The West Midlands has transformed into a festive wonderland as Christmas markets pop up across the region, each offering its own unique blend of holiday charm, artisan crafts, and tempting foods. Here are some highlights from the top Christmas markets you’ll want to visit during the 2024 festive period.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
This market in Victoria Square is a staple of the festive season, renowned for being the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria. It offers charming wooden chalets adorned with twinkling fairy lights selling a range of German foods like bratwurst and pretzels, and of course, German beer, as well as a wide selection of traditional gifts, including glass ornaments and hand-carved toys.
Don't forget to enjoy a session of ice skating just a short walk away in Centenary Square. Click here for more information and to book tickets.
When? 1st November to 24th December 2024.
Where? Victoria Square & New Street, Birmingham B1 1BB.
Birmingham Cathedral Square Craft Market
Set within the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral, this Birmingham Cathedral Square Craft Market features over 60 independent craft traders offering a delightful mix of delicious street food, drink, and unique handmade gifts.
When? 13th November to 22nd December 2024.
Where? Cathedral Square, Birmingham B3 2QB.
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre
Step back in time at the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre, which showcases the best of Victorian-era charm. The historic streets of Worcester are filled with festive stalls, street entertainers, and performers, creating a magical atmosphere.
When? 28th November 2024 to 1st December 2024.
Where? Worcester City Centre, WR1 3EY.
Trentham Shopping Village: Christmas Makers Markets
The Christmas Makers Markets at Trentham Shopping Village offer a perfect setting for picking up unique gifts and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Featuring a variety of handmade products from local artisans, including crafts, food, and seasonal drinks, the markets take place in the beautiful surroundings of Trentham Estate.
When? 14th December 2024.
Where? Trentham Estate, Stone Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 8JG.
Coventry Christmas Market
Set in the heart of Coventry, this traditional Christmas market offers a festive shopping experience with plenty of stalls, from handcrafted gifts to delicious seasonal treats. Inspired by classic German markets, Coventry’s offering features everything from mulled wine to charming wooden decorations, creating a lovely atmosphere for visitors of all ages. In addition, the market includes an ice skating rink and Big Wheel. making it a perfect festive outing for the whole family.
When? 18th November 2024 to 6th January 2025.
Where? Broadgate, Coventry, CV1 1NE.
Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market
Transport yourself to a festive Victorian era at Stratford-upon-Avon’s Christmas market. The market features an array of traditional Victorian-style stalls, offering everything from homemade crafts to delicious festive treats. The charming atmosphere is enhanced by street performers, carol singers, and historic surroundings, making this a truly magical Christmas experience.
When? 7th to 8th and 14th to 15th December 2024.
Where? Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6E.
Wolverhampton Christmas Shopping Market
Experience the festive spirit at Wolverhampton’s Christmas Shopping Market, located on Dudley Street. The market brings together local and international traders offering unique handmade gifts, stocking fillers, street food, and festive treats such as German sausages and mulled wine. The vibrant atmosphere promises a memorable shopping experience for all.
When? 13th - 19th December 2024.
Where? Dudley Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 3EY.
Winterland Wolverhampton
Winterland Wolverhampton offers an exciting festive experience with a mix of attractions, including an ice rink, funfair rides, and a Christmas market. With an emphasis on family-friendly fun, Winterland provides plenty of opportunities for festive enjoyment, including food stalls and entertainment for all ages.
When? 28th November 2024 to 5th January 2025.
Where? Market Square, Wolverhampton, WV3 ONL.
Leamington Christmas Market
Set in the heart of Leamington Spa, the Leamington Christmas Market is a picturesque event offering a range of artisan stalls, local goods, and festive food. From handcrafted decorations to seasonal treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This market is an ideal spot for unique Christmas gifts and a lovely day out.
When? 7th and 8th December 2024.
Where? The Pump Rooms, Royal Leamington Spa, CV32 4AA.
Himley Hall & Park: Christmas Craft and Gift Fair
The Christmas Craft and Gift Fair at Himley Hall & Park offers a festive shopping experience with a selection of unique handmade gifts, Christmas decor, and local treats. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities like the North Pole Post Office, Santa's sleigh, and live choir performances, creating a warm and festive atmosphere across the park’s historic grounds.
How much? £2.50 per person; free for under 16s. Click here for details.
When? 9th and 10th November 2024.
Where? Himley Hall & Park, Himley Road, Dudley, DY3 4DF.
Kinver Christmas Market
Kinver’s charming Christmas Market features a festive array of crafts, seasonal food, and gift stalls. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment while exploring the various offerings, from handmade decorations to delicious local delicacies, capturing the warmth and community spirit of the season.
When? 30th November 2024.
Where? High Street, Kinver, West Midlands, DY7 6HF.
Bournville Christmas Festival
Bournville Christmas Festival brings festive joy with its bustling market stalls, choir performances, and a chance to meet Santa in his Grotto. The historic village green provides a picturesque setting for visitors to browse handmade gifts, enjoy seasonal treats, and embrace the cosy holiday spirit.
When? 30th November 2024.
Where? Bournville Village Green, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 2AA.
Bewdley Christmas Market
Bewdley Christmas Market offers a charming riverside market experience, transforming the town with festive stalls, holiday lights, and traditional treats. Shoppers can explore artisan crafts, seasonal food, and enjoy family-friendly fun, including live music, a thrilling light switch-on at dusk, stilt walkers and a chance to meet the man himself- Santa!
When? 30th November 2024, 1pm to 6pm with the lights switch-on at 5:30pm.
Where? Severn Side North & South, Bewdley, DY12 2DX.
Telford Christmas Market
Telford’s Christmas Market offers a bustling selection of festive gifts, decorations, and delicious food, set in a cheerful holiday village atmosphere. With log cabins, twinkling lights, and live music this market provides a fun and festive family outing in the heart of Telford.
When? 25th November 2024 to 23rd December 2024.
Where? Southwater, Telford, TF3 4EJ.
Edgbaston Village: Christmas Special Market
Edgbaston’s Christmas light switch-on coincides with the lively Artisan Market, filling Greenfield Crescent with festive cheer. Starting at 10:00am, visitors can enjoy shopping for handcrafted gifts, followed by seasonal performances beginning at 3:00pm. Highlights include appearances by Santa, Mrs Claus, and their elf, along with a Frozen-inspired show, carol-singing choirs, and a performance by Elmhurst Ballet School.
When? 9th November 2024.
Where? 5 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3BE.
Midlands Art Centre (MAC): Christmas Arts Market
The MAC Christmas Arts Market returns with a handpicked selection of quality, handmade creations from talented designer-makers in Birmingham, the West Midlands, and beyond. Visitors can expect a diverse range of stalls showcasing ceramics, jewellery, paintings, textiles, and more, perfect for unique gifts or special keepsakes. With festive treats from the KILN Café, including seasonal drinks and a delicious Sunday roast, it’s a lively event to discover local artistry while enjoying a cosy, festive atmosphere.
When? 30th November 2024 and 1st, 7th and 8th December 2024.
Where? Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH.
Penkridge Victorian Christmas Market
The Penkridge Victorian Christmas Market offers a wide range of food, craft, and gift stalls, plus seasonal entertainment and a funfair, making it a perfect way to begin your Christmas celebrations.
Local producers will have everything you need for holiday feasting, from cheeses and preserves to mince pies as well as festive meals being available at the Old Deanery Farm Café. Alongside delicious treats, visitors can browse craft stalls featuring handmade jewellery, candles, and holiday decorations, making it easy to find unique gifts and all your Christmas essentials in one place.
How much? £3 for adults and free entry for children. Click here for details.
When? 24th November 2024.
Where? Penkridge Market, Pinfold Lane, Penkridge, Stafford, ST19 5AS.
Sutton Coldfield Christmas Market
Sutton Coldfield Christmas Market will be a festive highlight, running from November 28 through December 22 (closed on Mondays) in Sutton Coldfield’s town centre, specifically along The Parade. This is the town’s inaugural chalet-style Christmas market, organised in partnership with the Royal Sutton Coldfield BID and LSD Promotions.
The market will feature charming wooden chalets filled with unique holiday gifts, seasonal foods, and local artisanal products, bringing a cosy Christmas village ambiance to Sutton Coldfield. Visitors can enjoy festive treats like mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, as well as live entertainment on select days to enhance the holiday experience.
Hagley Road Village Christmas Fair
Get into the festive spirit at the Hagley Road Village Christmas Fair! This charming event offers a range of stalls featuring handmade crafts, holiday treats, and unique gifts, perfect for the season. Visitors can enjoy live music (from the City of Birmingham Brass Band), festive activities, and a FREE Santa's grotto, making it an event not to be missed.
When? 30th November 10am-3pm.
Where? 336 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B17 8BH.
Apley Christmas Market
Apley’s Christmas Market returns this year with an expanded selection of craft stalls, offering even more opportunities to find unique, handmade gifts. Visitors can enjoy holiday shopping, with everything from festive holly and hampers to cakes and candles. With the Food Hall, Kitchen Café, Playbarn, and independent shops open, it's the perfect place to spend a full day getting into the Christmas spirit.
When? 23rd and 24th November 2024.
Where? Apley Farm Shop, Norton, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 9EF.
With such a diverse range of Christmas markets across the West Midlands, there’s no shortage of festive cheer, unique gifts, and seasonal treats to discover in 2024. From bustling artisan and craft fairs to full magical Winter Wonderlands and award-winning Victorian Christmas markets, each brings its own character and local flavour, perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit.
Whether you're shopping for handmade gifts, tasting holiday foods (especially those yummy roasted chestnuts), or simply enjoying the atmosphere, these markets offer a magical experience to kickstart the holiday season.
If you'd like to check out some of the other festive events happening across the Midlands, explore my other blog posts, such as The Best Christmas Events in the West Midlands or Free and Low-Cost Christmas Events.