No matter how well-organised we are, there are always a million things to do at Christmas in Birmingham that we somehow manage to miss. Every year we forget to buy at least one family member a present and are scrambling around shopping on Christmas Eve. That’s before we remember to even put up our decorations!
With so many festive activities happening in Birmingham this Christmas to catch-up on, we cannot possibly stay on top of it all. From catching up on Christmas classics on TV to trying all the latest festive foods and drinks. Here’s our guide to some of the best things to do this Christmas in Birmingham so you don’t miss out.
1. Buy a real Christmas tree from a local farm
Before Christmas can truly start you have to buy a tree. If you are thinking of grabbing an artificial Christmas tree this year, we won’t judge. But nothing beat the sight and scent of the real thing. Especially if you’ve gone and picked one out yourself from one of the wonderful forests and garden centres near Birmingham, like Woods Farm in Shirley.
Kickstart the festive spirit in your household with a family day-out deciding on the perfect Christmas tree. Whether you’re after a freshly-cut fir or a sustainable and locally sourced tree, check out our guide for best places to buy Christmas trees in Birmingham.
2. Cosy up with a Christmas film
Once the tree is up, it’s time to wrap on the sofa and fall in love with our favourite Christmas films all over again. Take your pick of some of the newest Christmas film releases such as Spirited and Falling for Christmas, as well as Christmas classics such as Elf and Miracle On 34th Street.
There’s even a whole TV channel dedicated to Christmas to get you feeling festive. So get cosy on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate or something stronger because, baby it’s cold outside! Also, check out our guide to the Christmas films on Netflix here.
3. Glide into Christmas with style at one of these ice rinks near Birmingham
We’ll be indulging on more than our fair share of mulled wine, mice pies and turkey slices this Christmas 2022 in Birmingham. Some exercise is going to be needed. What better festive activity to burn some calories than ice skating?
We don’t expect anyone to become the next Torvill or Dean overnight. But getting out on the ice will be a world of fun. And if you get knocked down, to misquote Chumbawamba, just get up again. Some of these brilliant ice skating rinks around Birmingham will be open Christmas day too. Rejoice!
4. Hit up one of Birmingham’s Christmas markets
Everyone knows about Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market. It’s among the best Christmas markets in the country – brimming with dazzling lights, tasty festive treats, handmade gifts and plenty of activities. Christmas in Birmingham cannot begin without it.
But it’s not the only festive market happening in Birmingham in 2022. Christmas in Cathedral Square will be in town until December 18. While some smaller, but no less worthy markets have popped up around the city. See here for the best Christmas markets in Birmingham.
5. Support Birmingham’s independent businesses
Bored of the Christmas Markets? Don’t worry, you’ll still find unique and perfect gifts for friends and family down in Digbeth. There is a craft and flea market at The Custard Factory on December 10 with an array of Christmas gift ideas in the lead up to the big day.
Birmingham is full of independent businesses across the city. In these difficult months, many of them will need your support this Christmas 2022 in Birmingham. Not only will you help secure their survival, but you’ll definitely find something special for someone you love this Christmas.
6. Enjoy Christmas classics at the Luna Drive-In Winter Cinema
Even if you’ve already re-watched all the classic Christmas movies, from Love Actually to It’s A Wonderful Life. You’ve never seen them like this before in the comfort of your car. The Luna Drive-In Cinema returns to Birmingham NEC this Christmas from December 1 to 22 to show all our festive favourites.
Drive on down for a month’s worth of Christmastime classics on the big screen, including The Holiday, The Santa Clause, The Muppet Christmas Carol, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and, if you consider it a Christmas movie Gremlins, plus plenty more. To learn more head here.
7. Take the kids to the UK’s biggest indoor Christmas funfair
Winter Funland, the largest indoor Christmas funfair in the UK, returns to Birmingham NEC until January 2. Expect plenty of funfair thrills from waltzers, dodgems, and a gigantic ice skating rink to show off your slick skills. While the main man himself will be in his grotto every day until December 24.
No Christmas celebrations in Birmingham would be complete without festive treats, like candy floss, mulled wine and plenty of sweets. A special Christmas circus will also be in town with hilarious clowns and spectacular acrobats showing off all days long. Head here to learn more.
8. Make your own mulled wine
Mulled wine is an incredibly tasty festive treat. A glass of the warming, heavenly drink magically appears in our hands wherever we go at Christmas. But why do we waste all that money buying it out-and-about, when mulled wine is super easy to make at home?
All you need is a pan and a hob, and the ingredients which can be picked up from any local supermarket. Most recipes just require you to warm up red wine, oranges, cinnamon, cloves, star anise and a touch of sugar or honey to taste – and it’s as easy as popping it all in a saucepan together and simmering on low (with a pan cover) for just 15 minutes.
9. Dine under the stars in a festive canalside igloo
Baby it’s cold outside in Birmingham, but that doesn’t mean al fresco dining is dead. Gas Street Social’s brilliant, outdoor hangout igloos are back. Complete with fairy lights, comfy blankets, and wholesome grub for either lunch or dinner. These transparent pods are located on the canalside of The Mailbox, seating up to six people, and just the dream for festive spirits.
The igloos can be reserved for up to two hours, and ideal for a romantic dinner or a catch-up of ols school friends. If you’ve got a Christmas playlist ready to go, become the DJ too by banging on your favourite festive tunes through the restaurant’s Bluetooth speakers. Learn more here.
10. Try one of Birmingham’s best hot chocolates
11. Discover Birmingham’s best Christmas lights in 2022
From the city centre to local high streets and award-winning gardens. Birmingham has some of the best Christmas lights in the country to see in 2022. Nothing get us in the festive mood faster than seeing these astonishing trails. Bright and beautiful, colourful and cheery, we can’t get enough.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens host a mesmerising, mile-long Christmas lights trail this year with the Winter Light Trail. While a short-drive to Trentham Gardens reveals a jaw-dropping Christmas lights display through these award-wining gardens.
12. Meet the naughtiest Santa in Birmingham at Luna Springs
Not the Santa you know and love will be at Luna Springs this Christmas. Forget the necessities, this Father Christmas is more like to steal your drink than buy you one. The baddest Santa Claus is back in Birmingham and is ready to party at this bottomless brunch.
On December 10, you’ll have the chance to party with him for 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, filling burgers and festive entertainment. Expect outrageous games, mass sing-a-longs, and Christmas prizes to win. Tickets for Bad Santa Rides Again are £49 per person. Get yours here.
13. See a Christmas classic performed live
Much-loved Christmas classic The Snowman & The Snowdog will celebrate 10 years since the film’s release with two live performances at Birmingham Town Hall (December 17). Composers, Ilan Eshkeri and Andy Burrows, alongside an orchestra and live band, have brought the film’s magical soundtrack to life. There will be both a matinee and evening show, which will also feature very special surprise guests performing classic Christmas songs. Learn more here.