Christmas Events in Birmingham 2026

About Christmas in Birmingham

Birmingham has a long history with Christmas. Charles Dickens gave the first public reading of A Christmas Carol at Birmingham Town Hall in 1853, and the city has been embracing the festive season ever since.

Today, Birmingham's Christmas programme is one of the most varied in the country. The Frankfurt Christmas Market opens in early November and stretches over a kilometre through the city centre, running from Victoria Square along New Street to the Rotunda. It is widely regarded as the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria. Nearby, Centenary Square hosts a seasonal ice rink and big wheel each year, while the Birmingham Botanical Gardens stage the Luminate winter light trail, an after-dark illuminated walk of almost a mile through the gardens.

Birmingham's theatres are equally busy. The Hippodrome and the Rep both stage major Christmas productions each year, from pantomimes to ballet to festive stage shows, running from November into January. At the NEC, Winter Funland brings the UK's largest indoor Christmas funfair to the city each December, covering over 25,000 square metres with unlimited fairground rides, ice skating, a circus, and a motorbike stunt show all included in the ticket price.

Family attractions across the city - from science museums and aquariums to chocolate factories and discovery centres - add their own Christmas programming to the mix each season. Whatever age your children are, Birmingham's Christmas programme has something to offer - from Santa experiences and family-friendly shows to indoor funfairs and light trails designed with families in mind. Browse the listings below and book early - the most popular events sell out weeks in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Christmas events start in Birmingham?
Birmingham's Christmas season begins earlier than most UK cities. The Frankfurt Christmas Market typically opens in early November and the ice rink at Centenary Square opens around the same time. The Luminate light trail at the Botanical Gardens usually opens from late November. Pantomimes and theatre shows generally start in mid to late November and run into January.
Do I need to book Birmingham Christmas events in advance?
For most ticketed events, yes. The Luminate light trail, Winter Funland at the NEC, Santa experiences, and pantomimes at the Hippodrome and Rep all sell out on popular dates. Booking as soon as tickets go on sale is strongly recommended, particularly for weekend and school holiday dates in December.
Is Birmingham city centre easy to get to for Christmas events?
Yes. Birmingham city centre is well connected by rail, with New Street, Moor Street, and Snow Hill stations all within walking distance of the main event venues. The city centre is very busy during December weekends, so public transport is often the easier option for families. Car parking is available across the city centre but pre-booking is recommended on busy dates.
Are there free Christmas events in Birmingham?
Some Birmingham Christmas events are free to attend. The Frankfurt Christmas Market and Cathedral Square Craft Market are both free to explore, though food, drinks, and rides are paid. Other events such as the Luminate light trail, Winter Funland, and theatre shows require tickets. Check individual listings on Midsmas for details.
Are Birmingham Christmas events suitable for young children?
Many are, though suitability varies. Santa experiences, Winter Funland, and family-focused festive shows are designed with younger children in mind. The Luminate light trail is an evening event and may not suit very young children depending on the time of year. Pantomimes and ballet suit a wide age range. Always check individual event listings for age guidance before booking.
What types of Christmas events are listed for Birmingham on Midsmas?
Midsmas lists a wide range of Christmas events in Birmingham and the surrounding area, including Santa experiences, pantomimes, theatre and stage shows, music and carol concerts, Christmas markets, light trails, and festive train rides. All events are family-friendly. We list and describe events editorially without ranking or reviewing them, so you can browse and decide what suits your family.

View all Christmas events in the West Midlands

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