It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Birmingham, and we are so ready to embrace the festivities. This year has had its fair share of ups and downs, but we want to end things on a high! So hit play on the Xmas playlist, fish out the fireworks for New Year’s Eve, and embrace some exciting new activities. Have a jolly ol’ time with our guide to the best things to do in Birmingham this December.
1. Hit up Birmingham Christmas Market
You should’ve paid a visit Birmingham Christmas Market by now, but if you haven’t yet, grab the chance while you can—hanging around until Wednesday, December 24. It’s not only one of the very best Christmas markets in the UK, but the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria. Attracting 5.5 million visitors each year, you’ll discover over a hundred stalls filling New Street and Victoria Square.
You’re free to eat and drink everything from stollen, pretzels and bratwurst to weissbier, mulled wine and hot chocolate, whilst picking up gifts for family and friends, of course – like handcrafted wooden decorations, delicate glass baubles, crystal lamps, leatherwork, toys, jewellery and so much more! On top, the market will feature musicians from Germany and Birmingham for lunchtime and evening music sessions, Monday to Friday, while there are music performances all day on Saturday and Sunday.
2. Catch a Christmassy candlelight concert
What on Earth could elevate a classical concert performed by candlelight? Christmas, of course, what else? Embracing the holidays, Candlelight is lighting up St Paul’s Church with a handful of Christmas concerts this December. These captivating tributes to iconic Christmas classics in a heavenly venue offers a totally unique experience on December 5, 17, 18, 27. Whether you prefer to ‘O Holy Night’ to ‘Last Christmas’ or ‘Feliz Navidad’ to ‘Jingle Bells’. To get your tickers head here.
3. Climb aboard ‘Britain’s most luxurious train’
After a festive trip through the wintry West Midlands countryside that you won’t want to forget? The Northern Belle will set off from Coventry and Birmingham International for a five-hour round trip on Sunday, December 14. From the moment you step aboard, you will be showered with luxury, as you’re handed Champagne and canapés, including delicious caviar blinis. It’s then time to settle into your armchair to tuck into a seven-course festive feast served with the finest wines and, of course, Christmas crackers.
4. Sip on ‘A Christmas Carol’ cocktails
Experience an immersive reimagining of A Christmas Carol, with a dark Victorian twist and four holiday-themed cocktails. Don’t miss this timeless classic! The 90-minute immersive stage performance, A Christmas Carol Cocktail Experience, sees Charles Dickens’ iconic ghost story condensed for maximum impact on December 6. And, for more Dickens vibes this December, check out the Victorian Fayre in Worcester (December 4 to 7). Get your tickets today for A Christmas Carol Cocktail Experience in Birmingham here.
5. Take the family to the UK’s largest indoor Christmas funfair
That’s right. Winter Funland, the UK’s largest indoor Christmas funfair, is returning to the NEC in Birmingham from December 6 to January 3. You can expect plenty of thrills on unlimited funfair rides, such as waltzers and dodgems, and the gigantic ice skating rink.On top, a 1200-seater Christmas circus will be in town with hilarious clowns and jaw-dropping acrobatics. Of course, what would Christmas be without a visit from Santa? The main man himself will be dropping by to check in, too.
6. Tuck into the Yummy Brummie’s latest serving
The Yummy Brummie has teamed up with Loki Wines’ Phil Innes for a brand-new restaurant opening on Wednesday, December 10. Glynn Purnell’s Trilliumis inspired by folklore and nature, and will feature a lively outdoor terrace, steps from Colmore Row, for a glass of wine, small plates, and taking in the city atmosphere. Expect a seasonal menu of small and large plates, designed for sharing, with “punchy flavours” and “global inspiration”. Plus, sample a dynamic, ever-evolving wine list spotlighting everything from hidden gems and low-intervention producers to iconic names.
7. Welcome the return of Gladiators to Birmingham
If you’re loving each iteration of Gladiators since it first started up more than 30 years ago. Gladiators Live comes to the UK at the end of this year, and includes four huge shows at BP Pulse Live in Birmingham (December 13 & 14). 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.
8. Go for a wintery walk that ends at the pub
It’s cold. It’s dark. But don’t waste all your money by putting the heating and all the lights on. Head outside this December with a wintery walk through the crisp landscape of England. There’s only one way to make the experience better – a trip to a cosy country pub afterwards. So, from Earlswood Lakes to Lickey Hills, why not try one of these winter walks near Birmingham that all end at a pub?
9. Visit Birmingham’s other Christmas market
It’s not all about Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market. Christmas at Cathedral Square may be shorter and smaller, but it packs just as much charm and character during the holidays. Taking over Birmingham Cathedral grounds until December 24, you can find crafts, gifts, food and drink from local suppliers at this festive market, as well as a helter-skelter and the Pigeon in the Park Pub.
10. Or head to this alternative Christmas market
The Goth’s Playground is celebrating Christmas the only way it knows how on Sunday, December 7 (11am to 4pm). An alternative Christmas market, will take over two floors throughout the Zellig building. The Yuletide pop-up will feature more than 25 vendors, including piercings from Dolly Rockers and flash tattoos from TEITGE. Plus, tuck into the aptly-named Goth Burger and its blackened buns and patties. Plus, Krampus, the terrifying Alpine goat-man, will entertain visitors, hand out gifts, and truly make this a Gothmas to remember.
11. Glide onto the ice
December means the arrival of winter (bleurgh), but not everything about the season is depressing. Several ice skating rinks have popped up around the West Midlands this month, for a most magical activity everyone can enjoy. So whether you see yourself as the next Torvill and Dean, or you’re more of a Bambi on ice, it’s time to grab your skates this December. From year-round Planet Ice near Solihull to the return of Ice Skate Birmingham and the rink at Warwick Castle for Christmas, see here for the best places to ice skate in Birmingham this December.
12. Fall in love with these West Midlands winter trails
Nothing screams ‘December’ more than twinkly, dazzling, glittering explosions of Christmas lights. And these Christmas light trails, which have popped up around the West Midlands, have created the most magical experiences for miles. The “UK’s number one festive light trail” returns to Birmingham Botanical Garden; the West Midlands’ biggest Christmas light trail takes over Malvern Showground; and a massive garden centre brings the much-loved children’s classic Wizard of Oz to life. To see the best Christmas light trails near Birmingham, head here.
13. Follow this cute Reindeer trail around Brum
A brand-new reindeer sculpture trail sees Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and, of course, Rudolph spread throughout Birmingham! Brum’s Christmas Reindeer Trail will have you hunting down all nine unique displays, from Great Western Arcade to the Mailbox, Centenary Square to Selfridges. To find them all, head here.
14. Meet the most heroic outlaw of them all at the panto
Join TV fashionista Gok Wan, Birmingham favourite Matt Slack and pantomime royalty Christopher Biggins for Birmingham’s legendary annual panto. Robin Hood promises the perfect pantomime: laugh-out-loud comedy, bundles of audience participation, astonishing special effects, and plenty of boos and hisses for the whole family to enjoy. The show kicks off on Saturday, December 20, and you can get your tickets here.
15. Catch ‘The Polar Express’ from Birmingham this festive season
‘The Polar Express’ is a Christmas classic, and you rekindle how you felt on your first viewing (and see real-life magic light up your children’s eyes) with a trip aboard a real-life Polar Express. Vintage Trains brings the wonder of the 2004 motion picture, theatrically re-created aboard a real steam engine, to Birmingham Moor Street. The two-hour performance includes hot chocolate, cookies and the first gift of Christmas—handed out by Santa himself!
16. Watch ‘Love Actually’ with a live orchestra
It’s the ultimate modern Christmas classic (Sorry, Elf fans). The star-studded Love Actually will be presented live in concert with a full orchestra playing the score live-to-film.
Considered one of the most recognisable soundtracks in romcom, expect covers of Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ and the Troggs ‘Love Is All Around’. Love Actually in Concert will perform at Symphony Hall on December 12. You can learn more here.
17. Welcome the new year in Birmingham
So much of December is often about Christmas, it’s easy to forget the other major celebration at this time of year. New Year’s Eve shouldn’t be overlooked. The whole city will come alive on December 31, with music, parties, fireworks and revelries!