Christmas Market Authenticity: A Comparison of UK and German Markets
This report examines the characteristics and perceived authenticity of Christmas markets in the United Kingdom and Germany, based on observations in Birmingham, Berlin, and other UK locations.
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market
The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is described by its organizers as the "largest authentic German Christmas market" outside Germany and Austria. German students Nina Adler and Till Rampe noted similarities to traditional German markets, citing wooden huts, food, drink, and handicrafts. Till Rampe specifically identified chocolate-coated marshmallows as appearing authentic to his German hometown.
However, observations by Nina Adler indicated differences in beverages and music. She stated that in Germany, mulled wine is a typical drink at such markets, distinguishing it from beer consumption observed in Birmingham. Additionally, the presence of pop music, such as "The Power of Love," was noted as differing from German markets, where Christmas music and carols are customary.
Katharina Karcher, an academic at the University of Birmingham, assessed the Birmingham market as "super authentic." Established in 1997 and held annually since 2001, the market is organized by Kurt Stroscher, who also directs Frankfurt's Christmas market. It features German-built wooden stalls, white lights, and imported German food and drink.
German Christmas Markets
German Christmas markets traditionally commence on November 24th. Locations such as Dresden, Nuremberg, and Cologne host well-known markets. Dr. Karcher stated that these markets hold significant symbolic meaning in Germany. A visit to the Charlottenburg Palace market in Berlin documented it as active, featuring roasted almonds, mulled wine, grilled sausages, live Christmas carols, a Ferris wheel, and the palace illuminated with projected snowflakes.
Typical elements identified in traditional German Christmas markets include:
- Large tents housing restaurants or bars.
- Stalls offering handmade items such as woolly hats, gloves, scarves, jewelry, candles, and wooden nutcrackers.
- Traditional German foods, including Lebkuchen (gingerbread), various sausages (e.g., Bratwurst), cheeses, and hearty dishes like Langos and goulash.
- Mulled wine as a predominant alcoholic beverage.
- Locations often situated in squares within the Altstadt (old town) of a city or town, with multiple distinct markets in larger cities.
Visitors Magrita (66) and Dietmar (69) characterized German Christmas markets by their atmosphere, lighting, and decorations, referring to a "fairytale-like feeling." Anna and Karolina (both 19) cited the food, drink, colorful lighting, and festive ambiance as defining features.
Other UK Christmas Markets
Christmas markets are present in various UK cities, including Manchester, Leeds, Bath, Edinburgh, and Newcastle. Smaller markets, particularly in historic settings, have also gained public attention, with Lincoln Christmas market ceasing operation in 2023 due to overcrowding concerns.
Observations at the Kingston upon Thames market in Surrey noted an open mic night featuring a rendition of Neil Young's "Heart of Gold," and stalls offering items such as pasta, Greek gyros, and Yorkshire pudding wraps, alongside some German-themed food and signage. Visitor Jamie Aycliffe described UK markets as a "British version of the Bratwurst" and "more commercial" compared to European counterparts. Amelia Shannon stated she attended for the "aesthetic" and convenience.
Anne-Teresa Markovic, an academic from Nuremberg, observed a more prominent and diverse range of food and drink offerings in Manchester and Leeds markets, including "festive patatas bravas," which are not traditionally German.
Evolving Characteristics and Security
German Christmas markets are reportedly undergoing changes, with increased presence of international food options and a shift in depictions of Saint Nikolaus toward Santa Claus, according to Dr. Karcher.
Security measures at Christmas markets have been heightened following vehicle attacks in Berlin in 2016 and Magdeburg in 2022. Some markets have been canceled due to the associated security costs. The Berlin market visited was observed to have a perimeter fence with concrete blocks and a patrolling police vehicle. Visitors Anna and Karolina expressed a welcoming attitude toward more Christmas markets outside of Germany, stating that such markets are defined by their festive atmosphere and timing, rather than their geographical location.
Selected UK Christmas Markets for 2025:
- Wells, Somerset: A one-day event on Saturday, December 6th, featuring over 100 stalls.
- Canterbury, Kent: Operates until Christmas Eve, with 120 stalls, some located within the cathedral grounds.
- Haddon Hall, Derbyshire: Pre-booked tickets with parking are sold out; non-parking tickets are available at the door for £9.50.
- Chester, Cheshire: Stalls line Tudor and mock-Tudor streets, running until Monday, December 22nd, and include a stall operated by Chester Zoo.
- Hillsborough, County Down, Northern Ireland: Scheduled for Friday, December 12th, and Saturday, December 13th, set against the 17th-century Hillsborough Fort.
- Aberdeen Christmas Village, Scotland: Features an ice rink and multiple stalls, operating until December 31st.
- Portmeirion, North Wales: A location in Gwynedd, running from Friday, December 5th, to Sunday, December 7th, with a £10 entry fee.
- Winchester, Hampshire: The Christmas market is situated around the cathedral and is open until Monday, December 22nd.