A bustling metropolis in England’s West Midlands, Birmingham boasts a bustling economy with a diverse culture and proudly calls itself the UK’s second city. It’s also a contender for the monicker of “Venice of the North” because of its extensive and busy canal network used not only for tourism but also industry and general transportation. Plenty of attention is given not only to the canals but also to the landscape around Birmingham, as the city has 571 parks, winning it multiple awards from environmental groups and initiatives. With so much attention and care given to its people and attractions, the city makes for a fantastic vacation destination, especially during the winter. Plan your holidays accordingly with our list of the best things to do at Christmas in Birmingham, UK.
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1. Explore various shops at Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
An essential part of Birmingham’s Christmas traditions, Frankfurt Christmas Market brings you wonderful German and Austrian Christmas traditions with a dash of British flair. Listen to classic carols while sipping mulled wine or bite into bratwurst and wash it down with German beer. You should also check out the shops for some fine leatherwork, toys, or jewelry to gift to your loved ones.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
Address: Victoria Square, Birmingham, Birmingham B3 3AA, United Kingdom
Website: The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Opening hours: Nov. 3 - Dec. 23: 10am - 9pm (daily); Nov. 13: 1pm - 9pm
2. Delight your kids with a Christmas breakfast with Santa at Villa Park
Seeing Santa Claus is always a magical treat for children, and sharing a meal with him will be a truly unforgettable experience. Children and their parents will get to enjoy a breakfast buffet with jolly Saint Nick and his helpful elves in Villa Park stadium. In addition, if the younglings stay well behaved and make it to Santa’s ‘nice’ list, they’ll be rewarded with a gift to cherish for years.
Dine With Santa
Address: Trinity Rd, Birmingham B6 6HE, United Kingdom
Website: Breakfast with Santa
Opening hours: Dec. 4, 11, 18: 9am-11:30am
Price: 16.95 GBP (19.42 USD) for adults; 12.95 GBP (14.84 USD) for children
3. Hop on the Big Wheel and check out Birmingham's scenery
Along with City Flyer and the covered ice rink, Big Wheel is one of the three main attractions found every Christmas season at Centenary Square. If you’re not in the mood for the gravity-defying City Flyer, then the Big Wheel’s relaxed pace might be just right for you. The ride will also give your legs some time to rest after spending time at the ice rink.
Do note that tickets for the Big Wheel can only be purchased on-site.
The Big Wheel
Address: Centenary Sq, Broad St, Birmingham B1 2ND, United Kingdom
Website: Ice Skate Birmingham
Opening hours: Nov. 3 - Jan. 8: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 13 GBP (14.90 USD) for adults; 11 GBP (12.61 USD) for children ages 12 & below
4. Skate the night away at Ice Skate Birmingham
Nothing says winter quite like gliding around the ice. Ice Skate Birmingham in Centenary Square attracts plenty of visitors wanting to test their skating skills. If you’ve never tried ice skating before, you’ll have a ball of a time learning how in the covered rink and under the watchful eyes of the skilled staff. If you’re worried about your kids falling over, a cute penguin-shaped skating aid can also be rented for a small fee.
Ice Skating at Ice Skate Birmingham
Address: Centenary Sq, Broad St, Birmingham B1 2ND, United Kingdom
Website: Ice Skate Birmingham
Opening hours: Nov. 3 - Jan. 8: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 13 GBP (14.90 USD) for adults; 11 GBP (12.61 USD) for children ages 12 & below
5. Watch unforgettable stage performances at Birmingham's theaters
A city as culturally rich as Birmingham will have plenty of performance events happening, especially during the Christmas season. The Birmingham Hippodrome alone has plenty of shows, from ballets to comedic plays, lined up for the coming months. If you’re a theater fan looking for more options, then you’ll definitely also want to check out the shows at Birmingham Repertory Theatre and New Alexandra Theatre.
Birmingham Hippodrome
Address: Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB, United Kingdom
Website: Birmingham Hippodrome
Price: from 25 GBP (28.66 USD)
6. Take your family on a magical ride on Santa Train at Severn Valley Railway
A magical ride for children and adults alike, Santa Train lets you board a classic steam engine decorated for the season. Children will receive premium gifts while adults will be given a travel mug to remember the trip by. You also don’t have to worry about feeling peckish as sweet treats and drinks will be provided during the trip. Santa Train tickets also includes an entertaining pantomime performance from Christmas elves and Santa Claus.
Santa Train at Severn Valley Railway
Address: 1 Comberton Place, Kidderminster, DY10 1QR
Website: Severn Valley Railway
Opening hours: Nov. 26 - Dec. 18: Sat - Sun; Dec. 20 - Dec. 24: Tue - Sun
Price: from 153 GBP (175.41 USD)
7. Partake in delectable meals inside an igloo
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re in the mood to indulge in gastronomic delights during the holidays, you’ll want to try dining inside Gas Street Social’s winter igloos. You can reserve the beautifully lit igloos and enjoy this unique dining experience with close family and friends. The igloos have space for six people and also come with Bluetooth speakers so that you can enjoy your favorite music as you savor your meal.
Gas Street Social Winter Igloo Dining
Address: The Mailbox, 166-168 Wharfside St, Birmingham B1 1RL, United Kingdom
Website: Gas Street Social
Price: from 30 GBP (34.39 USD) igloo charge with minimum spend of 100 GBP (114.65 USD)
8. Join the festivities of Christmas in Cathedral Square
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Christmas in Cathedral Square https://bit.ly/3xhlJZm [Birmingham What's On Colmore Business District] #ChristmasinBirmingham #VisitBirmingham
Posted by Visit Birmingham on Tuesday, November 23, 2021
This holiday season, Cathedral Square will be hosting a Christmas market with plenty of stalls offering food, drinks, and crafts. Live performances by local artists will keep the venue lively and also spread holiday cheer. If you’re looking for some good deals and meals or just want to celebrate the holidays among local artisans, this fair is definitely worth checking out.
Christmas In Cathedral Square
Address: Cathedral Square, Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2QB, United Kingdom
Website: Christmas in Cathedral Square
Opening hours: From Nov. 16 - Dec. 18: Mon - Wed: 11am - 8pm; Thu - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 12nn - 8pm
9. Dance, mingle, and meet new friends at Reggae Brunch Xmas Special
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
1 more week till Xmas eve
Posted by The Reggae Brunch Birmingham on Friday, December 17, 2021
For party animals who love meeting people and making new friends, be sure to check out the Reggae Brunch Xmas Special. Unlike more solemn or family-friendly events around Birmingham, this event promises an epic party from the moment the doors open. Enjoy an hour of bottomless rum punch alongside a delicious three-course Caribbean meal.
While you indulge in the tasty treats, the DJ and performers will keep everyone hyped up with great music. This is definitely a party you won’t want to miss.
The Reggae Brunch Xmas Special
Website: Reggae Brunch Birmingham
Opening hours: Dec. 10: 12pm - 5pm
Price: from 17.50 GBP (20.06 USD)
10. Have a wild Christmas-themed night out at Tonight Josephine
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Inspired by and named after the party-loving French Empress Josephine, Tonight Josephine is a cocktail bar where women can let loose and be themselves. It’s no surprise that the bar is planning to redefine Christmas celebrations in Birmingham. So, get ready for a wild night out with your friends as you’re entertained by drag hosts and Santa and drink your fill of tasty cocktails.
Don’t worry about your hubby or partner, as they also let gentlemen in as long as they’re as wild and free as their counterparts.
Josephine's Office Party
Address: 12 Burlington Arcade, Stephenson St, Birmingham B2 5EE, United Kingdom
Website: Josephine’s Office Party
Opening hours: 7pm - 12am
Price: from 20 GBP (22.93 USD)
Birmingham is a beautiful place for the holidays
A wonderful city with equally fantastic attractions and people, Birmingham attracts tourists from all over the world. The holiday season is the perfect time to drop by and experience the city’s festivities. To make the most of your trip, be sure to look through this list of the best things to do at Christmas in Birmingham, UK.
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