The month before the big one, aka Christmas. Yet as tempting as it is to retreat inside and curl up under a blanket, November has plenty of things to lure you outside. This month, old and new arrive in the city, like the long-awaited Christmas market and a brand-new food festival. So it’s time to wrap up, explore Birmingham and beyond, and check out our guide to the best things to do this November for an unbelievably fab month.
The largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria lights up Birmingham this month. One of the biggest highlights on Birmingham’s calendar, the Frankfurt Christmas Market returns to New Street and Victoria Square with over 100 stalls offering German food, drink, gifts and live music.
Look up — hundreds of drones will paint the night sky with dragons and cinematic scenes. Sky Kingdom is a large-scale drone light show visiting Edgbaston Stadium, featuring choreographed drones, cinematic soundtracks and family-friendly accessibility.
Birmingham Vegan Festival will take over Aston Students’ Union with over 80 stalls offering plant-based food, products, talks and demos. Tickets start from £5, under-16s are free, and a VIP ticket (£15) includes a goody bag and samples.
Picture this: A four-string quartet with a performance of your favourite artists in one of Birmingham’s most beautiful buildings. Oh, and all under the gentle glow of candlelight. That sounds pretty special, right? Plus, there’s something for every type of music fan, too! Discover tributes to Ludovico Einaudi, Michael Jackson, Queen, Joe Hisaishi and more.
Swap mulled wine for something a little stronger at the English Whisky Festival: Showcasing over 30 distilleries, bottlers and blenders from across England. Tickets start from £50 and include a complimentary branded tasting glass, masterclasses, local street food and an on-site shop.
Watch fantastic fireworks displays on Guy Fawkes Night
Bonfire Night (Thursday, November 5), the quintessential British holiday, is certain to go off with a bang in Birmingham this year. The biggest Guy Fawkes firework display in Birmingham will take place on October 29 at the Lea Marston eboot site, but there are plenty more in November, too. Some local events include: Moseley Rugby Club (Sunday, November 1), Solihull Round Table Fireworks (Saturday, November 8), Wythall Community Association Bonfire and Fireworks (Saturday, November 7), and SCMES Bonfire & Fireworks (Saturday, November 14).
Step into a living Neverland — an hour-long indoor light trail at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery this November. The Peter Pan-themed trail transforms BM&AG’s historic halls into a living storybook with actors, soundscapes and immersive light installations. The walkthrough features Skull Rock, Crocodile Creek and Captain Hook’s ship.
Step aboard the lantern-lit carriages for a magical, family-friendly journey to the North Pole. Perfect if you’re looking for something festive to kick off the run-up to Christmas, a theatrical ride of The Polar Express will depart from Birmingham Moor Street station, with live performers, hot chocolate, cookies and a souvenir bell from Father Christmas.
The 10-day international film celebration, Birmingham Film Festival, showcases professional and independent films from around the world, comprising a wide range of genres, styles, budgets and topics. Better yet, films are screened to the public at Millennium Point for FREE. The best films are then nominated for a range of awards, of which there are over 30 categories, including young filmmakers, local filmmakers and international filmmakers. To learn more about the film festival and what’s showing, head here.
Experience ‘Cinderella’ like never before in this extra special dance and light show featuring dancers in glow-in-the-dark costumes. Ballet of Lights fuses classical ballet and modern technology in a timeless princess tale. Lighting up the stage (literally), enjoy a kaleidoscope cast of colours defying gravity with leaps and pirouettes in a beautiful production!
With the return of the markets, we’ll be embracing everything Christmassy this November—including mulled wine, mince pies and ice skating! Ice Skate Birmingham returns to Centenary Square, alongside the Big Wheel. Just remember, if you get knocked down, to get up again!
This stand-up-led wine tasting makes learning about wine relaxed, social and genuinely fun. An Idiot’s Guide to Wine blends comedy with a guided tasting of six international wines in a laid-back, social setting. The evenings are created by an Australian comedian with certified wine qualifications, are strictly over-18s, and have limited seating.
Mariah Carey brings Christmas to Birmingham early this November. As part of a three‑date run across the UK, Mariah Carey will bring her Christmas arena show to Utilita Arena. The undisputed Queen of Christmas will also be performing hits like with global hits like Fantasy, Hero, Always Be My Baby, We Belong Together, Emotions, Touch My Body, and Heartbreaker.
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.
Pick up some Christmas cooking gifts and tips
Just in time for Christmas, The Good Food Show Winter will be at the NEC in Birmingham with a star-studded line-up. Taste seasonal delights, shop for unique gifts, and watch your favourite chefs bring festive recipes to life on stage. Plus, it’ll be chock-full of British artisanal food and goodies to buy.
Lumiante, the “UK’s number one light trail”, returns to Birmingham Botanical Gardens, having welcomed almost a quarter of a million since it launched in 2021. Weave your way through 15 acres of historic landscape and diverse gardens filled with stunning light installations and interactive light play, all set to a beautiful festive soundtrack.
A doctor at a border clinic treats an undocumented child and doesn’t report it, as the law requires. The child is later deported and dies. Now the doctor is charged with obstruction. You will cast the vote that determines the fate of the accused. Step into The Jury Experience, a live theatre courtroom drama, where audiences analyse witness testimony and forensic evidence after a fatal driverless car accident and vote on the verdict.
