Due to its easy access by all forms of travel, Christmas shopping in Birmingham has to be the place to consider, assuming of course that you have yet to venture on this annual pilgrimage.
Birmingham offers shopping facilities that are second to none and in today’s economic climate, at prices to suit all pockets.
For those traveling by car, there are numerous car parking facilities, with some major stores offering their own. There are also numerous privately owned indoor and outdoor parking facilities. Parking selection includes multi-story, street, long-term and short-term parking. It is difficult to provide car parking prices as they vary and are highly dependent on the required parking period. More information can be found on the Birmingham City Council website. However, some lower price information has been provided.
For those traveling by train, Birmingham’s three main railway stations, New Street, Snow Hill and Moor Street, are within easy walking distance of the city centre.
In the run up to Christmas, Birmingham offers, in and around Victoria Square, the authentic Frankfurt Christmas Market, which has become a huge favorite for both residents and visitors to the city, with some traveling from places as far away as Europe. The market is combined with the local merchants’ Christmas Craft Fair and together they offer some 180 stalls to browse and enjoy. Open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and runs from November 18 to December 23. This combined offer is probably one of the most popular Christmas markets in the UK.
Browsing the quaint stalls you’ll find an abundance of traditional handcrafted gifts, including jewelry, wooden toys, dolls, and candles. If you get hungry, you will find stalls offering German beers, traditional German sausages, meats, sweets, marzipans, cakes, breads and the more traditional UK chips, hot dogs, burgers etc.
You will experience a truly continental atmosphere conjured by the lights, sounds and smells of this show.
The event offers disabled access and restrooms with live music every lunch and night from a traditional bandstand.
For those looking for the most expensive jewelery gifts, then Birmingham’s Jewelery Quarter has to be the place to visit. There are over a hundred specialty retailers that offer amazing jewelry options. Also within the neighborhood are restaurants and bars for those who need a break from their Christmas adventure.
Parking spaces around the Jewelery Quarter are available Monday to Saturday at a price of 50p for one hour, £1.00 for two, £1.60 for three, £2.00 for four and £3.00 for six. Words of caution, however, always remember that the longer you stay, the more you’re likely to spend. The opening hours of the shops within the neighborhood are varied.
Birmingham’s Bullring also offers some 160 of the most imaginable and desirable shops for you to explore, including the department stores Selfridges and Debenhams. There are also a large number of restaurants offering a varied choice. The opening hours of the Plaza de Toros are from Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (until 10:00 p.m. from December 8), Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Plaza de Toros also has three exclusive car parks that offer spaces for around three thousand vehicles.
For the Christmas bargain hunters among us, the open-air and indoor market of the Plaza de Toros are also places to visit.
For independent designer stores, the Mailbox shopping arcade is the place to be, as it has the largest collection of such stores outside of London and includes brands such as Emporio Armani, Harvey Nichols, Hugo Boss, DKNY and Polo Ralph Lauren. . There is also a variety of lifestyle stores along with designer stores. Again, for the hungry, there are restaurants and cafes on offer. El Buzón has its own car park with around 670 spaces, including those for the disabled. Prices range from £2.50 for one hour to £7.00 for four. Opening hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Birmingham also offers department stores such as Marks & Spencer, Primark, House of Fraser, Urban Outfitters, Harvey Nicholls, Next, British Home Stores, etc.
There are also shopping centers like The Palisades, Fort Focus and Pavilion Central etc. to wander
A linked NCP car park services The Palisades, which is currently open for hours Monday 11:00am-5:00pm, Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am-6:00pm, and Sunday 11:00am. a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fort Focus offers free parking for about 2,000 vehicles and opening hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday until 9:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. 00 to 17:00 hours.
The Pavilion offers free parking and the opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, Thursday until 7:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Again, wherever you venture within the city, you’ll find restaurants, cafes, and bars to suit your every need.
Please note that the parking information and opening hours provided have been taken from currently available information and, like any type of information, may be updated at any time.
Activ Birmingham wishes you a happy day in your search for those elusive gifts.