Birmingham is known as the “most Christmassy city in the UK,” and celebrating Christmas there is a magical experience. Fun fairs, pathways, ice skating, retail therapy, live music, and pantomime bring Birmingham to life. At the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, you can get traditional German Christmas items like Glühwein, Bratwurst, crepes, and more. It’s the most authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany. In addition to the Cathedral Christmas Market and the Christmas Garden Köln in the Zoo, there are additional noteworthy attractions at Cathedral Square. In addition to its great retail options (such as Primark, Selfridges, and the Bullring), Birmingham is home to a number of events (such as the Snowdogs sculpture trail).
-> See also: Christmas in England
Christmas Traditions in Birmingham
Snowdogs Discover Birmingham
A sculpture path called Snowdogs Discover Birmingham was created with inspiration from the animated sequel to the classic children’s book The Snowman (1978), written and illustrated by the late Raymond Briggs. You can join the Snowdogs for a winter stroll around Birmingham from November 8th to January 4th.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
The biggest genuine German Christmas market outside of Germany is in Birmingham, at the Frankfurt Market. It’s on Victoria Square and New Street. There will be traditional Christmas items for sale in addition to Glühwein, Bratwurst, crepes, and live music.
Cathedral Square Christmas Market
Located on the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral, this enchanted holiday market showcases goods and services made by local artisans and vendors. A helter-skelter ride and a pint at the Pigeon in the Park Pub are other options.
Christmas Shopping
Christmas customs in Birmingham have a long past and they are always changing and developing. Downtown Birmingham’s streets were turned into a Christmas Wonderland as early as the 1880s, with department shops like the Pizitz and Loveman’s going above and beyond to make shopping a memorable experience.
Pizitz’s Enchanted Forest or 20th Street’s Christmas Light Display may be remembered by some. During the Christmas Village Festival, which takes place at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex in November, attendees discover unique ways to give to their loved ones.
Ice Skate and Big Wheel
In Centenary Square, you’ll find Ice Skate Birmingham, where you can enjoy ice skating this winter, and the Big Wheel, which is just next door, offers breathtaking views of the city.
Christmas Shows and Panto
There is nothing quite like a visit to the theater over the Christmas season, and there are plenty of great shows and pantos to choose from, including the ever-popular panto at Birmingham Hippodrome and classic seasonal adventures at The Birmingham Rep and the Alexandra.
Jewellery Quarter Christmas Window Trail
Experience the Jewellery Quarter like never before with the festive Christmas Window Trail. You can walk through more than 60 window displays that will transport you to a holiday wonderland.
Glow Wild at the Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo is hosting an event called Glow Wild from November 17th through January 15th every year. Guests have the chance to see a night lighted by lanterns depicting various marine and wild animals. Extraordinary Christmas lights in the shape of enormous, multicolored lantern creatures from all around the globe (some standing over 30 feet tall) are on display at this event.
The North Pole Express
A magical holiday event, the North Pole Express, takes place at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. A genuine polar express is fashioned out of the train, and it sets off for the top of the planet. As they travel under the stars, traingoers enjoy holiday music, hear tales, and catch a sight of Santa Claus himself.
