Birmingham Christmas Market

Birmingham Christmas Market

 

In 336 CE a decision was taken to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth on 25 December. The celebration of Christmas on this date replaced older pagan celebrations that used to take place in midwinter. The custom of giving presents at Christmas, in celebration of the Three Kings giving presents to the Baby Jesus, did not start until much later. The giving of gifts also has its roots in pagan and Roman festivals.

 

People bought their presents at the Christmas markets which originally only took place in the larger cities and commercial centres. The markets in Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig and Dresden were especially well-known. The first historical record of Frankfurt Christmas Market dates back to 1393.

 

The Christmas Market was usually held on the church square so that people could wander round the Market after going to church. They would pause to admire the selection of wares – the best local crafts, toys, sweets and Christmas gifts. The toys were usually simple wooden carts, rag dolls and – much later – hobby horses and rocking horses. Until the 1870s and 1880s, parents would usually buy all their children’s toys at the Christmas Market.

 

Even then, Christmas Markets were places to see and be seen. They were an opportunity to meet friends and swap news and gossip.  This social aspect of the Christmas Markets has survived to this day, and even in the 21^st century, the Markets are the cities’ meeting place during Advent. People meet here over a cup of Glühwein to chat, sample the many different Christmas goodies, and enjoy the festive atmosphere and romance of winter. The Glühwein and refreshment stalls are the heart of the Market, and are as important as the traditional crafts stalls. Nowadays, the Christmas Markets are a colourful and lively mix of foods, drink, crafts and other seasonal attractions.

 

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market

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The majority of trips return from destination between 16:30 and 17:30. The driver will inform you of the exact time on the day, dependant on outward travel times. Whilst we do not guarantee a W/C on board most of our excursion fleet do have toilet facilities. For your comfort we allocate seating at time of booking, however reserve the right to alter or amend your seat allocation for utilisation purposes

 

Our Pick-ups are as follows:

 

• Barnsley Interchange – Stands 23/24

• Rotherham Interchange - Stands C2