A visitor's guide to Birmingham Christmas Market: Dates, driving directions and car parking

The Birmingham Christmas Market is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in the UK. Set in the heart of the city, it offers a festive experience filled with German-inspired treats, handcrafted goods, and seasonal entertainment. If you’re planning to drive, here’s everything you need to know about visiting, parking, and finding your way there.

Taking place from 1st November to 24th December 2024, visitors from around the UK and Europe come to Birmingham to enjoy all the market has to offer, get their Christmas shopping done and have a fun day out with the family. 

What to expect at Birmingham Christmas Market

Running annually from mid-November to late December, Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market draws crowds with its charming stalls, hot mulled wine, bratwurst, and handmade gifts. Located along Victoria Square and New Street, the market spans a large area, with many attractions and photo opportunities.

The market has something for everyone — whether you’re taking the family on a festive day out, going with a group of friends or having date night. Here are some of the highlights you can expect during your visit:

1. Indulge in traditional German food: The market is famous for its German cuisine, including bratwurst: pretzels, stollen, gingerbread, Schokokuss and hot chocolate.
2. Shop for unique handcrafted gifts: Look for wooden toys, Christmas tree ornaments, leather goods, candles and artisanal snacks for stocking stuffers.
3. Enjoy live music and carol singing: Live performances including traditional carols and folk music and choir performances add to the festive atmosphere.
4. Sip a beer in the Bavarian beer hall: Relax with a pint of German beer.
5. Take in festive lights displays: The Christmas lights across the market area are a sight to behold, illuminating Victoria Square, New Street, and the surrounding streets. Perfect for photos, the festive lighting adds a magical feel to the market, especially at dusk.
6. Ride the carousel or the Big Wheel: Perfect for families, the traditional carousel is a must. It’s an enjoyable and nostalgic experience, and kids especially love it. Plus, it’s another great photo opportunity. Same goes for the ferris wheel, which gives great views of the city. 
7. Warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine: Stop at one of the stalls selling hot drinks to keep you warm as you wander around.

Driving directions to Birmingham Christmas Market

Birmingham is well-connected to the motorway network, making it accessible from all over the UK.

• From London: Take the M40 north towards Birmingham, merging onto the M42 and then the M6. Follow signs for Birmingham City Centre.
• From the North: Use the M6 and exit at Junction 6 for Birmingham City Centre (A38).
• From the Southwest: Take the M5, then merge onto the M6 at Junction 8 before heading towards the city centre.

Traffic can be particularly heavy during peak times and weekends around Christmas, so plan extra travel time. Birmingham also has a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in the city centre; vehicles not meeting low-emission standards may be subject to a daily charge. You can check your vehicle’s compliance on the government website.

Where to find parking near the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham

Parking around the market can be competitive, especially during busy periods. If you prefer flexible, cost-effective parking, JustPark provides a range of private and commercial parking spaces available for pre-booking. This can often save you money and help secure a space before you arrive.

With rates starting as low as £1 per hour, it’s often cheaper and more convenient to rent a private space that’s only a short walk from the market square. This can also help you to avoid crowded car parks, making your visit as easy as possible. Plus, if you have any delays or you’re getting caught up in crowds leaving the venue, you can extend your booking through the app to avoid any parking fines.

Using the JustPark app or website, you can search, find and reserve a space which should tick most of your boxes when looking for parking:

• You can search for spaces within walking distance of the market and get more affordable rates than local car parks or unsecured pop-up parking that can leave your car damaged
• You should be able to escape the crowds more easily leaving your car in a slightly less congested area
• You can extend your parking session easily through the JustPark app if you’re facing delays getting out of the market crowds 
• You can have peace of mind knowing that you’ve got a guaranteed parking space upon arrival

JustPark also offers a Best Price Guarantee, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the lowest price available on spaces around Birmingham.

Top tip: We recommend booking the spaces highlighted in yellow, as these are often the best car parking spaces available including CCTV coverage, gated entry, covered parking and more, making sure your car is as secure as possible.

Frequently asked questions when driving to the Frankfurt Christmas market

Is there official parking at the Christmas market?
No, the market doesn’t offer parking as the event spans multiple areas and businesses. While they recommend leaving your car at home, we understand that sometimes driving is the best option for families, those with mobility issues or if you’re coming from out of town.

Is there free parking near the Birmingham Christmas Market?
Free parking is extremely limited in Birmingham’s city centre, especially during peak periods. However, some nearby residential streets may have free parking after certain hours. Check signs carefully, as restrictions and fines apply.

What are the busiest times at the market?
Weekends and evenings are the most crowded, and the days right before Christmas when many families are travelling on their winter holidays. If you prefer a quieter experience, aim to visit on a weekday during daytime hours.

How do I find disabled parking near the market?
Many central car parks, including Snow Hill and B4 Car Park, offer accessible spaces. JustPark also allows you to search for accessible parking spaces you can pre-book.

Can I pay for parking with contactless or online payments?
Most major car parks in Birmingham accept contactless and app-based payments. JustPark also lets you book and pay online, often at a reduced rate, so you can have a secured space close to the market available upon arrival.