The Most Christmassy Things To Do In Birmingham

Birmingham has been at the forefront of Christmassy events for quite some time now, despite staying slightly under the radar. For example, did you know the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria comes to the city each year? Read on to discover some of the most festive things you can do in the UK’s second city this Christmas.

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market

The Frankfurt Christmas Market runs from November 16 right up to Christmas Eve this year, which means you can feel even more Christmassy for longer! Whether you’re mad on hitting up the trinket stalls, love joining in with the festive singalongs on Victoria Square or enjoy nothing more than sipping on a Glühwein or a pint of Weissbeer, there’s something for everyone at Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market.

📍Victoria Square & New Street, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Digbeth Après Ski Party

Situated on Digbeth High Street is Birmingham’s oldest inn, The Old Crown, which dates back to the 14th century. Across the final three weekends in December ’17 before Christmas, the popular pub turns in to a fully-fledged Après Ski Party – complete with falling snow, pine trees and a cosy heated ski lodge marquee with fur-lined benches. You don’t even need to leave the B postcode to get a taste of the Alps this Christmas. Tickets are available here.

📍 The Old Crown, 188 High St, Digbeth, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Ice Skate Birmingham & the Big Wheel

New for Christmas 2017, Ice Skate Birmingham is a mini winter wonderland of sorts. Now the new home of Birmingham’s Big Wheel, the Eastside City Park attraction also houses an all-new, covered ice skating rink, a funfair, heated bar and loads more. This is perfect for the entire family, just try not to have too many beers before you hit the ice…

📍Eastside City Park, New Canal Street, Birmingham, United Kingdom

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bck2LGHn3XR/?hl=en&taken-by=bethastington

Christmas carol services

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a carol service, and thankfully Birmingham offers quite a few of them. Whether you’re after the traditional setting of a cathedral or just want to belt out some Christmas classics at the German Market, there are several options to choose from. Check with a local cathedral or church to see whether they are partaking in Christmas carols this year.

📍 Various locations, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Go Christmas shopping

Not only does Birmingham boast one of Europe’s biggest shopping centres in the Bullring, it’s also home to a number of independent shopping centres and arcades. It goes without saying that everybody needs to get involved with a bit of Christmas shopping – whether you like it or not – and this city is full of wonderful places to pick up those much sought-after gifts. So whether you’re looking for something special in Selfridges, some killer clothes in the Great Western Arcade, or you just want to treat yourself and give something back to the local traders in Piccadilly Arcade, a festive-looking Birmingham’s got you covered.

📍 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Decorations for sale in Great Western Arcade

Alpine Christmas Markets

A brand new fixture to Brindleyplace Central Square this Christmas is the Alpine Christmas Markets, which run right up to December 23. Keeping with the Alps theme, this set of markets offers traditional live music, chalets packed with Christmas treats for sale and some festive hot and cold drinks to keep you going too. It’s on from 11am-9pm daily.

📍 Brindley Place, Central Square, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Visit the Reindeer Park

In Sutton Coldfield, just on the borders of Birmingham, lies the Reindeer Park. This family-orientated guest lodge, campsite and caravan park is home to a number of reindeer which visitors and guests can come and see in the run-up to Christmas. They are also available to hire should you be hosting a private event!

📍 Kingsbury Rd, Curdworth, Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom