December events: Visit Birmingham's famous Christmas market

German Christmas markets have become all the rage around Europe. But Birmingham cottoned on to them well over a decade ago, and has successfully continued to thrill shoppers with over 80 stalls offering all that Frankfurt can muster. Held each year from early November, the market encompasses Victoria Square, New Street, Centenary Square and Chamberlain Square. It's the biggest German market outside Germany and Austria, don’t you know…

Crafts, gifts and jewellery can be bought for a bargain, and emphasis is placed on locally sourced materials and artisans that make this event more Black Country than Black Forest (although there's plenty of gateau too). Among the fantastic atmosphere is the legendary Glühwein (mulled wine) - enough to keep you warm on the coldest of winter nights.