Those planning to visit one of the UK’s most popular Christmas markets have been urged to check before travelling.

It is the time of year when many thousands of people visit festive venues across the country at the weekend.

Birmingham’s Frankfurt market is one of the busiest in the UK. It reportedly attracts more than five million visitors every year.

The event has been voted the UK’s best Christmas market multiple times. It features more than 100 stalls that sell food, drink, gifts and more. The event also usually includes an ice rink and a big wheel.

Now, a railway operator has issued a warning to its customers who are thinking of travelling to the West Midlands city.

Chiltern Railways serves places between London and Birmingham, the area surrounding the city and Warwickshire. Services also travel to Oxford.

Officials have told travellers that its services are due to be “very busy”.

The operator said on X this morning: “Are you travelling to Birmingham’s Christmas Market for some festive fun?

“Please remember to check your journey before you travel, we are expecting services to be very busy.”

Chiltern Railways serve Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham Snow Hill stations.

Other operators that travel to Birmingham include:

• Avanti West Coast
• CrossCountry
• West Midlands Railway
• London Northwestern Railway
• Transport for Wales

The market itself has urged people to set aside their cars to travel to the venue.

Advice on its website reads: “Birmingham city centre will be extremely busy in the run up to Christmas.

“Please consider leaving the car at home and using public transport, walking or cycling.”

If you are driving, officials advise: “The Birmingham Christmas market is located within the Birmingham Clean Air Zone.

“To find out if your vehicle would be charged and what action you may need to take please visit the website.”

On parking, the market says: “There is ample parking in the vicinity of the Christmas Market.

“Details of city centre car parks can be found here. Please note that the Birmingham City Council car park on Navigation Street does not have a lift and may therefore be unsuitable for some visitors.”