January isn’t the easiest month of the year. It’s cold and wet, and none of our friends ever wants to do anything. The highs of December—from Christmas to waving goodbye to the year—often leave us feeling low in the first month of the year. Luckily for you, we’ve unearthed plenty of fun things to do in Birmingham to help kick those January blues. And rest assured, you’ll end January knowing that it was the best month of 2026, so far!
1. Light up a dark January evening with a Candlelight concert
January is often dark, cold and boring, but it doesn’t have to be completely depressing. Add some glow to the start of the year, with a stunning Candlelight concert at a venue like Birmingham Cathedral. See your favourite artists reimagined by a string quartet under the gentle glow of candlelight this month. Whether it’s Queen or Adele, Linkin Park or Hans Zimmer, there’s something for everyone. To get your tickets to a Candlelight concert, head here.
2. Catch a ‘Star Wars’ burlesque parody with sultry stormtroopers
Where can you see Darth Vader slut drop in a glossy catsuit and a hip-thrusting Han Solo moonwalk to the sounds of Smooth Criminal? The Empire Strips Back shimmies its way into Birmingham on January 15 for a steamy spectacle of sensual stripteases, synchronised dance routines, and tongue-in-cheek comedy. It’s not just the talented performers who will dazzle, this high-energy burlesque show boasts expertly-crafted props, stunning set design and creative costumes that promise a unique twist on the Star Wars films you know and love.
3. Try out a new activity that doesn’t mean going outdoors
Dry January. Bleurgh. Whether you partake or not, don’t be a bore this month. Why not pick up a new activity by heading to one of Birmingham’s many incredible competitive bars? Our pick, Clays simulates the traditional British shooting ground with quick-fire shooting games. Plus, the three-floor venue boasts two large bars, a resident DJ every weekend, and an extensive range of small plates.
But it’s not the only activity bar combining booze and games in Birmingham. Head to TOCA Social for immersive football-based games with food and drink; the world’s first official Formula 1 simulator, F1 Arcade; or Golf Fang‘s twisted carnival-style 18-hole course.
4. Visit Birmingham’s first completely halal indoor street food market
Birmingham’s first completely halal indoor street food market is to open in late January—with art.quarter, Birmingham’s newest creative hub in Digbeth, currently on the hunt for new vendors. So far, diners will be able to enjoy food from Kohitayn, specialising in Japanese and Middle Eastern-inspired food, and the dessert and brunch concept Kacao.
5. Go for a wintry walk that ends at the pub
We spent a lot of time indoors during December. So if you need a break from your living room this January, there are several lovely wintry walks in and around Bristol – many of which end at a cosy pub too. From a wander around Earlswood Lakes to visiting Kinver Edge, these are all worth getting your walking boots on for. If you want even more winter walks near Birmingham, check these out here.
6. Join the UK’s fastest-growing sport
The padel hype train pulls in this January with padel club operator Pure Padel opening central Birmingham’s first indoor facility. Located on New Summer Street in the Jewellery Quarter, the tennis-like, Mexican racket sport will repurpose an old Land Rover Jaguar engineering plant into the padel club. Expect five doubles courts and two singles courts, along with a food and beverage space, social areas, and fully equipped changing rooms. Matches will be on a ‘pay to play’ basis, allowing players of all abilities to book and play from 7am right through to 10pm.
7. Step into a thrilling courtroom drama
This high-stakes trial could forever change the future of the justice system. After a self-driving car causes a fatal accident, it’s up to you to decide who’s responsible. Throughout the live theatre courtroom drama, you’ll have to answer complex questions, analyse witness testimonies and forensic evidence, and cast the vote that determines the fate of the accused. Get your tickets now for The Jury Experience – Death by AI: Who Pays the Price? in Birmingham here.
8. Embrace your inner Scot for Burns Night
Scotland is a long, long way away from Birmingham, but it’s about to get a lot closer. The overnight rail journey, the Caledonian Sleeper, will start calling in Birmingham as of January 15, 2026. This new service will connect Birmingham International directly with Aberdeen, Fort William, and Inverness. And with Burns Night coming up (Sunday, January 25)—the celebration of the poet Robert Burns—there’s never been a better time to visit the Scottish Highlands.
9. Drive your own train around the Midlands
Leicestershire’s Great Central Railway is offering Drive a Loco experience days all year round, but (as we have said) January is always a great time to try something new! Fulfil those childhood dreams by driving a steam train. There are a variety of packages available, but all include a welcome briefing, a lunch, a guided tour of the Loco Works, a visit to Loughborough’s Signal Box, a presentation certificate and a 12-month membership of Friends of Great Central Mainline.
If you’d rather sit back and enjoy the journey, the First-Class Dining Train invites guests to step on board and tuck into a delicious multi-course dinner, as you’re whisked through the picturesque countryside. Or book a themed experience, like the thrilling Murder Mystery evenings, indulgent Fish & Chip specials, afternoon tea and their Great Central Champagne Brunch.
10. Go vegan for the whole month
Veganuary rolls around once more, and it seemingly gathers speed every January. We say, “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em”, so why not check out all the vegan delights that Birmingham has to offer to inspire your next dining out experience? From vegan junk food by BA-HA to fine dining at Land, there’s something for plant-based eaters to enjoy in Birmingham this January.
11. Head to an unbelievable night at the ballet
You can experience Cinderella like never before in this dance and light show on January 23. With glow-in-the-dark costumes lighting up the stage, watch this beloved classic reinterpreted through a unique fusion of traditional dance and modern technology. Ballet of Lights tells the timeless tale of the heartwarming romance at the Crescent Theatre. Catch pirouettes and gravity-defying leaps and a cast of kaleidoscopic colours across the stage. To get your tickets to Ballet of Lights: Cinderella in a Sparkling Show, head here.
12. Tuck into the viral sensation of ‘sushi burritos’
London’s SushiDog brings its hand-held burrito-style sushi rolls, as well as sushi bowls and salads, to Birmingham’s Bullring on January 31, 2026.
Located on the upper level, the customisable grab-and-go sushi spot will seat up to 25 customers and feature both a dine-in area and a convenient takeaway counter.
13. Catch Birmingham’s legendary panto
Pantomime season is ready-made to defeat the January blues. 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. Join TV fashionista Gok Wan, Birmingham favourite Matt Slack and pantomime royalty Christopher Biggins for Birmingham’s legendary annual panto.
14. Enjoy a cocktail at 2010 prices
The Alchemist is launching a limited-edition 2010 Revival Menu for the whole of January, bringing back some of its most iconic early cocktails and dishes as well as long-standing fan favourites—all at their original 2010 prices. This includes the return of the fan-favourites like the White Chocolate Raspberry Martini (£6) and the Colour Changing One (£6). It’s not just cocktails either. Grab a cheeseburger for just £8 or fish ‘n’ chips for £10.
15. Escape the city and enjoy a winter staycation in the UK
In the years since the pandemic, UK staycations have become increasingly popular, almost trendy—proving the UK doesn’t have to be a total prison. Boasting varying landscapes and quaint little villages, our country is a mecca for culture, with tons of stunning sights and historical landmarks to uncover across the island. Check out our pick of the best winter staycations in the UK here.