My friends and I have started an annual tradition to visit a Christmas market, and the only time that we were all free was in the middle of November. It was a little bit early for Christmas markets in mid-November, but we discovered that Birmingham's was on and just kicked off that weeknd. So off to Birmingham we went overnight. Last year, we went to Winchester and the market was cancelled due to high winds and rain. This time, we were at threat of nasty weather, but it happened the day before. We actually did not drink because one of my friends got an infection and was on antibiotics. Still, we made the most of it and did some touristy things as well as see the Christmas market.
The Birmingham Christmas market is known as the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market after the German city. The markets themselves were primarily drinking spots in the square, but there were some stalls of food and other items down the High Street and next to the cathedral, but there was not a lot for sale in terms of gifts. However, it may have been a little bit too early. I was hoping to visit again, but I simply ran out of time before it finishes.
We had a walk around the canals and the town and enjoyed the lights and decorations.
The main market is on the town square outside the museum. However, it is drink and food in this area.
The High Street actually has some gifts and food items for sale.
Outside the cathedral has more choices for food and a larger area for gifts. The main square was too busy and mainly for drinking.
I had a pizza.
There was not a large selection of gifts. I did not see anything to buy, but my friends bought some crystals and stones.
I would have bought these German marshmallow desserts that you find at almost every Christmas market, but we ran out of time and did not get to go back. Our feet were sore from walking.
I had a hot chocolate and a mulled apple juice.
I did also have a chocolate-covered chili with dark chocolate, and it was good.
There is a nativity scene in the main square.
One of the other things I wanted to get back to Birmingham for was to see the Reindeer trail. I saw two of the reindeer and was near all of the others, but we did not get to do it (or see more) as we ran out of time.
The next morning, I was up early and had a chai latte.
My friend wanted to go to Bill's (a restaurant chain). There was a long queue to get in and an even longer time to get our food. I am never very impressed with this restaurant, but the breakfast was ok. As soon as we ate, we had to go to the station and get the train back to London.
I'm gutted that I didn't get to spend a little bit longer in Birmingham and that I did not get to go back before the big day. I suppose I can always go next year. I will leave with a couple of photos of artwork that I saw in Birmingham.
"The Lovley People" - Aaron Bird
"Giant Red Desktop Lamp" - Lucy Holmes
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