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German sweets and snowmen

With 180 stalls filling Victoria Square and Upper New Street, Frankfurt Market is believed to be the world's largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria.

Millions of visitors from across the UK now flock to Birmingham over the festive season, many of them specifically to sample the selection of authentic German foods, wines and crafts on sale.

Mulled wine (Glühwein), grilled sausages, vegetarian options, pretzels, German beer, gingerbread, crepes and marzipan sweets are just some of the delicacies on offer. Traditional handmade toys, decorations, jewellery and craft goods are also available.

One of many stall traders

A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said: "Our market is now world famous and last year attracted a record breaking 2.8 million visitors, boosting the city's economy to the tune of £67 million."

For the last couple of years, the Frankfurt Market has teamed up with the Christmas Craft Fair, meaning that the stalls and festive treats now stretch as far as Chamberlain Square and the Centenary Way bridge.

Many parties of school children from all over the region visit the market every year to experience the atmosphere of a great German Christmas tradition.

German foods and crafts

There are differentiated activity packs for primary and secondary pupils to use either in the classroom or whilst visiting the market. These packs include a trail for taking them around the market.

Further information for schools and activity packs to download will be available from 3rd November.

For more information, visit the Birmingham Grid for Learning website by clicking the link below:

The origins of the Christmas Market in Frankfurt can be traced right back to 1393.

Christmas sweets

In mediaeval times, the original Frankfurt Christmas Market was exclusively for the 'burghers' and the city craftsmen reserved their finest wares for local people. Little wooden carts and rag dolls were among the favourites, and later on wooden hobby horses were introduced.

Sweets made with almonds, marzipan, dried fruits and honey were also popular. Many of these original sweets, along with gingerbread and other delicacies, are featured at the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham.

Yasmin from Berlin

Opening times

Birmingham's Frankfurt Market runs from Thursday 12th November – Wednesday 23rd December (with the Craft Fair running from 19th November). It will be open from 10am - 9pm daily.

Click the links below to look back at our photo galleries and reports from previous years at the Frankfurt Market: