Birmingham Winter Markt
Visitors can browse holiday displays from local artists and vendors while enjoying European cuisine, ice sculptures, and thousands of lights. The event features live entertainment, complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, and a massive holiday tree adorned with LED lights. Families can visit the Santa House, explore the Kinderhaus children's activity area, and see character appearances.
What to Expect
European-style holiday market with ice sculptures, carriage rides, and tree lighting
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Birmingham
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Birmingham Shopping District
Food & Drink
European cuisine is offered at the event.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday market browsers
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Friday, December 4: event 4–9 p.m.; Santa House 6:45–8 p.m.; Tree Lighting Ceremony 6 p.m. Saturday, December 5: event 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Santa House 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Snow Queen and Frozen Princess Appearances 12:30–3:30 p.m.; horse-drawn carriage rides 3–7 p.m. Sunday, December 6: event 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Santa House 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; horse-drawn carriage rides 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Tips & Advice
- Come on Friday evening for the annual tree lighting, when Santa and live carolers help light the 41-foot tree with its 40,000-plus LED lights.
- Bring the kids on Saturday afternoon if they want to meet the Snow Queen and Frozen Princess, who only appear on Saturday.
- Plan your horse-drawn carriage ride for Saturday or Sunday, because the complimentary rides aren't scheduled on opening night.
- Dress for the weather because the Markt runs rain, snow or shine, and use the warming stations around Shain Park between stops.
- If you want to sell at the Markt, apply only through the official 2026 vendor application, since the organizers never ask for vendors in social media comments.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening night (Friday): annual Birmingham Holiday Tree Lighting with Santa, live caroling and the lighting of the 41-foot tree
- Saturday: Snow Queen and Frozen Princess appearances
- Saturday and Sunday: complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Winter Markt good for kids?
Yes, it's for all ages. Kids can visit Santa at the Santa House and play in the Kinderhaus children's activity area. On Saturday they can also meet the Snow Queen and Frozen Princess.
What happens on opening night?
Friday night is the annual Birmingham Holiday Tree Lighting. Santa comes, carolers sing live, and the 41-foot holiday tree lights up with over 40,000 LED lights.
Can we take a carriage ride?
Yes. The horse-drawn carriage rides are complimentary and run on Saturday and Sunday.
What if the weather is bad?
The Markt goes on rain, snow or shine. Warming stations are set up around the event.
How do I become a vendor?
Fill out the 2026 Winter Markt Vendor Application and follow the Birmingham Winter Markt Rules and Regulations. The Birmingham Shopping District only contacts vendors who have applied, and only from official BSD email addresses. Ignore anyone asking for vendors on social media.
More Christmas Events Near Birmingham
More Christmas Events near Birmingham
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.