The clocks have changed and sadly the nights are getting shorter (hello, darkness at 4pm- we’ve missed you!) but as tempting as it is to retreat inside from the cold and curl up under a blanket, there is plenty of things to do in Birmingham this November. This month will see old and new events arrive in the city. Like the long-awaited Christmas markets and the oddity of a winter World Cup! So, it’s time to wrap up, explore the city and beyond, as well as tuck in to some comforting food and drink- it’s the only way to do November in Birmingham. And to give you plenty of inspiration, check out our guide to the best things to do in Birmingham this November to make for an unbelievably fab month.
1. Celebrate every goal during the 2022 FIFA World Cup
We’ll be honest, a FIFA World Cup in winter does feel a little strange. But we’re buzzing all the same. We’re expecting plenty of outrageous tackles, stunning goals and enough atrocious refereeing decisions to make an entire nation’s blood boil when the action kicks-off on November 20. What could possibly be more exciting than that? The question is where to watch all the games. Luckily we’ve rounded up the best places in Birmingham to watch the 2022 FIFA Worldup this winter.
2. Watch some fantastic firework displays this Guy Fawkes Night
Guy Fawkes Night, the quintessential British holiday, is certain to go off with a bang in Birmingham this year. With it falling on Saturday (November 5) this year, the weekend should be full of celebrations too. The best in Birmingham has to be the Firework Spectacular and Funfair at Edgbaston Stadium (November 5). While Solihull’s biggest and best firework event happens over at Tudor Grange Park on the same night. On Sunday (November 6), The Kings Heath Cricket and Sports Club will be hosting their own Bonfire Night too. Over in Dudley, you can also catch a firework display at Himley Hall (November 5). There’s bound to be some less official fireworks popping off around town too.
3. Sip on gluhwein at Birmingham’s popular Frankfurt Christmas Market
The city’s popular Frankfurt Christmas Market returns with its numerous stalls to the city centre this year. Coming to Victoria Square and New Street, Brummies and visitors will be able to enjoy the event at full scale, with tons of food traders, gift stalls and pop-up bars from November 3 to December 23. Bringing the festive cheer to the city centre in the run up to Christmas, there will be stalls selling a tempting array of food and drink such as gluhwein and spicy sausages, traditional toys, ornaments and gifts.
4. Be serenaded by candlelight for this classical remix of hip hop’s greatest hits
We still love kicking back to 90s hip-hop, but in our old age sometimes we prefer something a little more… relaxing. This candlelight concert is the perfect fusion. Expect all the biggest hits by the likes of Dr Dre, The Notorious BIG, Mary J Blidge and Eminem, but transformed into orchestral masterworks. Taking place at St Philip’s Cathedral on November 26, under the gentle glow of candlelight, there are two separate shows at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. To purchase your tickets head here.
5. Grab a craft beer at Birmingham’s newest taproom
Setting up near Snow Hill station, the Leeds-based brewery North Brewing Co. will be joining Birmingham’s fantastic craft beer scene this month. They’ve been brewing up a brand new taproom – the team’s first venue outside their home county of Yorkshire – and it’s almost ready to open. The taproom will have 24 draught lines and will be joined by fellow Leeds-based independent foodies, Little Bao Boy. Keep an eye out for updates here.
6. Enjoy panoramic views while you dine at Birmingham’s new rooftop restaurant
We’ve waited eagerly for Orelle to open, but it’s been worth the wait. You’ll find the modern French restaurant on the 24th floor of 103 Colmore Row. And it offers unbeatable panoramic views of the city and beyond! It’s restaurants like this that have made Birmingham officially the most exciting food destination in the UK. Another brilliant restaurant we recommend checking out too is the intimate Italian spot Tropea, which recently got the nod from the Michelin and Good Food Guide.
7. Visit West Midland Safari Park for their glowing Lantern Festival
Things are about to get wild at West Midland Safari Park from November onwards. Well, wilder than usual, as the park is launching a brand new event offering an “an after-dark illuminations experience like no other.” Lantern Festival will be kicking off the park’s autumn and winter season with an epic lantern trail taking place from November 11 to January 8, where guests can enjoy mesmerising lighting displays, discover a ‘wild’ range of breathtaking lanterns and explore the walk-through areas of the park like never before. The 3km trail will feature magical lit-up landscapes, dinosaur lanterns, glowing animal installations, a giant interactive piano keyboard, rainbow tunnel and many other creations.
8. Listen to the leaves crunch as you wander through these local woodland areas
In need of a change of scenery? Why not take a trip out and switch off from the world within a woodland blanketed with leaves, with a ton of beautiful routes right on our doorsteps? With around 20 woods recorded by the Woodland Trust within a five mile radius of Birmingham, there are a ton of beautiful routes right on our doorsteps. Whether you want to stay nearer the city or head a tad further afield for some stunning sights, there are plenty of woodland walks brimming with shades of auburn and earthy tones for you to explore near Birmingham this autumn. Check out the best woodland walks near Birmingham here.
9. Warm-up on birria tacos and mulled wine at a new heated outdoor venue
It’s going to be cold no matter what things you do in Birmingham this November. But this might just be the best wary to warm up this month. The Watershed, from The Canal House, is a heated outdoor venue helping Brummies beat the winter weather. Not only is it providing roaring fires and faux fur throws for its guests. But The Watershed will be serving up some fiery grilled birria tacos and comforting glasses of mulled wine. A jam-packed roster of live musicians and DJs will get you moving too, to shake of any remaining frozen feelings.
10. Head to this festive market at Cathedral Square
Another event to get you into the festive mood is Christmas in Cathedral Square taking place in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral between November 16 to December 18 and offering 30 craft, gift and food and drink stalls. Delivered in partnership with Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Cathedral and Danter Attractions Limited, the market will provide a platform for local businesses, producers and craftspeople in the area surrounding St Phillip’s Cathedral and Pigeon Park. Traders will be able to showcase their goods in the run up to Christmas, complimenting other established festive events in the city centre like Birmingham’s German Christmas Market.
11. Grab a slice Edgbaston newest (and only) pizzeria
There might be some amazing pizzerias in Birmingham, but Edgbaston has always felt lacking in that department. That changes when Smoke + Ash opens this month. Setting up on the trendy strip of Greenfield Crescent in early November, Smoke + Ash will serve Neapolitan style pizzas, quality wines and seasonal twists on classic cocktails. We’re not yet sure when exactly Smoke + Ash is opening, but be sure to follow its journey here.
12. Go to a rave in an old Victorian gasworks warehouse
Of all the things to do in Birmingham this November, you might not have expected this. But believe us when we say, dancing will be the best way to stay warm this winter. Crane Birmingham is a new multipurpose venue situated in a Victorian era warehouse, originally built on a gasworks site in 1909. A host of dance music legends have been announced up until New Year’s Day. The likes of Jeff Mills, Marcel Dettmann and HAAi will be there on November 5. WHile line-ups for November 11, 19 and 25 have also been announced. To learn more head here.
13. Take a day trip to some of the best Christmas markets this twinkling winter island has to offer
We know nothing cant’ quite beat Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market. But with Birmingham so well situated in the country, it’s the perfect place to travel around the UK and see how well other cities’ Christmas markets fare. Down south in Bath and Bristol, both Christmas markets are a worthwhile visit. While up north, Manchester’s spans pretty much the whole city centre and (almost) rivals Birmingham for capturing that magic Christmassy feeling. Get in the festive spirit by seeing all the best UK Christmas markets here.