January isn’t the easiest month of the year. It’s cold and wet and none of our friends ever want to do anything. The highs of December – from Christmas to waving goodbye to 2024 – 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 2025 – so far!
1. Light up your dark January evenings 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 Phil Collins, Ed Sheeran or A. R. Rahman, there’s a performance for everyone. To get your tickets to a Candlelight concert head here.
2. Walk through this otherworldly light trail
On the outskirts of Birmingham, discover a multisensory light trail illuminating the idyllic lakes and surrounding woodlands of Stonebridge Golf Course. Light Cycles brings together a sea of pulsing pearl-like orbs, fiery amber rays, a vibrant rolling mist, and more spectacular sights in this winding, one-kilometre night trail. Wander through nature with life-size art installations, hypnotic visual effects and serene soundscapes on this psychedelic escapade.To get your tickets to Light Cycles head here.
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? The most recent, 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.
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. Fly to Neverland with Peter Pan
Birmingham’s very own Alison Hammond returns to the Hippodrome in Peter Pan. Bringing her infectious energy to last year’s pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk, she’s playing the Magical Mermaid this time around (December 21 to February 2). She joins Hippodrome panto star and award-winning comic Matt Slack, back for an eleventh season as Smee, star of stage and screen Danny Mac as Captain Hook, resident dame Andrew Ryan and Billie-Kay who returns for a second year as Tink! To be a part of Britain’s biggest regional panto head here.
5. Go for a wintery 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 wintery 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. Grab a coffee from the bakery that’s conquered London
Gail’s is ubiquitous in the capital, but it’s now aiming to take over the West Midlands too. It’s due to open in Birmingham on New Street on January 16, “serving GAIL’s artisan sourdough breads, pastries, sandwiches, and cakes alongside our specialty House Blend coffee.” If you’d like to support your independent Birmingham bakeries this January, however, you can check out our favourites here.
7. Add a splash of colour with a ‘paint in the dark’ session
January is a dark month, a very dark month, but we say embrace it! Start the year under UV lights, with this immersive Neon Brush glow-in-the-dark painting experience. With a brush in one hand and a glass of wine (or a beer or a soft drink) in the other, brush up on your painting skills on January 17 & 18. The adults-only, drink and paint workshop at Snobs will rekindle your love of art under a neon glow, as you rekindle your creativity. To get your tickets head here.
8. Unleash your inner Scot for Burns Night
Scotland is a long, long way away from Birmingham. So Burns Night (January 25) – the celebration of the poet Robert Burns – is never going to be the biggest party. But there’s still plenty of fun to be had! Many will be gathering at home to tuck into haggis, shortbread and a wee dram of whisky or two, before belting out Auld Lang Syne and reading aloud the Scot’s poetry. But events at Grain & Glass (January 23 & 24) and Moor Hall Hotel & Spa (January 24 & 25), and a whisky tasting with haggis pizza at Birmingham Brewing Company (January 23), will bring Brum’s Scottish communities together.
9. Drive a real steam 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! Fulfill 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 BAHA to Asian cuisine by Yakinori and 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 Sleeping Beauty like never before in this dance and light show on January 19. 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. We Call It Ballet: Sleeping Beauty tells the timeless tale of the cursed princess awakened by her true love’s kiss. At the Crescent Theatre, catch pirouettes and gravity-defying leaps and a cast of kaleidoscopic colours across the stage. To get your tickets to We Call It Ballet head here.
12. Catch this unorthodox art gallery before it’s over
Having made a splash in 2022, when his 14ft tall red balloon dog sculpture was donated to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Whatshisname is back in Birmingham at Castle Fine Art’s gallery at the ICC. Unapologetically unorthodox, internationally acclaimed, Sebastian Burdon explores themes of pop cult nostalgia and political provocation – with his silhouetted figures and balloon dogs. In this brand-new exhibition, on until January 11, Whatshisname has created new works and a twist on old classics. There are over 20 brand-new characters in his popular Gone series, alongside a new selection of sculptures.
13. Catch these YouTube legends at Symphony Hall
These pioneers of YouTube, Dan and Phil are back to “heal your inner child and take back what the internet took from them.” Stepping out from behind the computer, they bring their hilarious live stage show to Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on January 13 & 22. They might be older, but ther’re no less full of energy, and you can expect scandalous stories, theatrical plot twists and a savage roast of social media, their fans and themselves. You can learn more by heading here.
14. See ‘The Girl On The Train’ pull into Birmingham
You’ve read the book. You’ve seen the movie. Now watch the stage play. The Girl On The Train opens at The Alexandra this month (January 14 to June 14). Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ novel, this gripping new play follows Rachel and the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day. A thrilling mystery that will keep you guessing until the end, you can learn more here.
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.