Discover all the information you need to plan a visit to Birmingham’s Christmas markets and other festive events in 2025.
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Birmingham is one of the UK’s most Christmassy cities, attracting over 10 million visitors every year.
Christmas in Brum offers something for everyone, from classical concerts in Symphony Hall to the outdoor ice skating rink in Centenary Square and pantomimes in the city’s excellent theatres.
And of course, visiting a Christmas market or two is a must in the holiday season. Birmingham has a variety of Christmas markets, from the biggest authentic German market in the UK to smaller markets showcasing talented local artisans.
So, I’ve rounded up all you need to know about Birmingham’s Christmas markets to help you plan your festive shopping, eating and drinking.
If you’d prefer a smaller, more rural Christmas market, check out my guide to Christmas Markets in Shropshire.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market has been a firm fixture in the city’s festive calendar since 1966.
It’s the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria, and an estimated 5 million people visit the market each year. It divides opinions amongst the locals, but many people consider it one of the best Christmas markets in the UK.
This year, the Birmingham German market runs from the start of November right through to Christmas Eve.
Birmingham Christmas market’s traditional wooden chalets stretch from the bottom of New Street, near the famous Rotunda and Birmingham New Street Station, up to Victoria Square in front of the Council House.
You’ll find a wide range of gifts and traditional goods such as artisan jewellery, delicate glass Christmas decorations, handcrafted wooden decorations and much more.
There’s also a tempting range of traditional European food and drink on offer. You can treat yourself to German schnitzels, bratwursts, and doughnuts, French crepes or Dutch poffertjes straight off the hot plate. And you can accompany your treats with a mug of gluhwein, a glass of weissbier (wheat beer) or a creamy hot chocolate.
Festive fairground rides and a daily programme of live music and entertainment in Victoria Square will get you in the festive spirit. Community choirs and groups perform on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and the New Talent Showcase on Monday evenings puts new performers in the spotlight.
- Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 2AA
- 1st November to 24th December 2025
- Monday to Thursday, 11:00am to 9:00pm; Friday, 11:00am to 9:30pm; Saturday, 10:00am to 9:30pm; Sunday, 10:00am to 9:00pm
- Find out more here
Big Wheel and Ice Rink
For more festive fun, head to Centenary Square, where the Big Wheel and outdoor ice rink will be located throughout the Christmas season and into the first days of 2026.
Your view from the Big Wheel will include famous Brummie landmarks like the Council House, the Library of Birmingham and Brindley Place. The ice rink offers the chance to skate on 600m2 of real ice, sheltered by the rink’s roof.
This year, you can also enjoy the holiday spirit with a drink in the Ice Lounge and Bar. It’s a fun way to round off an evening of Christmas shopping in Birmingham.
- Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2DR
- 1st November 2025 to 4th January 2026 (excluding Christmas Day)
- 11am to 10pm
- Find out more here
Christmas in Cathedral Square
Carry on past the German market and you’ll find a smaller, more authentically Brummie market
The Cathedral Church of St Philip, or Birmingham Cathedral, has hosted an annual festive market since 2021. The green space around the cathedral, known locally as Pigeon Park, is filled with wooden chalets and festooned with twinkling fairy lights.
This market features around 60 independent traders, as not all traders will attend throughout the market. You can expect to see gifts with more of a local flavour compared to the Frankfurt market, like artwork featuring local locations and authentic Brummie balti bowls.
- Cathedral Square, Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2QB
- 7th November to 24th December 2025
- Monday to Wednesday, 11am – 9pm; Thursday to Saturday, 11am – 9.30pm; Sunday, 12pm – 9pm
- Find out more here
Winter craft market at Ikon Gallery
Head to the gorgeous Ikon Gallery in Brindley Place for a late-night festive shopping event. You’ll find stalls from local artists, designers and crafters, offering a beautiful range of handmade gifts.
It’s the perfect place to find a thoughtful one-of-a-kind gift with options including artworks, ceramics, homewares and artisan jewellery.
This market runs in the evening, making it perfect for post-work festive shopping. You’ll also find plenty of excellent eateries in the surrounding area.
- 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HS
- 4th December 2025
- 5pm – 8pm
- Find out more here
MAC Christmas Arts Market
Christmas returns to the Midlands Arts Centre for two weekends filled with artisan gifts, jewellery and crafts.
Spread across two floors of the centre, the Christmas Arts Market will feature an eclectic mix of local designers and artisans from Birmingham, the West Midlands and further afield.
They’ll be offering beautiful handmade gifts from glassware to textiles, and from jewellery to paintings and prints. You’re sure to find a unique and thoughtful gift to delight your nearest and dearest.
The KILN cafe will also be in festive mood with a delicious range of treats and seasonal hot drinks.
The Midland Arts Centre is easily reached by public transport. Several bus routes stop nearby, and the centre is around 1.5 miles away from Five Ways, University and Selly Oak train stations.
- Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH
- 29th and 30th November, 6th and 7th December 2025
- 10am – 5pm
- Find out more here
Edgbaston Village Artisan Market
On the second Saturday of every month, Greenfield Crescent in Edgbaston hosts a bustling Artisan Market filled with creativity and craftsmanship.
The Edgbaston Village Christmas Market in December is Birmingham’s largest artisan market with up to 80 stalls. It’s also one of the prettiest Christmas markets, surrounded by Georgian architecture and illuminated by twinkling Christmas lights.
A carefully-selected range of independent businesses will offer a tempting mix of artisan gifts, locally-produced food and unique artworks.
Edgbaston is a few miles outside Birmingham city centre. You can take a 6-minute tram ride from Centenary Square to Edgbaston Village, or take the train from New Street to Five Ways
- Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3AU
- 13th December 2025
- 10am – 4pm
- Find out more here
Birmingham Botanical Gardens Artisan Market
Birmingham boasts one of the UK’s best Botanical Gardens. It features over 30,000 plants in 15 acres of Grade II* listed gardens and four Victorian glasshouses.
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens are worth a visit at any time of year. On 6th and 7th December 2025, they will host the Birmingham Artisan Market’s vibrant celebration of Christmas.
You’ll find everything from custom jewellery and unique home decor to artisan food and small-batch skincare products. It’s the ideal place to find an unusual present for someone special.
Family-friendly activities, delicious food from local producers, and the opportunity to explore the gardens make this a fun pre-Christmas day out in Birmingham. Advance booking is recommended, and tickets cost just £5 per person or £18 for a family ticket. BBG members enjoy free admission.
If you’d prefer not to drive to the Botanical Gardens, several bus routes pass nearby or you can take the Edgbaston Village Tram to the last stop. The Gardens are also a 20-minute walk from Five Ways train station
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens
- 6th and 7th December, 2025
- 11am – 3:30pm
- Find out more here
Christmas shows and events
Away from the markets, there’s even more festive entertainment to enjoy in Birmingham this season.
Here are some of the best events on offer:
Breakfast with Santa at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Start the day with a ‘Ho, ho, ho!’ as you share a festive breakfast in the stunning Tearoom at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Children can choose between a mini English Breakfast or pancakes, while adults can enjoy a full English Breakfast or a vegetarian breakfast. Santa’s friendly elves will add Christmas spirit to the occasion, and Santa himself will visit with a gift and photo opportunity for each child.
Some dates have sold out, but there’s still pretty good availability.
- Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH
- 29th November to 23rd December, 2025
- 9-11am
- Find out more here
Carol service at St Martin’s Church
Visit St Martin’s Church in the Bull Ring for an evening of carols and stories of hope hosted by Crisis, the national charity working to end homelessness.
The evening will include live music performances by the Crisis Choir and The City Jam, along with seasonal readings and reflections from people who have received support from Crisis.
The service starts at 6.30pm, but arrive when doors open at 6pm for a mince pie and a warm welcome.
Entrance to the service is free, but donations to support Crisis’ work are welcome. The suggested donation is £10.
- St Martin’s Church, Edgbaston St, Birmingham B5 5BB
- 3rd December, 2025
- 6.30-7.15 pm
- Find out more here
Robin Hood at Birmingham Hippodrome
Join Robin Hood and Maid Marion for festive fun at the Birmingham Hippodrome’s Christmas pantomime.
You can expect to see fantastic costumes, silly jokes and of course, plenty of boos for the pantomime villain – oh yes, you can!
Gok Wan, Matt Slack and Faye Tozer head the line-up, and tickets start from £20. There are only a few seats left for pre-Christmas performances, but there’s better availability in the New Year. Some January shows also include extra support such as audio description or BSL signing.
- Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4TB
- 20th December, 2025 to 1st February, 2026
- Find out more here
The Nutcracker at Birmingham Hippodrome
The Nutcracker is a magical ballet that has become a Christmas tradition for many.
Clara receives a nutcracker in the shape of a soldier on Christmas Eve, and overnight she enters a world of snowflakes, dancing sweets and heroic toy soldiers that come to life. This ballet is suitable for children over 5 years old, and is sure to become a beloved part of your own festive traditions.
Performances will take place on selected dates, and a few performances offer extra support. Some shows have already sold out, but there’s still a limited number of tickets available.
- Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4TB
- 2nd to 13th December, 2025
- Find out more here
Cinderella at The Old Rep
The Old Rep Theatre has been delighting audiences since 1913, making it the UK’s oldest repertory theatre.
This year’s family-friendly pantomime is Cinderella, the classic fairy tale filled with songs, dancing, magic and, of course, a Fairy Godmother.
Weekday performances take place in the morning and early afternoon, and there are afternoon and evening shows at weekends and during the holidays.
At the time of writing, there’s still good ticket availability for this fun festive experience!
- Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4TB
- 22nd November to 31st December, 2025
- Find out more here
The Birmingham Botanical Garden Light Trail
See the Birmingham Botanical Garden in a new light with the Botanical Garden Winter Light Trail.
The wheelchair-accessible trail is just under a mile long and features interactive light displays set to a musical soundtrack. It usually takes around 60-90 minutes to complete the trail, but you can wander through the Grade II* listed gardens at your own pace.
Stewards will guide you along the way, and when you’ve finished the trail, you can go around again if you like.
Food traders will be offering warming food and drink to purchase. There’s even an opportunity to toast marshmallows in the garden.
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens
- 28th November, 2025 to 1st January, 2026
- 4-10.30pm
- Find out more here
As you can see, there’s plenty of Christmas fun to be found in Birmingham this year. Which events will you be adding to your Christmas celebration?