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 Thursday 2 November until Sunday 24 December between 11:00 to 21:00. Located on New St 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 & 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 15 November until 17 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 2 November to 7 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 £12 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.
Luminate Birmingham: Birmingham Botanical Gardens Winter Lights Trail
From 25 November until 2 January, entry times are from 16:30 to 20:00. 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. Lucky for you, Botanical Gardens is offering a 20% discount (using code UOB20) for UoB students only, simply show your ID card on arrival. Book now.
Eat, sing and be merry
Carols in the Park
Saturday 9 December from 16:30, in Selly Oak Park (off Gibbins Road, near the Selly Oak Retail Park)
Join the Friends of Selly Oak Park for some traditional carols in the park, complete with a brass band and illuminated Christmas tree. Carols start at 17:00, with hot drinks served from 16:30. Meet at the Park Keeper's Lodge on Gibbins Road.
The Big Fat Christmas Quiz at The Old Crown
Wednesday 20 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.
Christmas Carol Singalong
Saturday 23 December from 15:00, at Symphony Hall, Broad St.
Christmas Carol Singalong is coming to town! Join Jonathan Cohen and Louise Dearman for some festive fun with the very best Christmas songs and seasonal classics Christmas has to offer! More info.
Bournville Carols on the Green
Sunday 24 December from 18:00 at Bournville Village Green
Pop down to the Green for this fantastic yearly event! Led by the Vicar of St. Francis Paris Church, this tradition started in 1949 and brings our village and neighbors together to kick off Christmas celebrations. If you're from abroad, join us on the platform to share a 'Happy Christmas' in your language. Everyone is welcome.
The Service lasts about 45 minutes, featuring carols, readings and prayers about the Christmas story. Don't miss out on the chance to be a part of this special celebration. No need to book, just show up!
Take a breather this Christmas
Festive Mindfulness Events
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!