Book a Birmingham Hotel to Experience an Authentic German Christmas Market
For a city break with a difference, why not book hotels in Birmingham in time to visit the German Christmas markets? The city becomes a winter wonderland in the festive season, boasting the largest outdoor Christmas market in the UK.
If you book into a Birmingham hotel between the middle of November and Christmas, you’ll be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere firsthand, as the German bazaar runs for a number of weeks and offers up a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds.
Choose a Birmingham hotel in the United Kingdom and once you’ve settled in, set about exploring what’s on offer at the market. Stallholders put up their stands at Victoria Square and New Street in the middle of November and the stalls remain up until a couple of days before Christmas.
Having been in operation for ten years, the market has become a firm favourite among both locals and visitors, providing a great opportunity to get into the festive spirit. On sale you’ll find handmade toys, festive decorations and original jewellery, among other items.
There are also traditional German foodstuffs on offer, from grilled sausages and marzipan sweets, to mulled wine, crepes, beer, pretzels and gingerbread.
Altogether, there are around 180 stalls at the market, which has included a craft fair for a number of years. In this section of the market you’ll find items such as artistic iron and wood carvings and even handbags.
Goods are imported from as far afield as Africa, South America and India, but there are also plenty of items from local artisans. Locally-made food products are sold, too – perfect if you enjoy homemade cheeses and chutneys.
You can also expect to be entertained as you browse the stalls for what’s on offer; musicians set up and perform in the square at lunchtime and in the evenings and carol singers congregate to give special performances in the run-up to Christmas.
If you’re travelling to Birmingham with youngsters, they’re sure to enjoy a ride on the helter skelter and carousel, which set up as part of the market, and you’re sure to love exploring the rest of the city.
Close by is the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, while plenty of events and shows also take place in Birmingham during the winter season. Visit the theatre to see what’s on – at this time of year there are usually plenty of Christmassy performances and pantomimes that will delight little ones.
If partying is more your thing, take a walk down Broad Street in the evening and you’ll find all kinds of bars, clubs and restaurants where you can while away the night-time hours. And by day, pay a visit to Birmingham’s Bullring to take advantage of the fantastic shopping opportunities.
Don’t forget to call in at the 250-year-old Jewellery Quarter if you’re looking for the perfect gift for a loved one. More than 100 specialist jewellers sell their wares here – from contemporary to traditional items, many of which are handcrafted.
If you need to do some last-minute Christmas shopping, take a trip round the Pallasades shopping centre, which also hosts a Santa’s grotto. The popular attraction is sure to go down a treat with youngsters looking forward to a visit from Father Christmas!
By: Dipika Patel
