Going German at Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market

What would you expect to find on a chilly November afternoon in the centre of Birmingham? Some smartly dressed office workers grabbing a latte between meetings? Christmas shoppers having a scout for some early bargains? Or some lederhosen-clad Frankfurters selling traditional German wares from Alpine-themed chalets?

As surprising as it sounds the latter is precisely what visitors to England’s second city can look forward to this festive season as Birmingham plays host to its ninth Frankfurt Christmas Market.



Set largely within the imposing Victoria Square, which acts as a focal point for all things festive, the market branches out in different directions selling all sorts of Christmas goodies, from marzipan sweets to handcrafted toys and tasty German beer.

Yet although the Frankfurt Christmas Market is now gaining a reputation as an institution in the city, the idea was actually the brainchild of councillors from two of Birmingham’s sister cities who wanted to improve relations between their residents. The market has grown year-on-year to attract nearly 3 million visitors in 2008. It is already the largest German market outside of Germany and Austria and with more stalls this year organisers are predicting a bumper year.

But just how authentic a German market is it? Well, it did not take long to find out. After ordering a hot dog at one of the würste stands, I asked the lady serving if she had any ketchup. The blond fräulein stared at me seemingly without a clue of what I was saying and muttered something back in German without breaking her smile. So yes, it really is just like being on the continent!

Beauty and the... Birmingham. The Frankfurt Christmas market is a welcome addition to Britain's second city

But just what do the locals think about this annual German invasion? ‘I love it,’ said 24-year-old Flo, from Birmingham. ‘There’s loads to buy and everybody is really friendly. Everyone gets on really well. And I really love the fire wine.’
Fire wine or feuerzange is popular in the winter months in Germany and deserves a special mention. Made of a mixture of rum, red wine, cloves, cinnamon and plenty of sugar, the drink is served up à la flambée (think flaming sambuca without the nasty aftertaste and hungover regrets) and is guaranteed to warm the cockles of even the coldest of Christmas hearts.