Birmingham: The Ultimate Christmas Guide

Did you know that Birmingham holds a special place in the history of Christmas? Charles Dickens gave his first public reading of A Christmas Carol in Birmingham in 1853, and the city has been linked with the festive season ever since. Whether you’re a Brummie or just visiting, there is so much in store for you and your families this Christmas!

From the sparkling Frankfurt Christmas Market to charming historic Christmas tours, there’s bound to be something for everyone to enjoy in the city. Enjoy ice skating with colleagues in Centenary Square or catch one of your favourite Christmas movies at Symphony Hall.

Here at Tagvenue, we have put together a handy guide to all the best Christmas activities in Birmingham, and if you are looking for a magical venue, we have hundreds of spaces waiting for you to make your party planning easier. So, without further ado, let’s jump in!

1. Visit the Frankfurt Christmas Market

The Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham is one of the most anticipated events of the year. It draws in people from all over the UK and Europe, and when the market’s coming to town you know Christmas is just around the corner.

It is set up in Victoria Square, the biggest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria. You’ll find a wide variety of traditional snacks and gifts. Dig into pretzels, bratwursts, and roasted almonds and wash them down with gluhwein, weissbier, or creamy hot chocolate. Sounds ideal, hä?

It’s a great place to meet with family and friends and enjoy the live music, or look through the stalls to see if there are any unique Christmas gifts you can pick up. From handcrafted wooden decorations to delicate glass baubles and, of course the favourite crystal lamps, there’s bound to be something special for everyone here.

After exploring the market, continue your German tour and visit The Bierkeller in Chinatown. They  offer a fantastic Christmas package featuring a Bavarian-themed evening complete with a 90-minute Oompah band show followed by a DJ playing the festive classics. 

And if you didn’t eat enough at the market, they offer special buffets with traditional and vegan bites for £14- £22 per person! Enjoy this unique night out this Christmas.

2. Glide Across the Ice at Centenary Square

Are you looking for something a bit more fun or challenging? Why not try out the ice rink in Birmingham? It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! 

Whether you’re a pro like Torvill and Dean or a newbie feeling like Bambi on ice, it’s a fun way to get out of the house and enjoy the chilly weather. Just remember to take it easy and enjoy yourselves!

You’re sure to work up an appetite with all this skating and fun. Afterwards, enjoy a warm beer or chilled cocktail paired with a delicious sourdough pizza at The Birmingham Stable. You’ll feel right at home at this cosy place.

3. Winter Glow at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Want to get into the Christmas spirit? Head to Birmingham Botanical Gardens for their Winter Glow event. Known for its stunning plant collections, the gardens are transformed into a festive wonderland.

Enjoy a stroll along the illuminated trail, warm up with mulled wine, and toast marshmallows—a great way to celebrate the season with family, friends or colleagues.

4. Christmas on the Screen

Calling all movie and musical lovers! Have you ever imagined watching your favourite Christmas movies with a live orchestra, like The Holiday or Love Actually? This festive season, you can! In the lead-up to Christmas, Symphony Hall offers you the chance to experience these beloved classics in a whole new way.

If musicals are more your thing, check out ‘Elf: The Musical’? It’s sure to be a hit with the family!

Or, if you’re in the mood for a timeless story, ‘A Christmas Carol’ never disappoints.Catching a matinee or a late-night showing? Grab a bite at Box Brindley Place, where you can enjoy a festive feast with delicious options for just €26.95 per person.

5. Christmas at the Museum

Head to the Black Country Living Museum in the West Midlands for a fun Christmas outing with your little ones. This open-air museum brings history to life, showcasing the region’s industrial past through immersive experiences.

This year, they’re adding new activities to kick off the holiday season:

• Glad Tidings: Enjoy the museum after hours with cosy entertainment in a setting that recreates life in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Santa Hunts: With a brand-new storyline, take a guided tour through the museum’s historical streets to find Santa at the end—an exciting adventure for kids!
• Unwrapping Christmas: Participate in daytime activities like crafts, carols, and stories, all set against the authentic period buildings.
  

What a perfect way to blend Christmas fun with a bit of history!

6. Festive Afternoon Tea

Want to feel like royalty this Christmas? Well, you can! Gather your friends or enjoy a special afternoon with your Mum as you indulge in a festive afternoon tea. It is an elegant way to unwind after a long day of Christmas shopping.

For those who prefer a relaxing experience away from the holiday crowds, afternoon tea is a great pick. It’s especially great for mums-to-be, as many packages offer non-alcoholic options so everyone can enjoy the fun.

Check out the Plough and Harrow Hotel. They offer a festive afternoon tea menu from £32.50 per person. The menu includes finger sandwiches, tarts, scones, sweet treats and tea! With extra prosecco or champagne available, it’s a deal set for a King or Queen!

7. Festive Feasts

Christmas is a time for giving, spending time with loved ones, and, most importantly, giving in to your favourite foods. Birmingham offers an overwhelming array of options, but we’ve narrowed down some top recommendations for this holiday season.

• Manahatta: Experience a Cuban Christmas with live music, salsa, cocktails, and authentic cuisine. Their Christmas packages include a festive dinner perfect for sharing at £26.95 per person. They cater to everyone with vegan and gluten-free menus at the same price. Would you prefer a sit-down meal? Relish a three-course dinner for £38.95 per person, featuring creative twists on classics, like the intriguing Turkey Bao bun.

Amazing venue perfect for my birthday celebration. Staff were so helpful and friendly and food was delicious.

Michelle E

• Orelle: Recently crowned the best in Birmingham at the Best Restaurant Awards 2024, Orelle offers a traditional meal with a French twist this Christmas. Their sample Christmas menu includes a three-course lunch for just £50 per person or the evening menu priced between £70 and £80 per person. While you dine, take in the panoramic views of Birmingham—this restaurant is one of the best for a reason!

• The Lost and Found Birmingham: If you’re looking for somewhere to host a Christmas Party this year, The Lost and Found is the perfect place! You’ll be able to enjoy their festive menu for just £37 per person which includes a three course meal with starters, mains and desserts! A staff member will handle the drinks so you don’t need to worry about queuing at the bar, just focus on enjoying your event! They also have a £25 buffet option for groups of 10+ and various drinks packages starting at £8.50 per person. Can you really go wrong?

The Christmas meal was great. Menu options suited everyone on the table, everyone enjoyed their food. Portion sizes were big. Good value for money. Service was great and the staff were friendly.

Janet N

Happy Holidays

As the festive season approaches and our guide comes to an end we hope we have convinced you that Birmingham is really the place to be this Christmas.  There’s plenty to see, do and taste so grab your friends, families or colleagues and make some lasting memories in Birmingham this season! 

While you’re busy planning your Christmas holiday itinerary, don’t forget you’re going to need a venue to host your Christmas celebrations. This is where our platform comes in, using our venue selection page Tagvenue will help you discover the best venues in Birmingham.Christmas only comes once a year, so let’s make it one to remember!

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