Birmingham German Christmas Market

Not many xmas gifts or crafts. Overpriced food and drink. I really don't know why people pay these prices for food and drink. If you all stop paying stilly prices they have to drop the prices. Never again.

Okay maybe I am lucky because over the last 40 years I have experience the Weihnachtsmärkte in various Austrian cities, towns and villages as well as the one in Munich! I lived in Southern Austria and my Mother-in-Law lived in Munich.

Therefore, I was rather disappointed with my recent visit to the Frankfurt Christmas market in Birmingham. It seem to me that Birmingham does not really support tourism to their city (PS I lived in Birmingham for around 18 moths back in the late 1960s).

I travelled by rail and at New Street was amazed that no advertisement or indication or where to go was at the station for the Christmas market. I first asked one of the railway ticket controllers and he was not sure of the direction??????? Yikes work at Birmingham main station and don’t know what the city has on show???

Asked a person at one of the shops (Café) and was directed to the wrong area.

At the Bullring was also told to go in another direction from what I was previously advice.

Then I met another couple who asked me the direction to the Market only to be informed by them they had been directed for over half an hour in circles.

Eventually found a news agent that did not sell a Birmingham city plan but seemed to know the way to get to it. When eventually found we were both amazed that it was only a few steps from New Street Railway station??????

Iy is time the Birmingham Council got some proper information notices and information plans at their stations etc.

Okay it was a Christmas market, the only impression I got from the whole market was the price of products were rather atrocious, ridiculously high? And being honest I could get 90% of the products being sold at the high prices I could obtain much cheaper at various Boot Sales or Fair Ground exhibitions. As for food stuffs, I think the stall market traders forget that Lidl’s and Aldi’s are now in the UK!!!!!!!

So after a walk through the market stalls decided to spend the rest of our visit in the various shopping mall that are actually all the same throughout the UK.

Would I visit again? I doubt it!

Would I recommend? Nope!

I do like to see the German markets in Birmingham makes the city look festive i went on the week of opening but found it so over priced £5 for a burger bit over top the stores products are the same every year crafted products at top prices thats my only moan oh and why hire cups mugs a coffee was £4 in a paper heat cup splash baileys.

I had a great time at the market yesterday despite the rain that soaked me through the whole journey. There are many smiley and welcoming faces but unfortunately there are a few stall owners are not as friendly. Maybe due to the weather? I liked the food and decorations, just wished I can enjoyed it dry. :)

Many of the stalls sell similar goods,and can be very expensive,but there are so many it's nice just to browse. The food and drink areas are the best, with a great atmosphere even on a chilly winters afternoon. Shame it doesn't stay open longer in the evening.

I really know christmas is here when the german markets arrive in Birmingham. I love going round the huts, picking up a few little christmas presents along the way.Best of all about this christmas market is the food and drink on offer. Oversized beers, oversized sausages and oversized pretzels! Its great, you can just wander round getting in to the christmas spirit looking at the stalls eating some great food. And for when you need a rest you can sit down and have a drink. The bars serve their beers in huge tankers, freezing cold! Beautiful. If thats not your thing then you can try the more traditional mulled wine.The food and drink are quite expensive but some of the stalls have real bargains, you've just got to keep your eyes open. Dont forget the chestnuts either!! Its not christmas without roasted chestnuts!Birmingham German markets around Victoria and Centenary square will be there until the 23rd December. So get down there, you wont be disappointed.