It's Christmas time and with the school holidays approaching there are a host of festive and affordable family Christmas experiences near Birmingham for you and your loved ones to enjoy and create cherished memories together.
Get your hats and gloves packed and wellington boots ready to go an explore the amazing Christmas events just a short train ride away from your home.
We've take a look at the best day trips and day outings for the festive season throughout December to make this a truly enyoyable season.
From winter wonderlands, to Victorian markets, these activities are full of Christmas magic - and you don't have to worry about driving - although watch out for the train strikes on Wednesay to Saturday, December 6 to 9. Full details here.
We had a look at the train network branching out of Birmingham New Street, Snow Hill and Moor Street to pull together a list options. West Midlands trains will be able to take you to all of these eight locations for a fun day out this December:
1. Christmas in London
London has more Christmas markets than we can count and all of them are absolutely gorgeous and exciting. From Covent Garden to Borough Market, there's loads of amazing Christmas experiences this December that are going to put us in the festive mood. Tickets from Birmingham to London start from £8 if you book days in advance. | beataaldridge - stock.adobe.com
2. Leicester for Christmas
Not too far from Birmingham, Leicester offers an exciting Festive Adventure trail for Christmas. The Jubilee Square Ice Rink will be back from Thursday 7 December – Sunday 7 January 2024, the 35m-high Wheel of Light will illuminate Jubilee Square while taking passengers for a spin above the square and the Billy Bates Fun Fair will be in Humberstone Gate for everyone to enjoy. Tickets from Birmingham to Leicester are from £5. | Alexey Fedorenko - stock.adobe.com
3. Christmas at Warwick Castle
An enchanting experience awaits at Warwick Castle this Christmas! Meet the winter birds of prey, discover a charming Christmas market, explore the stunning outdoor light trail, and skate the night away at the spectacular open-air ice rink on the castle grounds. There’s more – you can even meet Father Christmas himself, in the cosy castle library! The Christmas experience is available from November 5 - January 7, 2024. And, West Midlands Railway will take you from Birmingham to Warwick from just £8.50. (Photo - David Hughes - Stock Adobe Images) | david hughes - stock.adobe.com
4. Winter Glow at Malvern Showground
It’s time to get your glow on at the Malvern Showground this festive period! With tons to do for all ages, including a one-of-a-kind illuminated adventure trail, the region’s largest covered ice rink, a fairground for all the family, and the opportunity to meet Santa himself – we’re sure you won’t be stuck for things to do at this fabulously festive event. The Christmas experience will be on until January 6 2024. Tickets from Birmingham start from £13.10. | Balint - stock.adobe.com