Birmingham's Christmas Events Schedule
Birmingham Christmas Parade
This year's Parade includes a nativity scene float with Mary, Joseph and shepherds followed by the Three Wise Men … riding real camels! They are joined by reindeer, elves and tap dancing turkeys as Father Christmas takes a break from his busy schedule to visit Birmingham and turn on the Christmas lights.
Date/times: Saturday 12 November, 5.30-6.30pm
Venue: city centre
Cost: Free
More info: 0121 303 3008 www.birmingham.gov.uk/christmas-parade
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market and Christmas Craft Fair
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is a huge favourite with both locals and visitors to the city from the UK and Europe. The largest authentic German Christmas market to be staged outside Germany or Austria it is the centrepiece of the city's annual Christmas events calendar.
With continental sights and sounds, the Frankfurt Market combines with Birmingham's Craft Fair to offer 180 picturesque stalls for you to browse in search of that perfect Christmas present.
Dates/times: 17 November - 23 December, 10am-9pm daily
Venue: Birmingham Frankfurt Market: Victoria Square and upper New Street. Craft Fair: Chamberlain Square and Centenary Square.
Cost: Free
More info: 0121 303 3008. www.birmingham.gov.uk/frankfurtchristmasmarket
Meet Father Christmas in his Grotto
An enchanting and festive experience awaits you! All children visiting Father Christmas in his Museum grotto will receive a special gift and have the opportunity to have their picture taken.
Date/times: 26 & 27 November, 3,4,10,11,17 - 21 & 23 December; Sat 11am - 4pm, Sun and weekdays 12.30 - 4.30pm
Venue: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Cost: £2.50 per child. Free for accompanying adults.
More info: 0121 303 1966.
Nativity Trail
The Museum and Art Gallery is putting the true spirit of Christmas at the centre of its activities with the return of the Nativity Trail through the galleries.
The free trail highlights great masterpieces in the city's collections that depict the Holy Family as seen through the eyes of some of the greatest artists over the last 500 years.
Date/times: 29 November 2011 - 6 January 2012
Venue: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Cost: Free
More info: 0121 303 1966.
Christmas Delights
See the former home of Matthew Boulton decorated with festive greenery and discover Christmas traditions of the past. Includes mulled berry punch and a mince pie served in the housekeeper's Room.
Date/times: 1 & 15 December, 11am - 12.30pm
Venue: Soho House, Handsworth
Cost: £6
More info: 0121 554 9122
Aston Hall by Candlelight
Lit by around 300 shimmering candles, visitors will be able to see the Jacobean mansion at its most breathtaking. This year, the Hall will celebrate a Victorian Christmas, with musicians, actors and performers recreating a 19th century household as it entertains a very important royal visitor and revels in the season's festivities.
Date/times: 2 - 11 December
Venue: Aston hall, Trinity Road, Aston
Cost: £12 adults, £10 children (6 - 16 years) and concessions - proof of status may be requested, £44 family (2 adults, up to 3 children). Tickets must be booked in advance.
More info: 0121 303 1966
Father Christmas at the Nature Centre
Combine a trip to see Father Christmas with a visit to see a wide range of exotic animals. Ticket includes a visit to Father Christmas, present, badge, colouring sheet and a chance to feed some of the animals.
Date/times: 3,4,10,11,17,18 December, 10.30am - 2.30pm, half hourly session times
Venue: Birmingham Nature Centre, Edgbaston
Cost: £5 per child, normal admission charges apply. Tickets and time slots must be booked in advance.
More info: 0121 471 7775
Christmas Plant Sales
Top quality surplus poinsettias, cyclamen and hyacinths at bargain prices.
Date/times: 10/11 & 17/18 December, 9am - 4pm
Venue: Cofton Nursery, Lickey Road, Rednal, B45 8RY
Cost: Free entry
More info: 0121 453 1044
These events are organised by Birmingham City Council over the Christmas season. For more information on Christmas events, go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/thingstodo
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For more information please contact Debbie Harrison admin@birminghamnewsroom.com : 0121 303 4476
