If you're looking for a genuine European Christmas market this winter, Birmingham is just the ticket.
Dubbed the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria, the traders are predominantly German.
Growing from a mere ten-stall affair, back in 1997, to the massive 80+ chalets there is today, it's also one of the biggest in the UK.
You'll find genuine German festive treats including pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts and stollen - all of which can be washed down with gluhwein, weissbeer or even a hot chocolate.
There's a great range of traditional goods and produce, hand crafted Christmas-themed trinkets and seasonal gifts, plus dozens of food and drink chalets selling all sorts of Christmas goodies to enjoy.
New for 2019, the German Markets are open a whole week longer, giving visitors more time to take a trip to Birmingham.
And, back by popular demand, Ice Skate Birmingham returns to the event with a temporary undercover ice rink with an adjoining bar and a viewing platform for those who don't want to take to the ice. This year the rink will be close to Grand Central and New Street Station.
Where:
Victoria Square, New Street, Birmingham, B1 1BD
Opening dates:
November 7 - December 23, 2019
Opening times:
10am to 9pm
Entry price:
Free
Number of stalls:
80+ additional stalls in the Cathedral Craft Market
How to get there:
Trains operate from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street around three times an hour.
The journey takes between an hour and a half and an hour and 50 minutes depending which service you board.
By car, take the M60 to the M56 coming off at the A556 exit before taking the M6 southbound towards Birmingham.
Takes around an hour and a half to two hours depending on traffic.
If you use a map app on your phone once you've arrived, put Victoria Square or Council House as your destination to find the markets.
Parking:
Town Hall Car Park, B5 4AF
Navigation Street, B5 4AD
Hill Street, B5 4DA
Grand Central, B5 4DQ
B4 Car Park, Weaman Street, B4 6DG
Paradise Circus Car Park, Brindley Drive, B1 2NB
Mailbox Car Park, B1 1RD
