You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, but do you recall the most famous reindeer of all? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! Well, all nine have landed (Wednesday, November 6) in Birmingham this Christmas as part of a brand-new magical sculpture trail.
After the success of last year’s Snowdog trail, Brum’s Christmas Reindeer Trail has spread throughout the city centre for cute selfies and to support Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. Each reindeer has been lovingly painted by local artists from across the Midlands, while Birmingham-based children’s author Ruth Millington has written a story to go alongside.
Produced for kids to read when they are in Birmingham Children’s Hospital this Christmas (and available to download here), the story, called Brum’s Reindeer Rescue, features colourful sketches of the reindeer across Birmingham city centre by talented illustrator Rachel Suzanne who studied at Birmingham City University.
Ruth Millington said: “I love seeing the city come alive through art trails, so was delighted to write a Birmingham-themed Christmas story featuring this year’s reindeer, local landmarks and a well-loved legend. It has been written for every child (and adult) who loves Christmas magic!”
Where can I find Brum’s Christmas Reindeer Trail?
The reindeer trail, designed and developed by Central BID alongside Wild in Art, will be located around Birmingham city centre until January 6, 2025. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph will be on display in nine unique locations as far as Great Western Arcade to the Mailbox, Centenary Square to Selfridges.
Elsewhere you’ll visit Piccadilly Arcade, Cathedral Square, Grand Central, Corporation Street, and, of course, Frankfurt Christmas Market. A QR code on each reindeer plinth will also enable families to donate to Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. While, on the hunt for these reindeer, we also recommend stopping by to visit Paddington Bear beside the Bullring.
Steve Hewlett, from Central BID Birmingham, said: “This year’s completely new reindeer trail is very special, and we can’t wait to welcome thousands of visitors to the city centre to help Santa find his 9 reindeer in time for Christmas. With thousands of new tree lights, festive markets, ice rink, big wheel, fabulous shopping and hospitality venues, Birmingham city centre is one of the best places in the country at Christmas time.”
To take a more in-depth look at Brum’s Christmas Reindeer Trail, you can download a special map here.