THOUSANDS of people enjoyed the opening day of the Frankfurt Christmas Market which has made Birmingham city centre its new home for the next six weeks.
Organisers expect this year's attendance figures to break previous records, with more than two million visitors expected.
Last year 500 coachloads of people visited from across the UK and already this year 600 more have booked up.
This year's market is the biggest yet with more than 90 stalls set up in Victoria Square and New Street.
Jim Kelly, city centre manager, said: "The opening day was extremely successful and very busy.
"With more stalls than ever before we're expecting a record year and anticipating in excess of two and half million visitors to pass through the market by December 23."
As well as offering the usual array of traditional handmade toys, Christmas decorations, jewellery, craft goods and fairground rides, this year's event will for the first time see unique German wines, not available in the UK, on offer.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy the delights of German mulled wine or GlŸhwein, grilled sausages, vegetarian food, pretzels, German beer, and for those with a sweet tooth, gingerbread, crepes and marzipan sweets.
City council leader Mike Whitby said: "The German Market is now an established and well loved part of Christmas in Birmingham. Welcoming visitors from across the United Kingdom and Europe it is an important part of Birmingham's cultural offer."
The market will run until December 23, and is open from 10am to 9pm daily.
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