink, including hot gluhwein, schnitzel, bratwurst, alongside a wide array of handcrafted gifts, decorations, toys, and jewellery.

The popular Big Wheel and Ice Rink attractions will also be back in Centenary Square, opening daily from 1 November 2025 to 5 January 2026, between 10:00am and 10:00pm (closed Christmas Day). For more information and to book tickets visit their website, www.iceskatebirmingham.co.uk.

During the festivities, the Victoria Square bandstand will host a vibrant programme of performances of German musicians and upcoming Brummie performers.

The German musicians will perform weekday lunchtimes and evenings daily, with local performers performing between 12pm and 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The upcoming performers will perform as part of Monday open mic performances with the best two acts given the opportunity to perform in a primetime December slot.

The programme also features performances by choirs from local schools, charities and community groups.

The market will run from Saturday 1 November to Wednesday 24 December 2025.

• Mondays to Thursdays: 11:00am to 9:00pm
• Fridays: 11:00am to 9:30pm
• Saturdays: 10:00am to 9:30pm
• Sundays: 10:00am to 9:00pm

To mark Remembrance Sunday, the market will open a later time of 1pm on 9th November.

Councillor Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: "We’re delighted to welcome the Frankfurt Christmas Market back to Birmingham this November. The market, which is celebrating its 25th year, is a highlight of the season for residents and visitors alike, offering a wonderful day out for families and friends to soak up the festive spirit.

"We are incredibly proud that Birmingham’s Christmas market has been name the best in the UK, they are a testament to the city’s reputation as a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive destination—and a major boost to our visitor economy, attracting up to 5 million people each year."

Kurt Stroscher, Director of Festivals and Events, Frankfurt City Council said:

"I am proud and delighted that we have succeeded in establishing our ancient Christmas market tradition so successfully in Birmingham that this year will see the 25th consecutive Frankfurt Christmas Market.

"The acceptance and enthusiasm of Birmingham's citizens and visitors is both confirmation and encouragement for us to continue with great commitment to present a wonderful Christmas market in Birmingham."

For more information about the city’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, visit www.thebfcm.co.uk.