1st December: Frankfurt Christmas Market 

The festive market returns with over 80 stalls offering traditional and handmade gifts interspersed with indulgent treats such as the ever popular bratwursts, stollen and glühwein. Open 10 am–9 pm every day to 23rd December, along New Street up to Victoria Square.

2nd December: Ice Skate Birmingham

Returning for the winter, enjoy the big wheel and undercover ice skating rink, with sessions lasting 45 minutes. Prices from £6; open 10am–10pm every day through to 12th January in Centenary Square.

3rd December: Crisis Skylight Birmingham Carol Service

Join a heart-warming carol service in aid of homelessness, followed by mince pies and drinks. Free to attend, beginning at 6 pm at St Martin in the Bull Ring. 

4th December: How The Grinch Stole Christmas - The Musical

Dr Suess' classic festive tale is brought to life, starring Ed Baker-Duly as the Grinch and X-Factor’s Matt Terry as Young Max. Tickets from £13; running 3rd–7th December at the Alexandra Theatre. 

5th December: Floating Christmas Market

An alternative to the popular ‘German Market’, the Roving Canal Traders Association returns to the waterways offering unique Christmas gifts. Open 10 am–4 pm from 5th–8th December, along the Birmingham Mainline Canal towpath near Arena Birmingham.

6th December: Coca-Cola Truck Tour

The infamous Coca-Cola TV advert heralds the beginning of the festive season, with its annual Coca-Cola Truck Tour visiting Intu Merry Hill, Dudley, this year. Enjoy a free 150 ml can of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 12 pm–7 pm on 6th–7th December.

7th December: Winter Wonderland at Tamworth SnowDome 

Encounter the ultimate Christmas experience with a walk-through ‘enchanted forest’, snowball games, reindeer meets and sledge rides. There is also Santa’s Christmas Village with a traditional carousel and post box for children’s letters. Prices from £13.95; open daily to 31st December. 

8th December: City Social Christmas Market

Another ‘German Market’ alternative, chalets filled with global cuisine and handmade gifts create a cosy atmosphere alongside live music and outdoor heaters. Open 12 pm–9 pm through to 21st December in Suffolk Street Queensway Underpass next to The Mailbox.

9th December: Etsy Made Local Christmas Market 

Support small and local businesses, purchasing handmade gifts from Midlands-based crafters and creatives. Open 10 am–6 pm on 3rd–22nd December, hosted at the Medicine Bakery & Gallery where you can enjoy artisan delicacies. 

10th December: Drayton's Magical Christmas

Experience the magic of Christmas in their Castle of Dreams and child-friendly attractions including Santa’s grotto, live character shows, reindeer meets and fireworks displays. Tickets from £22, running until 31st December. 

11th December: Tudor Christmas Tours at Blakesley Hall

Guided tours of the festively-decorated hall, exploring traditions from Tudor times, with Christmas treats served at the tearoom. Tickets from £3; only on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 4th–13th December. 

12th December: Christmas Choir Competition

Join over 30 local schools competing through the week in the Little Voices Choir Competition. The finalists will be announced Friday 13th, taking place by Customer Services in the Lower Mall of Intu Merry Hill, Dudley.

13th December: Meet Santa at Millennium Point

Family fun meeting Santa, receiving a festive gift and a photo opportunity with the great man himself, whilst enjoying a full programme of craft activities and entertainment. Though free, tickets are required to secure entry and sell out quickly. 

14th December: Enchanted Weston

Follow the illuminated half-mile trail through Capability Brown's Temple Wood at Weston Park, and marvel at mysterious smoke rings rising over Temple Pool. Warm up by the fire pits, toast marshmallows and enjoy street food. Tickets from £9; open 5 pm–8 pm on 13th–21st December.

15th December: Christmas Bottomless Cinema

Experience festive classics alongside bottomless popcorn, ice cream and drinks at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Screenings for one day only, including The Greatest Showman, Elf and Home Alone 2. Tickets from £15 with very limited availability so act fast!

16th December: Love Actually Live Concert

For one night only watch the Christmas favourite with a live orchestra performing the film’s soundtrack. Tickets from £42.50 with extremely limited availability at Birmingham Symphony Hall. 

17th December: Once Upon A Time In Birmingham

The pop-up tearoom and party bar has opened in the former Jamie’s Italian restaurant overlooking St Martin’s Square, featuring a mirrored interior and 88,000 fairy lights. Expect glowing, sparkling and colour-changing drinks alongside a festive menu. Open 2pm–12am until 23rd December.

18th December: Christmas at The Electric Cinema 

Iconic Christmas films are being screened throughout December including Home Alone, Love Actually, White Christmas, It’s A Wonderful Life, Elf and The Muppet Christmas Carol. Tickets £14.50. 

19th December: BBC WM Carol Service

Join the radio presenters for readings and the cathedral choir in a festive service recorded for broadcast nearer to Christmas. Arrive early as the doors of Birmingham Cathedral will close at 1 pm.

20th December: Christmas at Cadbury World 

The chocolate haven gets a festive makeover with a giant chocolate Christmas tree and family-friendly stage show featuring Santa, as well as a Snow White-themed pantomime. Head to the shop for indulgent festive novelties and last-minute stocking fillers. Tickets from £13.25.

21st December: All I Want For Christmas Is Brunch

Don your favourite Christmas jumper and best singing voice to belt out Christmas tunes, alongside three hours of unlimited Bloody Marys, Mimosas, Bellinis or Laine Beer, plus breakfast (vegetarian and vegan options available)! Tickets from £28; held at The Lord Clifden, Jewellery Quarter. 

22nd December: Now That’s What I Call Christmas Live

The biggest-selling festive album comes to Birmingham Symphony Hall for one day, with a live band and singers to take you through iconic seasonal hits including Last Christmas and Fairytale of New York. Tickets from £28. 

23rd December: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Panto

A star cast of Matt Slack, Lesley Joseph, Joe McElderry, Faye Brookes and Doreen Tipton bring a fun pantomime to Birmingham Hippodrome, suitable for all the family. Tickets from £17, running through to 2nd February. 

24th December: Carols by Candlelight

The ultimate Christmas Eve tradition. Celebrate in sophisticated style with an afternoon orchestral concert of carols and seasonal classics, staged in 18th century costume. Tickets from £16.50 at Birmingham Symphony Hall.

25th December: Birmingham Christmas Shelter

Offer something back to your local community and volunteer during the Christmas week to welcome those in need of food, warmth and shelter. Give the gift of companionship and kindness. 

Whatever you do over the festive season, from everyone at #CityGirlNetwork, we wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Written by Hannah Bird