Birmingham's Christmas market has been named the UK's most accessible festive destination, scoring 10 out of 10 for accessibility facilities in a new study by mobility experts Muick Sandy.
The research assessed Europe's Christmas markets on factors including the distance to accessible toilets, parking and step-free public transport, surrounding ground conditions, and the accessibility facilities available to visitors.
Birmingham Leads the UK Rankings
Visitors to Birmingham are 110 metres from an accessible toilet, 158 metres from accessible parking and 133 metres from step-free public transport, making it ideal for older people visiting the iconic market this winter.
The experts explained: "Just 5.7% of the surrounding ground assessed was rough or uneven, contributing to Birmingham finishing comfortably ahead of the remaining markets."
DiscoverBritain recently named Birmingham Christmas Market one of "Britain's most magical" - an "authentic German Christmas market with handcrafted wooden decorations and plenty of indulgent food and drink options".
Advice for Visitors with Mobility Needs
Ben Kenny, director at Muick Sandy, said: "Christmas markets are a huge part of the festive season for millions of people, but something as simple as uneven ground, a long journey from accessible parking or a lack of suitable facilities can make visiting much more difficult for somebody with limited mobility.
"Anyone with mobility needs planning a Christmas market trip should check the accessibility information available before travelling, particularly the location of parking, toilets and step-free transport."
Strasbourg Tops Europe
According to the study, the most accessible Christmas market in Europe is Strasbourg, in France. Visitors there are just 23 metres from step-free public transport, the shortest distance of any market analysed.
Strasbourg is known as the "capital of Christmas", and its Christmas market is one of the oldest and most magical in Europe, dating back to 1570. It is also considered one of the most beautiful in the world, taking place around the city's cathedral.
Strasbourg recently made it to TripAdvisor's Traveller's Choice Top 10 French destinations. With its timber-framed houses and charming canals, the city is a popular winter getaway.
Birmingham Christmas Market runs from November 5 to December 24, 2026, while Strasbourg Christmas Market runs from November 27 to December 24, 2026.
