by No sooner had the Halloween cobwebs been wiped off the shop windows in Birmingham city center than the German-style Christmas market, one of the largest in the UK, opened on November 1st.
For just over seven weeks, dozens of stalls stretching 500 meters along the city’s main shopping street and reaching the main square will sell bratwursts, sweet treats, jewelry and beer – for £12 for a pint (including the deposit for it) . Glass).
“It’s just not the same anymore. It’s too commercial. It starts too early and has become too expensive,” said Kate Jones, 46, passing through the market on her way home from work. “I’ve worked here for 20 years and have seen it grow so much bigger. It’s not that intimate. I actually never go there anymore, and I think a lot of people who live and work here feel the same way.”
Christmas markets that are bigger than ever and open longer are increasingly polarizing opinions across the UK as some residents and businesses grow tired of the busy crowds and repetitive stalls.
“I wish they would later go back to how it was when it opened – November 1st is a bit much,” said Hannah, 36, as she stopped by on a Wednesday evening. “If each stall was a standalone stand it would be better, but they all just sell the same thing. It’s overpriced but it’s fun, overpriced I guess.”
“Every six stand is a marshmallow stand,” her boyfriend Matt, 36, added. “And it’s so big that it actually affects the entire city center.”
Beatrice Douzjian, co-owner of family-run cafe Ju Ju’s in the city, said she found it “disgraceful” to have spent so much time and resources on the Christmas market while small businesses were struggling.
“As soon as it starts, we notice there is a lull in business,” she said. “It diverts trade from small independent businesses like us but provides no value to customers as the same thing is sold in the market at exorbitant prices.”
A similar problem is playing out in Manchester, where night time economy consultant Sacha Lord said that while 9 million people are expected to visit the city center market this year, local businesses are losing customers to Christmas stalls.
“The extra tourism is great, but it can also bring disadvantages for pubs, bars and restaurants, which may see a decline in footfall if they are away from the markets or simply cannot benefit from all the foot traffic,” Mr said.
“City planners should help by keeping food stalls away from similar restaurants, but there is also huge opportunity for venues themselves to create their own experiences that bring people in from the cold.”
Matthew Lockren of Pure Craft Bar and Kitchen, next door to the Birmingham Christmas market, has felt the benefit and says sales “double every year after opening”.
“The opportunity for us as a company is enormous,” he said.
In some parts of the country, Christmas markets have become too successful for their own good. The market in Lincoln, which ran for 40 years, was finally canceled last year over fears of overcrowding after attracting a record 300,000 visitors over four days in 2022.
Manchester’s Christmas markets began in 1998 with just a handful of stalls and later spread to Albert Square, where European traders hawked their wares under the watchful eye of the famous “Zippy Santa” who graced the town hall.
As the building is being renovated, the markets have become more spread out across the city since 2018 and this year include 240 stalls. Many here say that the supply of goods has decreased while prices have increased. Brexit has also resulted in more local traders taking part in pitches than visiting Europeans.
“I don’t even have to walk through it. You’ve seen a little and you’ve already seen everything. There used to be all sorts of things, but now there’s just food and drink,” said Michelle, 56.
“When they started there were a lot of people from Europe,” said her friend Lisa, 57. “Now everything is the same. It’s too expensive for what it is; Food and drink have increased significantly.”
“They’re no longer a novelty because I’ve lived in Manchester for so long,” said Caroline Durkin, 69. “But I love it when they arrive and there’s a Christmas atmosphere.”
The markets also impact people with disabilities, as their access to city centers is limited by obstacles in the form of stalls and street furniture – as well as an influx of people.
In York, blue badge holders have been banned from entering the city center during Christmas market opening hours. “It has a massive impact on the ability of disabled people to access goods and services that non-disabled people take for granted,” said Flick Williams of campaign group Reverse The Ban.
Following the complaints, the council changed its policy. James Gilchrist, the council’s director of environment, transport and planning, said: “The council’s executive committee has decided to allow blue badge holders access to the city center at less busy times for two hours during the Christmas market.” Council officers are now working with the Market organizers Make it York and other stakeholders are working together to implement the agreements as quickly as possible.”
A spokesman for Birmingham City Council said: “Frankfurt Christmas Market attracts millions of visitors to the city every year and provides a huge economic boost. We are proud that the market offers jobs for over 350 locals in addition to German employees.”
“We are very proud that the Manchester Christmas markets are the largest Christmas markets in the country and are delighted that they have broken all visitor records since they opened last Friday,” said Pat Karney, a local councillor. “Everyone can enjoy the exhilarating Christmas atmosphere at our markets for free without having to buy anything.”
