The market will be officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zaker Choudhry, and the German Ambassador to the UK, Susanne Baumann, who will switch on the city’s festive lights at 5:30pm. This year's market will feature 42 decorated stalls offering German food and drink, including hot gluhwein, schnitzel, and bratwurst, alongside handcrafted gifts, decorations, toys, and jewellery.
Due to ongoing public realm works on Bennetts Hill and Temple Street, the market layout has been adjusted. Stalls will not be present between the Apple store and Nando’s on New Street, but the market resumes beyond Corporation Street, with craft stalls also located along High Street.
The Victoria Square bandstand will host a programme of performances by German musicians and local Brummie performers. German musicians will perform on weekday lunchtimes and evenings daily, while local performers will take to the stage between midday and 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
The market will run from 5 November to 24 December 2026. Opening hours are: Mondays to Thursdays from 11am to 9pm; Fridays from 11am to 9:30pm; Saturdays from 10am to 9:30pm; and Sundays from 10am to 9pm. On Remembrance Sunday, 8 November, the market will open at 1pm out of respect for the city’s Civic Service of Remembrance and Parade on Colmore Row.
Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture, welcomed the market's return, stating, "We welcome the Frankfurt Christmas Market back to Birmingham this week, which is a highlight of the season for residents and visitors alike, starting the countdown to Christmas for many. It is a festive fixture which brings in millions of visitors and is testament to the city’s reputation as a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive destination—and a major boost to our visitor economy, attracting up to 5 million people each year."
Kurt Stroscher, Director of Festivals and Events, Frankfurt City Council, expressed his pride in the market's 26th consecutive year in Birmingham, saying, "I am proud and delighted that we have succeeded in establishing our ancient Christmas market tradition so successfully in Birmingham that this year is our 26th consecutive Frankfurt Christmas Market. The acceptance and enthusiasm of Birmingham's citizens and visitors is both confirmation and encouragement for us to continue with great commitment to present a wonderful Christmas market in Birmingham."
The Big Wheel and Ice Rink attractions will also return to Centenary Square, operating daily from 5 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, from 10am to 10pm (closed on Christmas Day). Tickets can be booked at www.iceskatebirmingham.co.uk. More information about the market is available at www.thebfcm.co.uk.
