Birmingham’s Christmas Markets are widely praised and frequently showcased on social media. When my university friend and I planned to meet up, we opted for Birmingham due to its central location between my hometown of Manchester and her residence in Cardiff. To my surprise, Birmingham turned out to be even busier and rainier than Manchester, known for its hustle and bustle.
The train journey itself was a cramped experience, with people almost sitting on me due to the overcrowded conditions. The continuous rain during our visit made it challenging to explore the market stalls, and the city was bustling beyond anything I had ever witnessed, excluding London.
Navigating through the packed crowds around the stalls and the Bull Ring shopping center was a daunting task. Despite seeing enticing images of the markets on TikTok, the reality was far from the expected tranquility. The festive atmosphere and beautiful stalls were overshadowed by the overwhelming crowds and lack of space, even in the covered bars.
Trying a Bratwurst for the first time left me unimpressed, leading to a quick disposal of the meal. Finding a place for lunch proved to be a time-consuming challenge due to the sheer volume of people. Even popular spots like Bill’s had lengthy queues, forcing us to alter our plans.
The persistent rain left me feeling soaked and defeated, with my once-stylish appearance ruined by the weather. Walking through puddles caused the dye from my Uggs to stain my socks, adding to the unpleasant experience of the day.
While one cannot control the weather, the overwhelming crowds in Birmingham left me genuinely shocked. The journey for my friend from Cardiff, whose train was canceled, resulted in a lengthy two-hour drive instead.
As I waited for my train, late as expected, I remained unperturbed, engrossed in my book. However, learning that my friend was stuck in traffic for over an hour and a half leaving the city center added to the chaotic day.
Despite the challenging circumstances, spending time with my university friend made the day more enjoyable. The comforting hot shower upon returning home, after enduring the cold and dampness, was a welcome relief. Perhaps my next visit to Birmingham will be better timed, once the Christmas markets have concluded.