10 reasons to visit Birmingham this Christmas
IT’S CHRRRIIISSSTTTMAAAASSSS!!! Birmingham is one of the best cities in the country to visit during the festivities, with anything from markets and lantern festivals to festive orchestras and Tudor halls on offer. Here are ten reasons why you should visit our fair city this month!
Birmingham’s world-famous Christmas Frankfurt Market is back!
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is a mainstay in the holiday season and is the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria. Known for the singing moose and a slew of local crafts, there’s nothing we like more than grabbing a bratwurst or pretzel and wandering around the market, maybe even stopping off at a few of the bars for a Glühwein along the way. You’ll find it in Victoria Square and all down New Street towards the Bullring. If smaller Christmas markets are your thing, then check out any number of the other markets including the Digbeth Arts Market and the floating Christmas market.
📍 Victoria Square, Birmingham city centre
📆 November 16th – December 24th
⌚ 10am – 9pm
We’ve got a new ice rink
What says holiday season more than strapping on a pair of skates and embarrassing yourself in front of friends and family? Luckily, the all new ice rink at Eastside City Park allows you to do just that! Open from November to January, Ice Skate Birmingham allows you to try your hand at winter activities as well as see the city in lights from the lofty Ferris wheel. There’s also a licensed (heated) indoor bar and various fair rides to keep the family occupied!
📍 Eastside City Park, Birmingham city centre
📆 November 16th – January 7th
⌚ 10am – 10pm
There’s a Magical Lantern Festival
A display of award winning floats and lights the Magical Lantern Festival will delight all ages. For something away from the hustle and bustle of the German Market and city centre crowds, bring in the holiday spirit with this beautiful array of colours and art in Kings Heath park.
📍 Kings Heath Park, Birmingham
📆 November 24th – January 1st
⌚ 5pm – 10pm
Coca-Cola’s Christmas truck is returning too
The iconic truck will be making a pit stop in Birmingham this month, in a brand new location. Round up the kids in the family and head down to Eastside City Park!
📍 Eastside City Park, Birmingham city centre
📆 December 9th + 10th
⌚ 11am – 7pm
The Nutcracker is on
Synonymous with the festivities, the ballet is the perfect way to capture some Christmas spirit at the Hippodrome. This performance of Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker by Birmingham Royal Ballet is one of the most anticipated traditions and it’s well worth checking out.
📍 The Hippodrome Theatre, Birmingham city centre
📆 December 2nd – 13th
⌚ Various times between 1pm and 7:30pm
Cadbury World is all Christmassy
Nothing says holiday season like festive treats and a few extra kilos. The legendary Cadbury World is filled with Christmas sweets and with a calendar filled with treats, meaning a stop at Cadbury World is one not to miss.
📍 Cadbury World, Bournville
📆 November 18th – December 23rd
⌚ 11am onwards
There’s an underwater Christmas tree and antarctic grotto
Ever wondered what a Christmas tree looked like in the ocean? Maybe not, but to behold such a spectacle is certainly a treat. The National Sea Life Centre hosts a range of Christmas activities that include the tree and Antarctic Grotto, a sure-fire way to entertain all ages.
📍 National Sea Life Centre, Brindleyplace
📆 November 25th – December 23rd
⌚ 10am – 9pm
Travel through the ages at a festive Blakesley Hall
Tudor museum Blakesley Hall will be decked with boughs of holly for one day only, in their special Christmas Through The Ages event. Join the St Barnabas Hand Bell ringers, a choir and museum staff for a guided tour, while enjoying festive hot punch and mince pies in the tea room. An event well worth booking tickets for.
📍 Blakesley Hall, Yardley
📆 December 9th
⌚ 10:30am
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is pretty special
Take a moment for some lovely music in the midst of the holiday chaos with one of the many shows put on this holiday season by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). Offering a wide range of both traditional holiday shows as well as modern ones, the CBSO certainly know how to put on a show.
📍 Symphony Hall, Birmingham city centre
📆 December 1st – 23rd
⌚ Various timings, check website
Meet Santa!
Of course, meeting Santa is a massively important part of the Christmas season. There are many opportunities to have a quick chat with Santa, including breakfast at Selfridges, at The Fort, or at Santa’s Grotto at House of Fraser. Sounds like Santa is going to be a busy man this season!
📍Various locations
📆 Various dates throughout December
⌚ Check individual department stores
