Your guide to Christmas 2022 in Birmingham

Here are the best Christmas events in Birmingham this year
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The weather outside may indeed be frightful, but Birmingham is not short of its festive delights. This year sees the return of many of the city's festive favourites. Those looking to get into the spirit are not short of options - and here are some of the main ones this year in Birmingham.

Taking centre stage in Birmingham this festive period is of course the Frankfurt Christmas Market. An annual fixture here in Birmingham since 2001 - it has grown into the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria. Visitors from across the UK and Europe come out in droves to witness the market - attracting up to five million visitors each year. Plenty of entertainment to go alongside all the food, drinks and gifts on offer across the stalls, and also a great place for people to come together and socialise.

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But it's not the only Christmas market here in Birmingham - over at St. Philip's Cathedral Square we have a range of independent vendors - all from across the Midlands - offering a variety of crafts, gifts and food and drink stalls. There's also the infamous Pigeon in the Park pub and Helter Skelter, as well as local musicians offering a unique ambience.

Birmingham BullringBirmingham Bullring
Birmingham Bullring

At the Bullring there's a pop up Apres Ski Bar - offering a range of much loved festive beverages such as Mulled Wine, Winter Cocktails, Hot Chocolate and of course German Bier. The bar also hosts several cost mini chalets and cable cars, with room for up to ten people.

And what would Christmas be without Pantomimes? This year over at the Hippodrome sees a performance of Dick Whittington. The stars this year the return of Hippodrome favourites - the iconic Doreen Tipton and Andrew Ryan. The performance features sets and costumes from the London Palladium, with spectacular special effects and audience participation.

The Polar Express is one of the festive offerings at Halifax VueThe Polar Express is one of the festive offerings at Halifax Vue
The Polar Express is one of the festive offerings at Halifax Vue

Then over at Moor Street station - the Polar Express has returned. The experience sees passengers with their golden take a vintage train ride to the North Pole from Birmingham City Centre to see if they can meet Santa. Plenty of hot chocolate and cookies along the journey with a range of performances throughout.

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Luminate Birmingham is here this year at the Botanical Gardens. An illuminated trail set to ambient music throughout the historic grounds, the trail is almost a mile long and offers a timeless experience for families. A much loved fixture of Birmingham's Christmas period.

Sea Life in Birmingham will be bringing Santa's Grotto experience for kids wanting to met Father Christmas to let him know what they want in their stockings this year. With gentoo penguins and sea otters, it's a unique and authentic North Pole experience.

Winter Funland at the NECWinter Funland at the NEC
Winter Funland at the NEC

And then last but certainly not least - Winter Funland is back at the NEC - the UK's largest indoor Christmas funfair. Enjoy four hours of unlimited funfair rides, skate on a gigantic ice rink and watch in awe at the festival circus. There is also a huge range of food and drink vendors and of course - the big man himself, Father Christmas, will also be attending.

So - another jam packed Christmas here in Birmingham with plenty of options for those wishing to indulge in the festive spirit.

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