With less than eight weeks until the much-anticipated Frankfurt Christmas Market kicks off in Birmingham on Thursday, 5 November, locals and visitors alike are eagerly preparing for the festive season. To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide highlighting the fresh attractions, shops, eateries, and bars that you can explore in Birmingham during this year’s Christmas market – many of which were not around last year.
New Attractions and Experiences:
- Escape Hunt has recently opened on Cannon Street, near New Street. This venue offers a variety of themed escape rooms, including new experiences inspired by Indian culture and a spooky Dracula room, adding fresh excitement to the existing adventures based on Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland, ancient Egypt, and Atlantis.
READ MORE: Labour’s Andy Burnham could raise personal tax-free allowance for state pensioners
READ MORE: Museum of Illusions Scheduled to Open in Birmingham City Centre
- The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery’s Gas Hall will be transformed into Neverland, a Peter Pan-themed festive attraction. This immersive experience is beautifully decorated and supports Birmingham Museums Trust and Great Ormond Street Hospital, the rights holders of J.M. Barrie’s story.
Retail Highlights:
-
A significant addition to the retail scene is the new Victoria’s Secret store, which opened in March at the former Next location, complementing the existing branch formerly where Sephora stood.
-
Lululemon, the Canadian activewear brand, launched its first Midlands store in May, occupying a spacious unit near Selfridges.
-
New Balance debuted a standalone store in July on the upper level of the Bullring, taking over from AllSaints.
-
The Italian teen fashion brand Subdued opened its doors in April, joining several other trendy new stores.
-
Beauty enthusiasts can explore Moida, a dedicated Korean beauty and skincare shop; and Kiko Milano, which refreshed its Bullring store with an improved layout.
-
Jewellery lovers have new options with Lovisa reopening in June on the lower floor of the Bullring and Harli and Harpa launching nearby in July.
-
The charity shop Reloved Brum Central opened in Grand Central in August, offering a variety of great finds while supporting Birmingham Hospice.
-
Sweet tooths should check out Sweets from Heaven on Link Street for unusual global treats, and Bird and Blend Tea, which offers an impressive range of teas and gift sets in the former Claire’s Accessories space.
-
While not yet open, the Pop Mart collectible shop is eagerly awaited on New Street, promising a new flagship store soon.
Dining and Nightlife:
-
New restaurant options include SushiDog in the Bullring, offering sushi burrito-style dishes, and Flat Iron steakhouse launching on Temple Street in October.
-
The award-winning Japanese restaurant group KIBOU opened in October on Temple Row.
-
Maki & Ramen opened in August on New Street, drawing crowds with its noodle and sushi menu.
-
Sticks ‘N’ Sushi will open this autumn in the Paradise development, joining a vibrant area of diverse dining.
-
Blacklock brought a London-style chop-house experience to Cathedral Square in April, providing spectacular views over Pigeon Park’s Christmas market.
-
Culinary students at University College Birmingham will open Beyond, a restaurant serving locally sourced sharing plates and celebrating Birmingham’s food heritage this autumn.
-
On the pub and bar front, O’Neill’s reopened on Cannon Street in July with expanded spaces for live sports and interactive darts.
-
The Boiler Room, Birmingham’s new bar on Waterloo Street overlooking Victoria Square, is set to open soon, with renovations completed.
-
Bonnie Rogues will launch on Temple Street on 25 September, offering lively music, karaoke, and party atmosphere as the successor to Revolucion de Cuba.
This year’s Frankfurt Christmas Market promises not only the beloved traditional delights but also an array of fresh experiences to make your festive visit to Birmingham truly memorable. Remember to book in advance where necessary to secure your spot. We look forward to welcoming you to enjoy all these exciting new additions!