Birmingham’s Christmas Markets are widely known for their popularity, often making a splash on social media. When planning a meetup with my university friend, we opted for Birmingham due to its central location between Manchester and Cardiff. To my surprise, Birmingham turned out to be even busier and rainier than Manchester, which is notorious for its crowds and rain.

The train journey itself was an indicator of what awaited us, with crowded aisles and limited seating space. The relentless rain during our visit made it challenging to explore the market stalls, and the city was bustling beyond expectation, rivaling only London in its level of activity.

Navigating through the crowds was akin to sardines packed around the stalls, and reaching the Bull Ring shopping center proved to be a daunting task. Despite the market’s aesthetic charm, finding respite from the rain was a struggle as the indoor spaces were equally packed.

While the stalls exuded holiday cheer, my culinary experience fell short with my first taste of Bratwurst. The lunch quest was equally challenging, with long queues at every eatery we attempted to visit, including a notable 50-person line at Bill’s.

The inclement weather led to soaked shoes and a less-than-glamorous appearance, with my hair succumbing to frizz in the damp conditions. It seemed we had picked the least favorable weekend in terms of weather for our visit.

Although one can’t control the weather, the overwhelming crowds left me questioning if Birmingham is perpetually this busy. Transportation challenges further added to the hectic day, with my friend facing significant delays due to traffic congestion.

Despite the chaotic day, the silver lining was the opportunity to reconnect with my university friend and share some laughter. A warm shower upon returning home was a welcome relief from the cold and dampness, prompting thoughts of planning my next Birmingham visit post-Christmas market season.