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A guide to Christmas in Birmingham
By Hello Student
City guide
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By Hello Student
City guide
Birmingham Christmas market 2024
Birmingham Christmas Market is an unmissable event if you’re studying in Birmingham this year. Beyond festive shopping, you can soak up German culture through food, music and entertainment. Trying new snacks like bratwurst and mulled wine is part of the experience. The city is transformed when the Christmas Market comes.
Wandering the Birmingham Christmas markets with friends is a fun way to destress before exams. With transport links from campus, it’s an affordable day out. Don’t miss city centre light displays and concerts too.
Getting into the Christmas spirit never seemed so easy and enjoyable – visit the market this year for a study break to remember!
Things to Do at Birmingham Christmas Market
The iconic wooden chalets of Birmingham Christmas Fair are where the magic happens. Wander through the festive maze of over 80 stalls to discover unique gifts, handmade crafts, festive decorations and more. Smell the tempting aromas of cinnamon and roasted nuts as you browse.
Traditional German stalls at Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market sell a delightful array of Christmas ornaments like glass baubles, nutcrackers, wooden toys, jewellery, woollens and leather goods. Look out for products handcrafted locally and back in Germany too. Edible treats also abound, from chocolate yule logs to gingerbread houses, fruit breads, cheeses and sausages.
To fuel your shopping adventures, be sure to treat yourself to some festive food and drink! Birmingham Christmas Market has plenty of warming snacks, sweet treats and seasonal beverages for enjoying with friends.
Indulge in a steaming hot cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate garnished with cream and marshmallows. They’re the perfect wintry drinks to savour as you soak in the festive atmosphere. Sink your teeth into German bratwurst hot dogs sizzling off the grill or pick up a soft pretzel to munch on as you browse.
Churros, waffles and crepes make for a delicious sweet snack. Order one with decadent toppings like melted chocolate, whipped cream or fruit compote. Or dig into a slice of Black Forest gateau – a rich, cherry-topped chocolate sponge cake that’s a German classic. Sharing piping hot food and drinks together in the chilly weather is all part of the market’s warm convivial spirit.
Mention live performances, street entertainers, and music performances, as well as family-friendly attractions like the carousel or ice rink if they’re available in the market.
Beyond shopping and eating, Birmingham’s Christmas market also features plenty of entertainment for visitors of all ages. Talented performers serenade crowds while roving street entertainers dazzle with circus skills and comedy acts.
The vintage carousel ride with its hand-painted gallopers adds nostalgia to the event. In the evenings, the market lights up with a festive glow for enjoying live music on the bandstand. From gospel choirs to Motown groups, the line-up celebrates diverse talents. Don’t miss the fireworks displays punctuating the season too!
Snuggle up with your boo in the chalet and cable cars bar near the market. With so much fun to be had, you’ll leave Birmingham Christmas Market full of festive spirit – mulled wine, anyone?
Based in Victoria Square, New Street and Centenary Square, Birmingham’s festive market is conveniently located within the city centre. Public transport makes getting to and from the attraction easy.
The closest tram stop to Victoria Square is Town Hall. Many buses also service the downtown area. Check the transport schedule in advance.
Birmingham New Street train station is only 10 minutes on foot from the market, so rail travellers can readily access it too. Consider booking your return train ticket in advance to save money.
If you’re visiting from the University of Birmingham campus in Edgbaston, the market is 21 minutes away via tram, 19 minutes on a bicycle, or a 12-minute drive off-peak.
What else to do in Birmingham during the festive season
Students should embrace the festive season, enjoy the local attractions, and create memories that will last a lifetime at the Birmingham Christmas Market. Invite your friends and family to come along too and get into the festive vibe!
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