Birmingham comes alive during the festive season. With Christmas almost upon us, here’s a round-up of where you can find a bit of festive fun in and around the Midlands this year.
Stroll through the Frankfurt Christmas Market
Until 24 December, open 11am to 9pm daily.
Omitting this one from our honourable mentions would be nothing short of criminal, so we'll put it at the top of the list in it's rightful place. Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas market – the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany - has returned and it’s bigger and better than ever before. This firm fixture in the city’s festive calendar offers a large range of traditional goods as well as more pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts and gluhwein than you can shake a stick at. If you’re lucky you’ll catch some of the live evening entertainment to really get you into the spirit of things, but we think it’s best enjoyed after a stein or two.
Experience Christmas in Cathedral Square
Until 17 December, opening times vary
In the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral (affectionately known as Pigeon Park to any longstanding Brummies) you’ll find a market of Christmas chalets where the local businesses and craftspeople of Birmingham will be showcasing and selling their wares. Taking up residency this year are Summer & Silver, Miss Macaroon, and the much loved Pigeon in the Park pub.
Take to the ice
There’s nothing more festive than a bit of mild peril in the form of a Christmas ice-skating session, and this year the city centre has not one but two rinks for you to choose from.
Ice Skate Birmingham has been voted as one of the UK’s best outdoor ice-skating rinks year on year, it offers 600 square metres of weatherproofed ice rink, views of Birmingham’s big wheel and The Ice Lounge, an onsite bar where you can grab a post-skate snack. Located in Centenary square until 8 January this one is in a handy location to round-off your mosey through the markets. It's open 10am-10pm every day.
Straight from the box office
Turn up the yuletide magic with a trip to the theatre for a Christmas classic. Feeling cultured? Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker returns to Birmingham Hippodrome between 17 November and 9 December. After something a little lighter? Jack and the Beanstalk is this year’s Hippodrome panto of choice, featuring its annual star, Matt Slack, alongside Alison Hammond and Doreen Tipton.
BCU festive fun
We're also getting into the Christmas Spirit! We have lots going on including the Swing into Christmas concert and BCU's Christmas Carol Service at St Philip's Cathedral. Plus, we don't want to brag, but the Christmas tree in Millennium Point is very impressive and worth a visit.
All things bright and beautiful
25 November 2023 until 2 January 2024
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens are all lit up for the festive season. Weave through a captivating light trail at the stunning, historic grounds of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The almost mile long winter light trail has stunning light effects set to music.
Fun for all the family
Smaller family members need not be left out, as there are plenty of attractions to get them involved this year, too. Gaze upon glittering trees, enjoy afternoon tea or listen to a story from Santa himself at Warwick Castle, you’ll get to climb the towers while you take in the grounds in all their festive glory from 25 November to 7 January. Or, head to Cadbury World for their Christmas festivities, which include a Santa stage show, festive winter wonderland and a giant chocolate Christmas Tree! The Luna Winter Cinema comes to Digbeth 9-23 December, including classic Christmas films such as Elf, Home Alone and the Grinch.
