Birmingham Christmas Market.....celebrating German style

To some it is the moment the Christmas magic starts to shine, to others it is nothing but an annoying distraction that brings mayhem to the city centre during it’s busiest time of year. It’s the time of the year when city centres throw open their arms to welcome the continental markets to be their guest and provide the local inhabitants with the chance to purchase an array of goods and delicacies that they wouldn’t think twice of buying if they were being sold normally in the local shops.

Birmingham’s annual “ German Market” can only be considered a total success, year after year thousands flock to shuffle along within the massive crowds, desperately fighting to break free of the throng if they see something of interest being sold. The Cities Centenary square, Victoria square and it’s main shopping thoroughfare New Street house an array of wooden stalls selling German food and drinks. Throw in a sprinkling of Belgian Chocolates, Swiss Hot Chocolate, Traditional English Roasted Chestnuts together with the unusual Reindeer, Ostrich and Buffalo burgers on offer and this is a real cosmopolitan occasion.

 

Yes the drinks are a little more expensive, yes the queues are extensive, yes the crowds are a little too much at times, but it is a great event particularly on an evening when the stalls bright lights and Christmas decorations shine out giving a glowing feel good atmosphere to the area. As well as around 200 stalls, there is an outdoor ice rink with a large gallery of spectators gleefully laughing as the beginners come crashing down when taking their first steps on the Ice. Also right beside Birmingham’s new impressive Library is the Birmingham "Big Wheel" offering a trip that allows sights over the “second city”.

 

Some say that it is taking trade away from local shops and bars, that its packed streets provides a haven for crime and that it clogs up the road networks for those wishing to visit Birmingham City Centre for other reasons. However despite these negative comments, it could be argued that it is bringing customers into the city centre who would not have visited otherwise, customers who in turn may visit other shops whilst there.


Reports suggest that around 3 million people visited last years event and this year the evidence suggests a similar footfall.It does seem almost a yearly tradition for people to visit and take in the sights and sample the wares, an occasion for all demonstrated by the large number of families from all backgrounds enjoying the colourful sights and sounds.

…from Frankfurters to Bratwurst, from Strudels to Stollen, from Glühwein to Pilsner  …this is one month long event where a very pro European factor can be felt within the hosting UK cities.