About
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is a firm fixture in the city’s annual calendar and a massive favourite with both residents and visitors to the city from across the UK and Europe. Birmingham comes alive every winter with the arrival of the Market, a clear sign that Christmas is just around the corner. The stalls on Victoria Square and New Street offer something for everyone.
The largest authentic Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market offers a large range of traditional gifts and a selection of tempting food and drink. Pretzels, bratwurst, and roasted almonds will tempt your tastebuds, all of which can be washed down with gluhwein, weissbeer (wheat beer), or tasty hot chocolate.
A great place to meet up with family and friends and enjoy the live music programme on Victoria Square. And whilst you’re here why not pick up some presents for your family and friends with everything from handcrafted wooden decorations, beautiful eco-friendly star lights and delicate glass baubles to the ever-favourite crystal lamps, toys, and much more besides!
Traditional German Markets
In 336 CE a decision was taken to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth on 25 December. The celebration of Christmas on this date replaced older pagan celebrations that used to take place in midwinter. The custom of giving presents at Christmas, in celebration of the Three Kings giving presents to the Baby Jesus, did not start until much later. The giving of gifts also has its roots in pagan and Roman festivals.
People bought their presents at the Christmas markets which originally only took place in the larger cities and commercial centres. The markets in Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig and Dresden were especially well-known. The first historical record of Frankfurt Christmas Market dates back to 1393.
The Christmas Market was usually held on the church square so that people could wander round the Market after going to church. They would pause to admire the selection of wares – the best local crafts, toys, sweets and Christmas gifts. The toys were usually simple wooden carts, rag dolls and – much later – hobby horses and rocking horses. Until the 1870s and 1880s, parents would usually buy all their children’s toys at the Christmas Market.
Even then, Christmas Markets were places to see and be seen. They were an opportunity to meet friends and swap news and gossip. This social aspect of the Christmas Markets has survived to this day, and even in the 21st century, the Markets are the cities’ meeting place during Advent. People meet here over a cup of Glühwein to chat, sample the many different Christmas goodies, and enjoy the festive atmosphere and romance of winter. The Glühwein and refreshment stalls are the heart of the Market, and are as important as the traditional crafts stalls. Nowadays, the Christmas Markets are a colourful and lively mix of foods, drink, crafts and other seasonal attractions.