Birmingham to celebrate Christmas 2021 in style with host of new family attractions

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Birmingham city centre is ready to unwrap Christmas in spectacular style this year, with a host of new festive events for 2021 all within walking distance from each other.

From Christmas markets full of crafts, gifts, food and drink, to gift shopping and festive trails, the city is fit to bursting with fun for all ages.

The five city centre BIDs – Colmore, Jewellery Quarter, Retail, Southside and Westside – have worked together to deliver and host a range of new attractions and a Christmas in Birmingham printed map to help visitors find their way across town to sample all the festive delights. The Visit Birmingham website will feature all attractions and links to ticket booking websites.

Birmingham’s Christmas season starts on 4 November 2021 and runs until 9 January, 2022. With over eight weeks of fun, there’s plenty of time to see everything.

The famous Frankfurt Christmas Market returns to Victoria Square and New Street. Head there for a taste of Glühwein, Bratwurst and crepes, live music and to pick up traditional Christmas gifts between 4 November-23 December, 10am to 9pm.

In Centenary Square, Ice Skate Birmingham gives you the opportunity to enjoy ice skating this winter, while the neighbouring Big Wheel gives jaw-dropping city views. There’s also the Ice Lounge where you can get together with friends – 4 November-9 January, 2022 (Closed Christmas Day), 10am to 10pm.

Families can enjoy Colmore BID’s new Christmas in Cathedral Square market between 17 November-19 December (11am to 8pm) – a magical festive market in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral featuring local producers selling crafts, gifts, food and drink.

The stunning Walking with The Snowman sculpture trail is coming to Birmingham for the first time from 17 November until 6 January, 2022.

This new and enchanting family-friendly walkable trail features 12 incredible sculptures in a tribute to Raymond Briggs’ magical classic, The Snowman™. Each Snowman has been individually decorated by a professional artist, inspired by the theme of the 12 Days of Christmas.

Pick up your Christmas in Birmingham map and follow the enchanting trail of the colourful sculptures across Birmingham city centre at locations such as Bullring & Grand Central, the Mailbox, Centenary Square, Victoria Square and House of Fraser where The Snowman™ will be in his very own fifth-floor Snow Village.

Near Mailbox, The Suffolk Street Queensway underpass in front of the building is transformed into Christmas at City Social – an independent street market dedicated to food, drink and live music between 25 November-18 December.

And if you’re in town for Christmas shopping, the city centre is home to all your favourite big brands at Bullring & Grand Central – where snow falls can be seen at Central Street – or Mailbox, the world’s biggest Primark on High Street and fabulous independents in Piccadilly and Great Western Arcades.

But the festive fun doesn’t stop there as Birmingham Hippodrome will be putting on its star-studded panto with Jason Donovan and Matt Slack taking centre stage for Goldilocks and The Three Bears, while the Alexandra Theatre is showing the multi-award-winning Jersey Boys.

Meanwhile, across town in the beautiful Jewellery Quarter, visitors can enjoy the Jewellery Quarter Christmas Window Trail

Discover the magic of Christmas in the Jewellery Quarter as you explore over 70 festive window displays created by independent businesses. Download the trail online at www.jewelleryquarter.net/jq-christmas, follow it on the DiscoverJQ app, or pick up a copy at a JQ venue.