Blog: How to celebrate Christmas in Brum

Written by Student Content Shaper Erin Fleming

With Halloween now gone, Christmas is right around the corner. The long-awaited Christmas adverts are coming out, Mariah Carey has officially defrosted again, and supermarkets are starting to stock Christmas food and decorations! During this time of the year, you might be looking for fun, special ways to get into the festive spirit in Birmingham. Luckily, Birmingham is a wonderful place to be at Christmas time with a wide variety of festive activities to get you in the spirit! 

In this blog, I’ll be sharing some free, fun activities for you to get stuck in with, along with a few extra ones if you’ve got cash to spare. 

Birmingham's Famous Christmas Market 

If you’re looking for a free activity to go and visit with friends or family, or a significant other, or to explore in your own company, the city’s authentic Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is returning for yet another year and is a must-see of all Christmas celebrations in Brum. 

The Market will be in full swing from Friday 3 November in the city centre up until Christmas Eve (Sunday 24 December). You’ll find a vast amount of tasty food options on offer, such as Bratwurst (sausage), chocolatey filled crêpes along with German beers and even boozy hot chocolates, if you drink. Once you’re filled with food, you can also take a spin on the carousel at the top of Victoria Square while also browsing some great, homemade crafts and decorations. Who doesn’t love a bit of retail therapy? Alternatively, you can look at our ‘Christmas on a Budget’ intranet page to make your gifts extra special this Christmas! 

The Big Wheel and Ice Skating 

Aside from the Christmas Market, Birmingham also offers some low-cost activities that are guaranteed to be a good time and save you that extra bit of cash.

The Big Wheel and Ice Skating rink will be returning for yet another year and is housed right near the Library of Birmingham until Sunday 31 December. You’ll get some great views of the city, and it’s perfect fun if you and your friends want to take a night off from studying and have a nice laugh together. Don’t miss out! 

Christmas in Cathedral Square 

Another great free activity for all to enjoy is experiencing Christmas in Cathedral Square, taking place from Wednesday 15 November to Friday 17 December. It offers a festive array of different crafts, gifts, yummy food and drinks from vendors all across the West Midlands, including a Helter Skelter and Band Stand for you to enjoy live music and street entertainment with your mates.

Got some extra cash to spend? Check these out 

If you’re on less of a budget, Birmingham also offers some other, fun-filled festive activities and events for you to get into that Christmas mood! While these are slightly pricier, you can step into the Winter Wonderland Funland at the NEC from Saturday 9 December until the New Year. It’s the perfect Christmas experience, with tickets starting from £29.50 plus a £3.55 booking fee. You’ll get to experience four hours of unlimited funfair rides, test your ice-skating skills on their gigantic ice rink (it really is big!) and visit their festival circus. It’s the perfect festive extravaganza.

Next, why not light up your Christmas with the amazing Winter Light Trail at Birmingham Botanical Gardens from Saturday 25 November until Tuesday 2 January? Make your evening extra Insta-worthy and take a magical stroll with enchanting lights and sounds that transform Botanical Gardens into Brum’s very own Winter Wonderland.  

Finally, if you’re really looking to splash the cash for the ultimate festive experience this Christmas, head along to the Polar Express which travels from Moor Street Station to the infamous ‘North Pole’, running between Saturday 25 November until Saturday 23 December. This experience will truly have you immersed in this classic children’s tale. 

So, there we have it!  

Clearly, Birmingham is the place to be this Christmas. There’s almost too much happening in Brum over the Christmas period but I hope some of these suggestions have inspired you to make your Christmas that extra bit magical. Time to pull out your diaries, get planning with all your friends and start your very own Countdown to Christmas at UoB!