It’s never too early to start planning your fabulously festive weekend away, so check out some of the best things to do on a budget weekend in Birmingham.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
1st November – 24th December 2024
The Frankfurt Christmas market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria and is a firm annual favourite among residents and visitors alike. Top up on the tempting traditional goodies and flavoursome treats, from pretzels and bratwursts to Weisbeer beer.
In addition to the enticing foodie goods, there’s a bandstand showcasing local talent and spreading festive musical joy, as well as the returning Ferris Wheel and ice rink to kick-start your awesome advent period.
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Get your skates on at Ice Skate Birmingham
1st November 2024 – 5th January 2025
There’s no more idyllic festive image than shakily skating around an ice rink. Well, Ice Skate Birmingham is just the place to get your skates on. Birmingham’s largest undercover ice rink provides a fabulous skating experience for first-timers and full blown Torvill and Dean’s alike.
Great for all the family, Ice Skate Birmingham also features a giant ferris wheel and the City Flyer – an enormous carousel that sends you flying through the air 55m above Birmingham. It’s not quite a one horse open sleigh, but it’s about as close to being Santa as you can get. There’s also a delightful Ice Lounge on site where you can get a drink and snack and warm your chestnuts.
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The Polar Express™ Train Ride
23rd November – 23rd December 2024
Are you ready to believe? This winter Vintage Trains is proudly hosting The Polar Express™ Train Ride experience like no other! Lovingly recreating the festive delight of the 2004 festive classic, The Polar Express™ will depart from Birmingham Moor Street station while fully immersing friends and family with the sights, sounds and magic of the iconic Christmas story.
So grab your golden ticket and the stunning steam engine-carrying heritage carriages filled with joy and wonder. With performances delivering the charm of the 2004 motion picture, this is one train ride little ones and adults alike will never forget.
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Love Actually with Wine at Mockingbird Cinema
21st December 2024
This independent cinema gem isn’t your average movie theatre. Housed in an innovatively restored Victorian factory, The Mockingbird Cinema in Birmingham is a truly unique cinema experience that will make you desperate to come back again and again.
With cosy sofa seating, a mix of indie flicks and mainstream movies and a touch of industrial chic, Mockingbird Cinema’s packed programme of entertainment is the perfect evening or rainy day activity for family, friends or date night. Book tickets for the 21st of December to experience Love Actually alongside a festive and fun wine tasting!
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Window shopping at Bullring
Birmingham is a fantastic place to go shopping, and the stores really pull out all the stops for their festive window displays. Take some time to stroll around in awe of the bright and beautiful store fronts in the city.
One shop not to miss will be Selfridges. Famous for going the extra mile with their festive antics, this year promises not to disappoint. Once you get past the futuristically decorated festive windows, you’ll enter a winter wonderland. Go and meet Santa and his elves, listen to live Christmas music, or get a photo in a giant snow globe – there’s a lot of festive fun to be had in Selfridges.
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