By james art 
The beginning of November marked the beginning of the festive season, bringing with it the popular Christmas market in Frankfurt.
First introduced in 2001, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is considered the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria.
This year marks 24 years since the market opened and has undergone many significant changes over the years.
For example, net size has increased exponentially since 2001; when originally there were only 24 stalls.
I visited the market on its second day open and was pleasantly surprised by the large number of visitors and the wide selection of food, drink and souvenirs.
The price ranged from £9.00 for a ½ meter bratwurst, £12.50 for a pint of beer and a box of 9 marshmallows for £10 which I devoured whole.
The prices were pretty much consistent from last year and there really was something for everyone, whether it was booze and food for the adults or even seasonal treats like donuts and hot chocolate for the kids.
In an interview with one of the visitors to the German market, Kyrian said: “I’ve been going there for 10 years” “I really enjoy the food and the atmosphere and I think it’s a great way to start the festive season” “They are a bit expensive, but you don’t spend them every day, like once a year”.
The Christmas Market offers a variety of seasonal goods, including festive ornaments available in a 3 for £10 offer and winter essentials such as cozy hats and gloves. These items make perfect gifts or practical additions to keep visitors warm while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
For those interested in visiting the Christmas market, the times are as follows:
Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm
Monday from 11 am to 9 pm
Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m
Wednesday from 11 am to 9 pm
Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m
Friday 11:00–21:30
Saturday 10:00 – 21:30
Nearby attractions add even more excitement to the Christmas market with an ice rink and adrenaline-pumping attractions including the iconic Big Wheel.
The Big Wheel ride offers stunning panoramic views of the Birmingham skyline, featuring landmarks such as the Library of Birmingham, Council House, Town Hall and Brindley Place, along with Britain’s largest German Christmas market below.
Right next to the Big Wheel, visitors can enjoy the magic of outdoor ice skating in an indoor rink where you can glide under the festive lights without worrying about the weather – a perfect way to embrace the festive spirit in the heart of Birmingham.