Just like last year, 2022 has had its fair share of ups and downs, and we can’t believe the end is fast approaching. But it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Birmingham, and we are so ready to embrace the most wonderful time of year. So hit play on the festive playlist filled with Mariah and Bublé and have a jolly festive time with our guide to the best things to do in Birmingham this December.
1. Head to this bonkers ABBA-themed bingo rave
The Winner Takes It All at this absolutely bananas bingo rave this December in Birmingham. Award-winning Bongo’s Bingo takes the traditional British pastime of bingo and transforms it into the most bonkers activity imaginable. Expect rave rounds, dance-offs, and crazy prizes; including, giant pink unicorns, Henry Hoovers, mobility scooters and karaoke machines. While there will also be lashings of Christmas spirit with singalongs of our favourite festive tunes. Adding an ABBA-themed twist, the party will head to The Forum in Birmingham on December 3, 17, 23 and 28.
2. Meet the naughtiest Santa in Birmingham at Luna Springs
Don’t leave out milk and cookies for this Santa. They might end up back in your face! The baddest Santa Claus is back in Birmingham this December and is ready to party. Where better to do so than at Luna Springs on December 3 & 10? You’ll have the chance to party with him at this bottomless brunch. Not only that, but you’ll also be treated to 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, filling burgers and festive entertainment. Such as some outrageous games, mass sing-a-longs, and Christmas prizes to win. Get your tickets now for Bad Santa Rides Again at Luna Springs here.
3. Dine under the stars in a festive canalside igloo
Winter may be on its bitterly cold way but it doesn’t mean al fresco dining is dead, even in the arctic climes of Birmingham. Instead of retreating indoors, one Birmingham bar and restaurant has announced the return of their brilliant, outdoor hangout spot. Gas Street Social has brought back their enticing igloos complete with fairy lights, comfy blankets, and delicious grub, taking your evening of drinks on a chilly bench up a notch to become a memorable and cosy winter night out.
4. 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. You can expect plenty of thrills on the funfair rides, such as waltzers and dodgems, and the gigantic ice skating rink. Of course, what would Christmas be without a visit from Santa? The main man himself will be in his grotto every day until December 24, with visits an additional £7, to be pre-booked when purchasing tickets. On top, the circus will be in town with hilarious clowns and jaw-dropping acrobatics. Tickets are £26 each and £100 for a family of four, learn more here.
5. Hit up Birmingham’s Christmas markets
One of the very best Christmas markets in the UK cannot be missed. Its ice rink, Ferris wheel and seemingly endless food and craft stalls make it a yearly must for every local. But, it’s not the only Christmas market in town. When looking for things to do this December, these Christmas markets should keep you busy all month long. Christmas in Cathedral Square is another must!
6. Grab yourself a Christmas tree
December for us means decorations everywhere. Be it bulk buying from the supermarket or meticulously hand-making your own, you’re going to need somewhere to hang them. Luckily, there are plenty of places all around Birmingham where you can pick up a Christmas tree or two. From the traditional Norway Spruce to the ever-popular no-needle drop Nordmann Fir, Birmingham has every type you could possibly want. To be honest, we can’t tell the difference between them. But we love decorating them all the same. Grab yours here.
7. Treat yourself to heavenly brunches and rainbow lattes
As the year draws to an end, we can all feel a little burned out. That’s why it’s such a good idea to treat yourself in December. You know you deserve it. And we think we’ve found the spot to do it. Cocoa by Ali – founded by a former British Bake Off contestant – serves the most Instagrammable food and drinks in Birmingham. From fluffy French toast to Unicorn-inspired smoothie bowls, everything is simply stunning and magical. Everything you want from a patisserie. It’s the ‘special lattes’ that really stand out, however. Choose between the violet-flavoured, brightly-coloured Mermaid latte, the Ocean Breeze iced latte with layers of blue and white, or the Rumpelstiltskin – a gold latte flavoured with vanilla and caramel, and topped with edible glitter and gold leaf.
8. Have a drink in Birmingham’s oldest and friendliest pub
Some say The Old Crown in Digbeth opened the same year as the Ming dynasty was founded in 1368. We can’t produce any evidence for that, but it’s still as lively today as it ever was! Maybe even friendlier too. Of course, as usual, the pub will be embracing the festive season with plenty of spirit(s). Not only have crafted a scrumptious Christmas menu to dine on, with all our festive favourites. But you can take part in the ultimate Christmas pub quiz on December 21 and boogie into the new year on December 31. Head here to learn more.
9. Glide into Christmas in style this year at one of these ice rinks near Birmingham
It’s time to get your skates on Brummies as the festive season is right around the corner. Popping up in Birmingham and the surrounding areas, guests can glide their way towards December 25 to festive tunes whilst enjoying a hot mug of mulled wine, with plenty of new and wintery scenes to skate around. From Ice Skate in the Birmingham city centre to an ice rink with a dazzling light trail at Warwick Castle, the festive season is going to be an ice experience.
10. Dine beneath the aurora borealis in Birmingham at this snowy restaurant
Aurora borealis? At this time of year, at this time of day, in this part of the country, localized entirely within a restaurant? Well, not quite, but Tattu in Birmingham will project breathtaking visuals of the polar lights throughout its restaurant and bar this December. To celebrate, Tattu has concocted new show-stopping cocktails that match the Northern Lights’ natural wonder. While Tattu’s Chinese cuisine is perfect for those looking to share with large family gatherings. It really is a marvel in the city centre, and top of our list of things to do this December in Birmingham.
11. Enjoy Christmas classics at the Luna Drive-In Cinema
Announcing its biggest winter season yet, The Luna Drive-In Cinema has curated a programme of festive favourites that are being at NEC Birmingham. Audiences can expect all the festive classics, including Love Actually, Home Alone, It’s A Wonderful Life, The Holiday and Elf, as well as more recent favourites such as Frozen and Last Christmas. Add a warm cup of cocoa or mulled wine and a festive box filled with candy canes, chocolate coins, mince pies and popcorn to get fully into the spirit.
12. See Santa at Birmingham’s chocolate heaven
This December, Cadbury World will see the return of its much-loved Santa stage show. The enchanting performance, as well as a magical Cinderella pantomime, will take place every weekend until December 18. Before performing every day from December 19 to 23. Expect a show filled with bags of festive fun and catchy Christmas jingles. We’ve heard a rumour that his sleigh is filled with chocolatey gifts for all little helpers at the show too. Learn more here.