The Birmingham Christmas Markets are well-known and frequently shared on social media. When planning a meetup with my university friend, we opted for Birmingham as it was centrally located for both of us, coming from Manchester and Cardiff. To my surprise, Birmingham turned out to be busier and rainier than Manchester, a city known for its hustle and bustle.

The train journey itself was crowded, with people packed tightly in the aisles, almost sitting on my lap while I was seated. The continuous rain made browsing the market stalls nearly impossible, and the city was bustling like I had never seen before, second only to London.

The market area was packed with people, making it difficult to move around, particularly near the Bull Ring shopping center. Despite expecting a more relaxed atmosphere during the day, the reality was far from it.

Although the market stalls were beautifully decorated and festive, finding respite from the rain was a challenge as the covered bars were overcrowded. Trying a Bratwurst for the first time left me unimpressed, and the struggle to find a place for lunch due to the crowds was a recurring theme.

The inclement weather caused my appearance to suffer, with frizzy hair in every direction. Walking through puddles led to dye from my Uggs leaking onto my socks, creating an unpleasant experience. The day was not ideal weather-wise, leaving me yearning for a sunny, cool day.

The overwhelming crowds in Birmingham left me genuinely shocked, prompting me to wonder if it was a typical occurrence. Traveling to Birmingham proved challenging for my friend, whose train from Cardiff was canceled, forcing her to drive for two hours.

As my friend encountered traffic delays leaving the city center, my delayed train arrival seemed trivial in comparison. Despite the chaotic day, spending time with my university friend was enjoyable and provided a chance to catch up. A warm shower after returning home was a welcomed relief from the cold and dampness, making me rethink my next visit to Birmingham and the timing of the Christmas markets.