Now in its 13th year, it is the largest outdoor largest German market outside Germany and Austria, attracting thousands of visitors. For Willmott Dixon as one of the city’s biggest employers which is responsible for the care and maintenance of 60,000 homes and properties in Birmingham, it’s also an opportunity to engage with the wider community.

Willmott Dixon Partnerships operations director Pauline Chatt explains, “We want to meet as many people as possible at our stand in the market at Victoria Square to talk about job and training opportunities, any community projects we could get involved in, plus get feedback on our service where we work with thousands of residents each year. We are also making our stand available to local charities such as St Basils and Fireside to meet people and raise money, part of our on-going work in supporting these organisations that do tremendous work with people in Birmingham.”

The market runs until 22nd December, with traditional stalls offering beautiful handmade toys, Christmas decorations, jewellery and craft goods as well as a carousel to keep younger visitors entertained.

Visitors also enjoy the delights of German mulled wine (Gluhwein), grilled sausages, vegetarian options, pretzels, German beer, and for those with a sweet tooth, gingerbread, crepes and marzipan sweets.

Willmott Dixon will be on its stand from 16th December until 22nd December, with a team offering free hot chocolate and branded ice scrapers. Before then, local charities in Birmingham have access to the stand to promote their work. Pauline continued, “We wanted to do something special with our stand and hope that by providing a friendly and warm welcome to all our visitors we can help to spread the Christmas spirit.”

Willmott Dixon Partnerships managing director Mick Williamson said, “Over the last 12 years, the Frankfurt Christmas Market has become an integral part of Birmingham’s festive season, and we are proud to be supporting it for the next three years. The market echoes our own ethos by bringing together all members of the community and celebrating the rich culture of the city.”

Willmott Dixon Partnerships is currently working with Birmingham City Council to repair and maintain 60,000 properties in the city. It’s two contracts for the north and south of the city includes the areas of Edgbaston, Hall Green, Northfield, Selly Oak, Ladywood, Erdington, Perry Bar and Sutton Coldfield.