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Planned industrial action is set to cause disruption to the rail network on Saturday, November 1 - the first day of the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market. The German market is to open on a Saturday this year for the first time in its history but visitors planning a journey into the city to celebrate will need to keep in mind that rail strikes are on the horizon. The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) says travellers should significant disruption on all CrossCountry routes due to the walk out. Read more: Birmingham German Christmas Market 2025 opening dates, times and how to get there At the time of writing, the current plan states there will be no CrossCountry services at all between Birmingham, Leicester and Cambridge/Stansted Airport, nothing between Gloucester and Cardiff, nor between Derby and Nottingham, Bristol and Plymouth/Paignton/Penzance and no services between Edinburgh and Glasgow/Aberdeen. A very limited service will operate on services between Birmingham and Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol, Birmingham and Reading and Birmingham and Derby. Services between Newcastle and Edinburgh will also be limited. CrossCountry told customers: "The strike action coincides with the opening of Christmas Markets in some places on the CrossCountry network, with town and city centres expected to be particularly busy." It added: "We strongly recommend you check your entire journey before travelling and expect services to be much busier than usual." CrossCountry says is 'committed' to reaching an agreement with the union. Shiona Rolfe, CrossCountry's managing director, said: "We are disappointed for our customers that the RMT is undertaking a second day of planned industrial action this autumn. "While we will try to run as many services as possible, customers will inevitably face significant disruption. "We are committed to reaching an agreement with the RMT and remain available to continue talks." Click here for information on parking and hotels near the Christmas market. Strike action can change quickly so keep checking the CrossCountry website for updates if you were planning to travel by rail.
