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.
Posted 26 November 2024
Go to the German Market
When is Birmingham Christmas Market? 1 November to 24 December 2024
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 its rightful place. Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas market – the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany - returns for another year 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
When is the Christmas market in Cathedral Square? 13 November to 22 December 2024, 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 independent businesses and craftspeople of Birmingham will be showcasing and selling their wares.
Take to the ice
When does Birmingham ice skating open? 1 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
There’s nothing more festive than a bit of mild peril in the form of a Christmas ice-skating session. 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 this one is in a handy location to round-off your mosey through the markets. It's open 10am-10pm every day.
Go to the theatre
The Nutcracker, Birmingham Royal Ballet - The Hippodrome
Birmingham Royal Ballet's festive classic is a beautiful way to celebrate the festive season. If you've never been to the ballet this magical adventure set to Tchaikovsky is a captivating introduction.
Christmas Pantomime, Peter Pan - The Hippodrome
Peter Pan is this year’s Hippodrome panto of choice, featuring its annual star, Matt Slack, alongside Alison Hammond and Danny Mac. This years performance runs from 21 December all the way through till February!
BCU festive fun
We're also getting into the Christmas Spirit! We have lots going on including the Swing into Christmas concert and RBC's Chorus Celebrates Christmas. 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
29 November 2024 until 1 January 2025
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 23 November to 5 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!