Wondering where to book your festive UK city break? No where does Christmas like Birmingham does! Throughout the festive season, Birmingham is decked out with its famous Frankfurt Christmas Market, annual Christmas theatre performances, the hustle and bustle of the Bullring, and even the magical Polar Express, which steams straight ahead to the North Pole!
The Polar Express™ Birmingham Train Ride
All board the Polar Express! Calling at Birmingham Moor Street, Vintage Trains has brought the magical 2004 festive classic to life for a couple of years now, bringing the magic of Christmas alive for children and adults alike. You are invited to climb aboard The Polar Express with its destination being, of course, the North Pole! Passengers will be treated to re-enactments of the scenes from the tale as well as hot chocolate, cookies, carol singing and of course, a hello from Santa Claus! And the best part? The dress code is pyjamas! Book your memorable Christmas adventure for all the family, here.
Candlelight Concerts Birmingham: Christmas Edition
You may have heard about the new classical music phenomenon that has become increasingly popular across the UK. Surrounded by cosy, flickering LED candles, Candlelight Concerts host themed evenings, playing stripped down renditions of everything from Hans Zimmer, Queen, Pink Floyd to Taylor Swift in beautiful relaxing venues such as museums and cathedrals. This Christmas, they will here in Birmingham, playing joyful and nostalgic Christmas classics on cosy Christmas evenings. Visit https://feverup.com/en/birmingham/candlelight to view showing times and to book your tickets.
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Nutcrack at Birmingham Hippodrome
The festive season isn’t complete without a trip to the theatre! An annual tradition here in Birmingham, is watching the spectacular performance of the Nutcracker, brought to you by the Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Sir Peter Wright’s timeless production of the Christmas classic will transport you straight to an enchanting winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes, magic, twinkling Christmas trees and even a Sugar Plum Fairy.
Friday 17th November – Saturday 9th December 2023
Get Your Skates On
Lace up your skates and hit the ice at Birmingham’s annual Ice Skate Birmingham. Located in Centenary Square, this outdoor ice rink offers a perfect opportunity to embrace the winter spirit. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced skater, the rink provides a fun-filled activity for people of all ages. This is to be enjoyed no matter the weather! This year, a clear roof has been installed meaning the typical UK weather won’t interrupt your fun. It is recommended to book tickets in advance which you can do so here.
Winter Light Trail at Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Embark on an enchanting mile-long wander through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens from the 25th November 2023 – 2nd January 2024. A captivating light trail will lead your way around the historic and vibrant ground of the gardens, which come alive with sparkling lights, festive displays, and an enchanting trail of illuminated sculptures. A stroll through this winter paradise is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. Perfect for the whole family to get wrapped up and toast marshmallows and enjoy refreshments during your magical wander, it is encouraged to book in advance!
Explore The Birmingham Frankfurt Market
From Thursday 2nd November – Sunday 24th December 2023, Victoria Square will once again be home to the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, which is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria. Birmingham is renowned for its Christmas markets, and they are a must-visit during the holiday season. Birmingham at Christmas is filled with the clinks of glasses of Glühwein classic Christmas songs ringing throughout the city, the scent of German Bratwurst and pretzels filling the air and the warmth of hot chocolates keeping your mittens toasty! Wander around wooden stalls adorned with twinkling lights and discover unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious seasonal treats.
Christmas Shopping in The Bullring
The Bullring is one of the UK’s premium shopping destinations and is known for its extensive selection of stores, ranging from high-street favourites to high-end something specials! During the Christmas season, the Bullring goes all out to create a festive and magical atmosphere and of course offers extended opening hours, making it the perfect place to quickly tick off your Christmas shopping list.
Book Your Festive City Break Here in Birmingham
Just in time for the festive season, we have recently launched our City Break Package! Gift-wrapped with complimentary buffet breakfast, serving extensive hot and cold options, as well as a welcome drink upon arrival to ensure you feel like a VIP, this package goes hand-in-hand with the festive season! After spending the day wandering the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market and ticking off your Christmas shopping list in the Bullring, retreat into luxury here at Park Regis Birmingham to polish off your festive city break.