Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is coming back - all we know so far

The centre of Birmingham will once again be transformed into a festive wonderland with the return of the popular Frankfurt Christmas Market this winter.

Millions of people have descended on the town centre in previous years to enjoy festive food and drink, live music, and browse an array of craft and gift stalls - although last year’s event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

So what can people look forward to at the 2021 edition of the market? BirminghamWorld has rounded up what we know so far.

When is Birmingham’s Frankfurt German Christmas Market?

While Christmas 2020 looked very different due to the pandemic, the city’s popular Frankfurt Christmas Market is set to return in November to bring some festive cheer back to the city centre in the run up to Christmas, with stalls selling a tempting array of food and drink, ornaments and gifts.

Birmingham City Council has confirmed that the Frankfurt Christmas Market will return to Victoria Square and New Street this year on November 4 and will run until December 23, from 10am to 9pm daily, except on Remembrance Sunday (November 14), when the market will be open from 1pm to 9pm.

The market will open on Thursday, November 4, bringing with it the festive aroma of hot gluhwein, schnitzel and spicy sausage.

But with planned public realm works around Victoria Square, the market will have fewer stalls this year.

How will Covid impact the market?

Crowd control measures and a reduced number of stalls are some of the safety measures due to be in place this year.

A statement on the market’s website says: “Our priority is the health and safety of our visitors, stallholders and other staff at the market. This year that includes monitoring the latest Covid-19 information and working with public health and other partners to ensure that Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is an event that everyone can enjoy safely.

“We have reduced the number of stalls to create more space and will be putting additional Covid-19 measures in place.”

The city council has also confirmed that this year’s event does come with the caveat of change or cancellation, should Covid restrictions come back into effect during the winter.

What else do we know?

The big wheel and ice rink is also due return to Centenary Square and run from November 4 until January 9, between 10am and 10pm, except on Christmas Day. You can book tickets here.

Musicians from Germany and Birmingham will also be returning with lunchtime and evening music sessions from Monday to Friday and performances on the weekends. Further details of the line up will be available nearer the time.

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