Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham facts for kids
The Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham is a super popular outdoor market that happens every year in the heart of Birmingham, England. It's also known by its German name, Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt. This market brings a piece of German Christmas cheer to the UK! It first opened its doors in 2001 with just 24 stalls. Since then, it has grown bigger and better every year. You can visit it from mid-November until just before Christmas in late December.
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Birmingham's Christmas Market: A German Tradition
What is the Market?
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is a huge outdoor event. It's one of the biggest Christmas markets outside of Germany and Austria. Imagine a lively place filled with festive lights, delicious smells, and lots of unique gifts! It's a fantastic way to get into the holiday spirit.
Where Can You Find It?
This amazing market stretches through several well-known areas in Birmingham. You can find stalls along New Street and in Victoria Square. These central locations make it easy for everyone to visit and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
How Many People Visit?
This market is incredibly popular! Millions of people visit it every year. For example, over 3.1 million visitors came in 2010. In 2011, more than 5 million people enjoyed the market. Nearly 5 million visited in 2013, and over 5.5 million came in 2014. These numbers show just how much people love this special event!
What Can You Find There?
When you visit, you'll discover many traditional German treats. You can try tasty foods like Bratwurst, which are German sausages. There's also Glühwein, a warm, spiced drink. Besides food and drinks, you'll find stalls selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and unique gifts. It's a great place to find something special for friends and family.
The Market's History and Connection
The Birmingham market has a special connection to the city of Frankfurt in Germany. Birmingham is a twin city with Frankfurt. The market gets its name from the famous Frankfurt Christmas Market in Germany. That market is one of the oldest in Germany, dating all the way back to 1393! This link helps bring an authentic German Christmas experience to Birmingham.
Special Market Events
Since 2018, the market has started with a fun performance. A brass band called Hosen Brass plays music down New Street. This lively show helps kick off the market season. It's a great way to celebrate the official turning on of the market lights!
Why Was the 2020 Market Cancelled?
In 2020, the organizers had to make a tough decision. On September 9, 2020, they announced that the market would be cancelled. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was important to keep everyone safe and healthy during that time.
