It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but Birmingham has a lot more than festivities in December. Expect fireworks, new eateries, comedy shows, and a whole host of Xmas activities. Have a jolly ol’ time with our guide to the best things to do in Birmingham this December.
A new study by Christmas Tree World has ranked Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market eighth globally and third in the UK for 2026, praising its authentic German traders, central Victoria Square location and strong transport links. As the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria, discover over 100 stalls selling festive refreshments and handcrafted, traditional gifts.
Step into a living Neverland —an hour-long indoor light trail at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. This indoor, hour-long Peter Pan-themed light trail transforms the historic halls into a living storybook with actors, soundscapes and immersive light installations. The family-friendly walkthrough features Skull Rock, Crocodile Creek and Captain Hook’s ship.
What on Earth could elevate a classical concert performed by Candlelight? Christmas, of course, what else? Candlelight is lighting up Birmingham Cathedral and St Paul’s Church with a handful of captivating tributes to iconic Christmas classics this December.
A one-off evening of comedy and choir at The Alexandra: Joe Lycett will host An Evening with Joe Lycett & Friends with The Full Fatt Sound as part of the theatre’s 125th anniversary celebrations.
Dine in luxury aboard Britain’s most luxurious train this Christmas. For a festive day out with a difference, the Northern Belle is running a five-hour festive Christmas lunch departing Coventry and Birmingham International, featuring a seven-course meal, champagne, live musicians, seasonal magic and fine wines.
Keiran Goddard’s Birmingham-set novel has been adapted into a major motion picture directed by Clio Barnard. I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning has already won the Directors’ Fortnight Audience Award at Cannes and is set for UK release this December. The film, shot in and around Birmingham with production hub at The Crown in Erdington, stars Anthony Boyle, Joe Cole, Jay Lycurgo, Daryl McCormack and Lola Petticrew.
Experience four hours of non-stop festive fun at the UK’s largest indoor Christmas funfair. One of the biggest festive highlights on the list, Winter Funfair returns to Birmingham NEC, featuring rides, a 1,200-seat Christmas circus, the largest ice rink in Birmingham, a Christmas market and live stunt shows.
If you’re loving each iteration of Gladiators since it first started up more than 30 years ago, Gladiators Live returns to the UK, and includes four huge shows at BP Pulse Live in Birmingham. It will feature the stars of the UK series, which returned as the second reboot of the original show in 2024, and come in the form of an electric two-hour live performance that features the ultimate Eliminator at the close of the night.
While it can’t compete with the Frankfurt Christmas Market in size, Christmas in Cathedral Square Craft Market prioritises quality above quantity. Over 50 festive days with 40+ handpicked local stalls with a focus on “locality, quality, uniqueness and exclusivity.” Better still, traders change weekly to encourage repeat visits.
If you fancy a night out that’s a little different, this stand-up-led wine tasting makes learning about wine relaxed, social and genuinely fun. An Idiot’s Guide to Wine combines comedy with a guided tasting of six international wines in a relaxed, social setting. The evenings are created by an Australian comedian with certified wine qualifications, are strictly over-18s, and have limited seating.
Swap festive tinsel for Krampus, taxidermy and alternative gifts at Birmingham’s Gothmas market. The Goth’s Playground hosts a Yuletide market in Digbeth at the Zelling Building, featuring 30+ vendors selling taxidermy, records, clothing, cosmetics, plus piercings and flash tattoos.
Adding a tasty new stop to Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, Silver Tree Bakery is opening a fourth location at The Goodsyard this December, bringing its popular, creative bakes and an Arbour Club co-working space closer to the city centre.
For a properly festive evening out, head to Birmingham Botanical Gardens for Lumiante, the “UK’s number one light trail”. Back again after welcoming almost a quarter of a million visitors since it launched in 2021, this after-dark experience invites you to weave your way through 15 acres of historic landscape and diverse gardens, packed with stunning light installations and interactive light play — all set to a beautiful festive soundtrack.
Step aboard the lantern-lit carriages for a magical, family-friendly journey to the North Pole. A theatrical ride of The Polar Express runs this December, departing from Birmingham Moor Street station, with live performers, hot chocolate, cookies and a souvenir bell from Father Christmas.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience opens its gates at Bolesworth Castle, welcoming visitors to see creatures like hippogriffs, nifflers, and even Aragog, plus experience some familiar scenes like casting a Patronus, seeing the Thestrals, and attending a Quidditch finale. The light trail has had huge success all over the world (in Perth, Singapore and New York, to name just three locations), so it’s not one to miss.
All nine of Santa’s reindeer land in Birmingham this December — spot them across the city and support Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. Central BID’s Reindeer Trail is displayed across Birmingham city centre, including Prancer at the heart of the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Victoria Square, Dasher in Primark and Rudolph in Selfridges.
Make your dreams come true at the UK’s biggest regional pantomime
What is December without a visit to the panto? This year, Birmingham Hippodrome is taking on Sleeping Beauty, packed with magic, music, comedy and enchanting special effects. The UK’s biggest regional pantomime this Christmas stars award-winning television presenter Rylan as the Diva of Dreams, and welcomes the return of Birmingham panto legend Matt Slack as Lester the Jester.
