Everything you need to know about Birmingham this Christmas. From the iconic Frankfurt Christmas Market and festive ice skating to theatre performances and family-friendly activities. Plus, tips for avoiding travel delays and when to shop as supermarkets adjust their hours over the holidays.
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00:00Birmingham's Christmas celebrations are a highlight of the season, and the centrepiece
00:06is the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Running until the 24th of December, it stretches across
00:12Victoria Square and New Street, offering visitors over 80 stalls filled with traditional German
00:18food, festive drinks and unique handcrafted gifts. Iconic treats such as bratwurst, churros
00:24and mulled wine draw crowds, with live performances adding to the merry atmosphere. It's the
00:29perfect place to pick up a unique Christmas gift or simply soak up the festive vibe.
00:37Adding to the festive fun is the Big Wheel and Ice Rink in Centenary Square, which will
00:41be open until the 5th of January. The ice rink is covered, making it ideal even on rainy
00:47days and offers a fun activity for families or a festive outing with friends. The Big
00:53Wheel provides spectacular views of the city's Christmas lights and its towering structure
00:58is a favourite for photo opportunities. For entertainment, Birmingham's theatres are
01:04packed with seasonal shows. The Birmingham Hippodrome presents its annual Pantomime,
01:09Peter Pan, filled with slapstick comedy and magical moments. Meanwhile, the Birmingham
01:14Rep takes on a more dramatic approach with A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story, blending
01:19the classic tale with thrilling performances. Both productions promise memorable evenings
01:25for all ages. If you're driving this Christmas, be prepared for busy roads. Major traffic
01:30hotspots like the M6 near Birmingham and the M25 are expected to see significant delays
01:37as people set off for the holidays. Drivers are advised to perform basic car checks, plan
01:43alternative routes and use real-time navigation apps to avoid congestion. Public transport
01:49users should check timetables early as many services will operate at reduced schedules
01:54on Christmas and Boxing Day. For your festive shopping, note that supermarkets will adjust
02:00their hours during the holiday period. Most major chains including Tesco, Asda and Aldi
02:06will be closed on Christmas Day, with reduced hours on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. For
02:11example, Tesco Extras will open from 9am to 7pm on Christmas Eve, so it's worth confirming
02:18timings for your local store. Beyond the main attractions, Birmingham has plenty more
02:23to offer. Cannon Hill Park provides a scenic setting for a festive winter walk, while the
02:28Library of Birmingham hosts seasonal storytelling sessions, perfect for families with young
02:33children. Over at Winterbourne House and Garden, there are craft workshops where visitors can
02:39create handmade Christmas decorations. For those looking for a quieter festive experience,
02:45the city's local pubs and cafes often have special holiday menus, and the Botanical
02:50Gardens offer a serene escape with seasonal displays and evening lights trails.