Video: Take a look around the German Christmas Market

Merry Christmas! Birmingham’s beloved German Christmas Market is back and people across the city are delighted that it has returned.

The Market started back in 1997 and since then it’s become a beloved feature of the West Midlands’ Christmas festivities.

This year, the event is slightly smaller than usual. There are 56 stalls, that’s partly due to redevelopment works around Victoria Square and also to allow space for Covid safety reasons.

Around five million people usually attend each year and it’s open right up to December 23.

BirminghamWorld spoke to festive visitors from around the world as the popular stalls opened up once more with the smell of sizzling bratwurst warming the winter air and bright lights glittering amid the dark skies.

It’s awesome

Debbie & Nelson from Germany and London said: “I think this is awesome, just a lot of light. It’s really lovely, everyone’s singing and dancing and drinking. I think it’s a very good thing here.”

“This looks really like a German market, I like it. I think this is how it looks in German (sic), I like the lights and people are nice, there is alcohol and music. People look happy.”

Definitely worth a visit

Kay, Kris and Kim from Wednesbury were so pleased to be able to visit the market again. They certainly recommend it to others.

“I think it’s really nice having such a difficult year and it’s nice to see people finally getting back out,” said Kris.

Fond memories

Oliver from Royal Leamington Spa loves the nostalgic vibe to the market, which is full of happy memories for him.

“I travel to Austria a lot and it gives me flashbacks to then. The beer, the food - it really reminds me of that place.”

Lifts your spirits

Tasfia from Birmingham attended the opening of the German Christmas Market and is so glad it’s as good as ever.

She said: “It’s really lifted my spirits and a couple of years now of not being able to do much. It feels like things are going back to normal. It’s really nice, I’m really enjoying it.”

Lovely to be back

Fiona Morris, Market Stall Worker said“It’s really lovely. It’s been really vibrant today. Lot’s of visitors, I’m really enjoying it. Lovely to be back.”

The Big Wheel and Ice Rink are also back in Centenary Square

And the celebrations continue into Centenary Square where you will find the ice rink is back along with the Big Wheel and other fairground rides.

Merry Christmas Birmingham!

A final word from the Frankfurt Christmas Market organisers...

Cllr Brigid Jones, Deputy Leader, Birmingham City Council, said: “I’m really excited too have the Christmas market back here in Birmingham. It’s been a long time for reasons we all know about, but it is back in Victoria Square. We’ve got the ice rink operating down in Centenary Square, we’ve got fun for all the family.

“It’s really important for Birmingham businesses and more importantly, it’s a lot of fun for everyone.”

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