It's impossible to be bored in Birmingham at Christmas!
The city has plenty to offer from market halls, ice skating rinks, and festive fairground rides to enjoy with your friends and family. Whether you explore during the day or at night, there's something out there for everyone. Whatever you do, just make sure you don’t miss out on the famous German Christmas market...
Christmas Markets
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
Open from Friday 1 November until Tuesday 24 December between 11:00 to 21:00. Located on New Street and Victoria Square, in the Birmingham City Centre.
Birmingham's 'German Market' is a Christmas staple! With over 50 stalls, this is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria. Wrap up warm and enjoy exploring the traditional food and drink stalls such as bratwurst sausages and gluhwein (a spiced wine) as well as stalls selling traditional goods and homemade crafts. You can also enjoy funfair rides, live music and performances - it's the perfect Christmassy day out! Find out more.
Christmas in Cathedral Square
Open from 7 November until 24 December, Cathedral Square (St Philips) on Colmore Row, Birmingham City Centre
Christmas in Cathedral Square is back! With a mixture of local crafts, foods and gifts, the market is just a couple of minutes from the German Market and is the grounds of the impressive St Philip's Cathedral.
Festive fun for all
Ice Skate Birmingham, Big Wheel and City Flyer
Open from 1 November to 4 January between 10:00 to 22:00 (except on Christmas Day). Located in Centenary Square, in the Birmingham City Centre.
Birmingham's outdoor ice rink is back, letting you twirl away outside the Library of Birmingham. This year the rink will have a roof to make sure you can skate, even if the weather is unpredictable. Skating sessions take place on the hour and last 45 minutes. Student tickets cost £9.45 and can be booked online. The big wheel gives great views over Birmingham and is also wheelchair accessible. The Big Wheel and City Flyer rides cannot be booked online - just turn up and pay as you go.
Sherlock Holmes and The 12 Days of Christmas
From 14 November until 18 January, at the REP theatre, Centernary Square.
This World Premiere comedy invites you to join the famous detective Sherlock Holmes on a new festive mystery at 221b Baker St! Enjoy this play from the scriptwriters of The Penny Dreadfuls’ Humphrey Ker and David Reed and brand new songs by legendary musical theatre duo Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Book now.
The Nutcracker
From 21 November until 13 December, at the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre.
This Christmas classic is a perfect ballet to attend to get you into the festive spirit! Watch this timeless production of daring swordfights, falling snow, magic, and a 30-foot Christmas tree, all with Tchaikovsky’s captivating music, performed live by the 60-strong Royal Ballet Sinfonia. Book now.
Luminate Birmingham: Birmingham Botanical Gardens Winter Lights Trail
From 28 November until 1 January, entry times are from 16:00 to 22:30. Located in Birmingham Botanical Gardens, in Edgbaston.
As darkness descends, go on an enchanting journey and weave a captivating light trail through the stunning, historic grounds of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Immerse yourself in the mesmerising almost mile-long trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient music. Book now.
Eat, sing and be merry
Candlelight Christmas Concerts
From 5 December onwards, St Paul's Church and Birmingham Cathedral
Get into the festive spirit with Candlelight concerts. From Christmas Classics to Christmas Movie soundtracks, there's something for everyone. Book now.
The Big Fat Christmas Quiz at The Old Crown
Thursday 18 December from 19:00 at The Old Crown in Digbeth
Santa Claus is kindly taking the time to stop off in Digbeth for a Big Fat Christmas Quiz at The Old Crown! Save yourself the quiz game arguments on Christmas Day and get it out of your system early with the ultimate festive trivia showdown in their heated garden, with lots of prizes up for grabs! Tickets cost £5. Book now.
Choral Christmas
Thursday 18 December from 19:30, at Symphony Hall, Broad St.
Christmas Carol Singalong is coming to town! Join Stephen Mangan for some festive fun with the very best Christmas songs and seasonal classics Christmas has to offer! More info.
Take a breather this Christmas
Winter Wellbeing Workshops
Various events, workshops and creative sessions are taking place throughout the Christmas period at grounded. Located in Selly Oak, Bournbrook Rd.
If you'd prefer to get crafty, do some yoga, meet new people or just be somewhere for a while over the Christmas break, check out grounded., a local café and hub in Selly Oak offering a range of therapeutic activities, events, workshops and social events to help you relax, recover, or recoup. And they're all free!