7 things to do at the Birmingham German Christmas Market 2021

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is returning to New Street and Victoria Square.

Residents and visitors from far and wide will travel to the heart of the city to indulge in the festivities at the market, as it returns for its 19th year.

The Birmingham event is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria; offering a large range of traditional goods and gifts and a selection of tempting food and drink, as well as live music and community feel.

The Birmingham German Christmas Market fun starts on November 4 and the market is on until December 23.

We’ve selected seven things you can do to get the most out of the market this year.

Take a ride on the Carousel

One of many fun and festive features for the kids to enjoy at the market is the ornate carousel. The musical carousel has been a staple of the event over the years, and is sure to get you in the festive spirit. But don’t worry, parents can hop on for a spin as well - and it also provides the perfect background for a festive photo.

Join in with Chris, the Singing Moose

Sitting directly opposite the council building by the beer kellers at the top of Victoria Square, the Christmas Moose, also known as Chris, has become quite the sensation over the years by belting out Christmas classics.

After being forced to hibernate in 2020 due to the pandemic, Chris will come alive once again this November to bring the entertainment.

Bratwurst, of course

It just wouldn’t be the Frankfurt Christmas Market without some traditional Bratwurst. The white and red sausages are made from veal, beef and pork, and the world famous German snack is always impossible to resist on a Christmas evening. Many varieties will be on offer, but it is commonly served with a Brötchen (roll) Tuck in!

Gluhwein and weissbier

Once you’ve tucked into as many Bratwursts as possible, and then followed them up with a traditional Brezel, you can wash it down with a gluhwein (mulled wine) weissbeer (wheat beer), or even a tasty and warm hot chocolate - the perfect drinks for a wintry night.

Glühwein evolved from the idea that wine-drinking should be a pleasurable experience in the winter months as well as in summer, and has become an absolute must when roaming around the stalls.

Live music

Get in the festive spirit with some free live music on the stage in the heart of Victoria Square. Your favourite musicians from Germany and Birmingham will be back with lunchtime and evening sessions between Monday and Friday, with performances all day Saturday and Sunday as well.

Shopping for gifts

Although there will be a reduced number of stall this year due to Covid safety rules, there will still be plenty of German-themed gifts for you to decorate the house with and use for stocking presents on the big day.

The market will have a large range of traditional goodies and gifts, including crafted ornaments and traditional toys, as well as jewellery.

Take it all in

It’s hard not to be excited once you step into Victoria Square and see the city centre come to life with decorations and bright lights. The market really brings the community together in Birmingham and also welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy themselves every year.

And it’s safe to say everyone will be eager to make the most of the market this year after missing out in 2020.

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