Which is better Birmingham or Nottingham Christmas market?

Birmingham is generally considered better for an authentic, large-scale German market experience, while Nottingham is often preferred for a festive, date-night atmosphere with more varied entertainment. Birmingham offers the largest German market outside Germany/Austria, whereas Nottingham excels with its "Winter Wonderland" featuring unique attractions like a sky-skate ice path.

Which Christmas market is better, Birmingham or Nottingham?

The UK's best Christmas markets officially announced and Birmingham's is only second - it's still better than London, Manchester and Nottingham 🎄

Is Birmingham the biggest Christmas market in the UK?

You can head to Time Out's second best Christmas market in the country in 2025 – Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market. Brum's sprawling Christmas bazaar (which came second only to Manchester's ginormous Xmas markets) is one of the largest authentic German markets outside of Germany or Austria.

Is Birmingham Christmas market good?

Very festive and so much better than Manchester Great atmosphere, not overly crowded and a good selection of stalls that sell crafty/gifty things, as well as the usual German foods like pretzels and bratwurst that you might expect.

How busy is Birmingham Christmas Market?

The market can be very busy at weekends, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings, and therefore may not be a suitable environment for dogs. Weekdays and Sunday evenings tend to be quieter – so you may wish to time your visit/s accordingly.

Ranked one of the UK’s BEST Christmas Markets. We find out Why?

Where is the prettiest Christmas market?

There's no single "most beautiful," as it depends on preference, but top contenders for beauty often include Gdańsk, Poland (voted best in Europe for its unique charm), Cologne, Germany (iconic cathedral backdrop), Prague (historic Old Town Square), Vienna (Rathausplatz magic), and Bruges, Belgium (fairy-tale canals and light trails). Other favorites feature stunning settings like Winchester, UK (Cathedral close) and Strasbourg, France (oldest market).
 

Do you have to pay for Birmingham Christmas Market?

No, you do not need tickets to enter Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market; it's a free public event, but you pay for any food, drinks, or items you purchase, with a potential deposit on mugs. You only need to buy tickets for separate attractions like the Ice Skate Birmingham rink or the Big Wheel, which are near the market but separate events. 

What makes Birmingham's Christmas market special?

This is no ordinary market; it's Birmingham's renowned Christmas Market, one of the largest in Europe, drawing visitors from near and far. Stalls adorned with colorful decorations line up along New Street and Victoria Square, each offering unique treasures that capture the spirit of the season.

What is the easiest Christmas market to get to from the UK?

Brussels Christmas market

Voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, Brussels' Winter Wonders is the perfect choice for a festive family getaway or a weekend shopping trip — and it's just 1 hour 53 minutes from London by Eurostar.

What is the largest one day Christmas market in the UK?

The UK's largest one-day Christmas market is widely considered to be the Beverley Festival of Christmas in East Yorkshire, which transforms the historic town centre with over 120 Victorian-themed stalls, entertainment, Santa, and reindeer, attracting thousands of visitors for a free, festive event.
 

Where is the best place to go Christmas shopping in the UK?

For the best UK Christmas shopping, choose London for iconic department stores (Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges) and Oxford Street, or major cities like Manchester/Liverpool for diverse options; for unique markets, head to Winchester's Cathedral Market or Covent Garden, while smaller towns like Canterbury and Llandeilo offer charming independent shops and festive atmospheres. Large shopping centres like Bluewater and Metrocentre are great for convenience.
 

Is Nottingham Christmas Market any good?

Nottingham's Winter Wonderland Christmas Market gets mixed reviews: many love the festive atmosphere, variety of food/drinks (especially hot chocolates!), rides like the Ferris Wheel, and ice skating, but a major complaint across many recent reviews is the high cost of food and drink, with some finding it "ridiculously priced," while others find it a good family day out with plenty to see and do, especially if visiting during off-peak times for fewer crowds and better value.
 

How many stalls are at the Birmingham Christmas Market?

This year's market features 60 beautifully decorated stalls serving German food and drink, including hot gluhwein, schnitzel, bratwurst, alongside a wide array of handcrafted gifts, decorations, toys, and jewellery.

Is Birmingham Xmas market worth it?

Although they are pretty big and look spectacular, for the amount of stalls, there is actually not that much variety. I was particularly disappointed with the food on show - I understand it's Frankfurt inspired etc but there was bradwurst and steak and that I was IT. No variety at all.

Where is the best German Christmas market in the UK?

For the best German Christmas market experience in the UK, Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is the top choice, renowned as the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria, offering traditional food (bratwurst, pretzels, glühwein), crafts, and live music in Victoria Square and New Street. Other excellent options with strong German vibes include Manchester's extensive markets and seasonal offerings in cities like Bath and York, though Birmingham is the standout for authentic Teutonic delights.
 

What to eat at Birmingham Christmas Market?

Visitors can enjoy bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzels, and glühwein (mulled wine) while browsing over 80 Bavarian-style stalls.

What is the least Christmassy town in the UK?

Crowned the least Christmassy town in the UK was… Luton. The city scored the lowest on the festive spirit score, making it home to the Grinchiest of souls in the country. Second place went to Bradford, followed by Southampton in third.

Where is the prettiest Christmas town?

15 Most Enchanting Christmas Towns Around the World

• Rovaniemi, Finland (Santa Claus Village)
• Leavenworth, Washington, USA.
• Colmar, France.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany.
• Strasbourg, France.
• Hallstatt, Austria.
• McAdenville, North Carolina, USA ("Christmas Town USA")
• Bruges, Belgium.

Which city is best to visit in Christmas in the UK?

The 10 best places to spend Christmas in the UK

• Whitby, North Yorkshire. In North Yorkshire, Whitby transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. ...
• Conwy, North Wales. ...
• Edinburgh, Scotland. ...
• Mousehole, Cornwall. ...
• Llandudno, North Wales. ...
• Nottingham. ...
• Scarborough, North Yorkshire. ...
• Swanage, Dorset.