Christmas in Birmingham - Festive Special Guide

Birmingham feels lovely in December. The city centre lights up and there is a warm buzz everywhere you go. The streets feel busy but cheerful. You see stalls, music, and people enjoying the season. It has that classic Christmas feel without trying too hard.

This guide will walk through the main festive markets in Birmingham, the reindeer trail, family days out, and fun things for adults too. It will also touch on places to eat, spots to shop, and simple ways to enjoy the city at a slow pace. Birmingham is a good festive choice because everything is close together, easy to reach, and there is plenty to do even if the weather turns cold. It is a simple and stress-free pick for a pre-Christmas day out in Birmingham.

Frankfurt Christmas Market

The Frankfurt Christmas Market sits in Victoria Square and along New Street. It usually runs from mid-November to just before Christmas. For 2025, the dates are November 1 to December 24.

You find rows of stalls selling gifts, decorations & plenty of classic German food and drink. It is free to enter and easy to reach, which makes it great for visitors coming in from nearby towns or even further away. There is always a lively atmosphere, and it feels like the heart of Christmas in the city.

It does get busy, so the best time to visit is early in the day or on a weekday evening. Budget a bit for food and drink because prices can add up. There are some vegan and vegetarian options too, including vegan bratwurst at a few stalls. 

I have visited the market every year since moving to the West Midlands three years ago, and it has become a small tradition for me.

Christmas in Cathedral Square

Christmas in Cathedral Square runs from early November to 24 December. It sits right next to the cathedral and has a cosy feel. The market focuses on craft stalls, local makers, and handmade gifts. It is smaller than the main market, but that is part of its charm. You can take your time, browse slowly, and find things you may not see in the bigger stalls elsewhere in the city.

What sets it apart is the calmer atmosphere. It feels more local and less hectic, which is perfect if you prefer a quieter festive outing. It is a good pick for shoppers who want something a bit different and not too mainstream. The best times to visit are mornings or weekdays when it is peaceful and easy to move around. It is a nice break from the crowds and still very festive.

The Ice Rink and Ice Lounge

The ice rink in Birmingham is set up in Centenary Square and runs from 1 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. It is open every day from 10am to 10pm, so it is easy to fit into your plans. It is a fun spot for all ages and has a lively but friendly feel. You can buy tickets online or at the box office, though it is best to book ahead so you are not turned away. It makes a nice break from the markets and gives you a bit of festive activity in the middle of the city.

Right next to the rink is the Ice Lounge, which is open to everyone and free to enter. It serves warm drinks, light snacks, and hearty winter food. You can warm up with hot chocolate, tea, coffee, mulled wine, or cider after your skate. If you do not feel like skating, you can relax inside or watch friends and family from the viewing platform. It is open from 10am to 10pm, including New Year’s Eve, and is a great spot to enjoy the festive atmosphere without being out in the cold the whole time.

The Big Wheel

The Big Wheel is another fun festive pick, giving you great views across Birmingham. It moves slowly, so you can sit back and take in sights like the Library of Birmingham, the Council House, the Town Hall, the Cube, and Brindleyplace. 

You can even see the German Christmas Market from above, which looks lovely at night. You cannot book in advance, so you just turn up and pay on the day, which keeps it simple if you are already in the city.

The Reindeer Trail - Brum’s Christmas Reindeer Trail

Brum’s Christmas Reindeer Trail is back in Birmingham for 2025, and it is just as fun as ever. Families and visitors can spot all nine reindeer sculptures, including Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen, across the city centre. Four of them have been refreshed with new designs, like a twinkling snowman, Christmas trees, and a cheeky reindeer bursting from gift wrap. The trail is perfect for festive selfies and a playful way to explore the city, with spots at the Mailbox, Frankfurt Christmas Market, Great Western Arcade, and even inside Primark on High Street.

I visited the Reindeer trail last year and loved it - it was fun, enjoyable, and really got me into the Christmas spirit. There is an online map to follow, and each reindeer has a letter that helps spell out a hidden festive word, making it even more interactive. Paper maps are also available at selected stores and hotels, so it is easy to join in. The trail runs until 6 January 2026 and is a cheerful way to see Birmingham while supporting a good cause, as it raises money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

Shopping, Lights & City Walks

Shopping in Birmingham at Christmas is a real treat. Many shops go all out with decorations and special offers, making window shopping almost as fun as buying. Stores like Selfridges, the Bullring, Grand Central, and High Street retailers often have festive displays and seasonal deals. 

It is a good time to pick up gifts, decorations, or just enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. Around the big markets and main events, the streets can get very busy, so it helps to plan your route and give yourself extra time to get in and out.

A few tips make the day easier. Wear comfortable shoes as you will walk a lot between shops and markets. Public transport is usually simpler than driving, as parking can be expensive or hard to find. Try visiting during weekday mornings, if you can, as that will offer a quieter experience. And remember to budget both time and money for spontaneous treats or extra stops along the way. It is all part of enjoying the festive buzz in the city.

Dining Options

Festive dining in Birmingham is simple but fun. You get German sausages, roasted nuts, mulled wine & warm hot chocolate at every turn. If you want a quieter meal, it helps to step away from the main stretch of the festive markets or book a restaurant nearby.

You could enjoy a day of slow luxury and cosy festivities with one of Birmingham’s finest country pubs - The White Swan.

For cosy festive catchups and stylish occasions, The White Swan in the heart of Edgbaston is the place to be this Christmas. Serving their fabulous 3-course Festive Set Menu from £39.50 and their Children's 3-Course Festive Menu from £14.95, perfect for your little elves.  

The White Swan’s chefs have crafted delicious starters such as juicy Scallops, tender mains like the Tomahawk steak, and post-meal delights including Poached Pineapple or Cheese & Biscuits. 

You can discover more about White Swan's seasonal menus here.   
 

Festive Stays

 
Bringing the magic of the festive season to the heart of the city, the five-star Grand Hotel, in Birmingham, has unveiled a brand-new Nutcracker-themed suite.

Inspired by the much-loved classic Christmas fairytale, the suite will be enchanting guests for a limited time only this winter. Priced from £439 per night and available between November 3 and December 31, the Grade II listed hotel has transformed its luxurious Grand Suite for this quintessential Christmas experience. Stepping into a festive wonderland, guests will discover twinkling lights, snow-dusted pinecones, sugar plum shades, sumptuous seasonal wreaths, plush velvet bows, a spectacular Christmas tree and nutcrackers galore, amongst much else.

Blending historic grandeur with modern luxury, The Grand’s suites boast high ceilings, super-king four-poster beds, and captivating city views across St Philip’s Cathedral gardens. Its glamourous cocktail bar, Madeleine, is one of Birmingham’s most sought-after watering holes, while its elegant onsite restaurant, Issac’s, delights guests with British brasserie classics with a French influence.

For more information, or to book, visit: www.thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk

Practical Info & Tips

Getting around Birmingham at Christmas is easiest by public transport. City centre stations and trams make it simple, and it is usually better than trying to drive, as roads and parking can get busy. 

Check accessibility at each venue if needed, including lifts and disabled access, so everyone in your group can enjoy the day. If you plan to stay overnight, book accommodation early, as prices go up during the festive weeks.

The best times to visit are weekday mornings or early evenings when it is quieter. Dress warmly with layers and boots, as December in Birmingham can be chilly. To avoid crowds, arrive early or split your visit across two days. 

Budget for food, drinks, transport, and any tickets for indoor activities like the funfair. If you are visiting with children or teens, plan breaks and use the reindeer trail or other activities to keep them engaged.

Birmingham offers a wonderful mix of festive experiences, from the lively German Christmas Market to the quieter craft markets, indoor fun, and the reindeer trail. Whether you have a few hours, a full day, or are staying overnight, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Pick your dates, plan your route & make a festive memory in the heart of the city.