While Christmas 2020 looked very different due to the pandemic, in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death, taxes and the arrival of Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market.

Ask any Brummie who works in the city if they’re excited about half-metre sausages and gluhwein and you’ll likely receive a seasonably frosty response.

But will they visit? Daily, probably. But navigating through hordes of people every day just to get to work can be more arduous than angelic.

So if you want to escape the crowds while still getting into the festive spirit, then here are some of our must-visit Christmas events across the second city.

Christmas in Cathedral Square.

Situated on the beautiful grounds of Cathedral Square, Colmore BID are hosting a more relaxed, Birmingham focused festive get-together.

The market offers a mixture of craft, gift and food and drinks stalls from local businesses, producers, and craftspeople.

Expect to see the likes of Purecraft Bar & Kitchen, Loki Wine, Dirty Dogs and Fries, Donut Shack and many more local food and drink favourites.

If you’re on the hunt for some unique stocking fillers, there is also a wide selection of gift and craft stalls from Birmingham’s best craft-makers too.

Dates: 17^th November – 19^th December 2021.
More info: https://colmorebusinessdistrict.com/christmas-in-cathedral-square/

JQ Christmas Window Trail

We may be biased, seeing as Bloc Jewellery Quarter is situated right in the middle, but the free JQ Christmas Window Trail is an opportunity to escape to a winter wonderland.

With a whole host of local independent retailers, bars, restaurants, and attractions getting involved, you’re guaranteed to find something hidden around every corner of this historic neighbourhood.

From beautiful window displays by family jewellers, spectacular lights by cake decorators and not to mention the two 30-foot Christmas trees in the centre.

At a leisurely pace, the whole route shouldn’t take longer than an hour to complete and is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Dates: From 19^th November.
More info: https://jewelleryquarter.net/jq-christmas/

Christmas Music by Candlelight

Staying close to Bloc Jewellery Quarter again, this popular concert hosted inside St Paul’s Church is the perfect relief from those dark winter nights.

Bathe in the atmospheric acoustics of the on-form choir singing a mixture of old and new Christmas music in brilliant harmony. Fear not, we have it on good authority this is a Bublé free zone.

It is, without doubt, one of Birmingham’s real seasonal treats and is incredibly popular with local Jewellery Quarter residents. Booking in advance is highly recommended.

Dates: 17^th December – 22^nd December.
More info: https://excathedra.co.uk/event/21-22-christmas-music-birmingham/

Birmingham Royal Ballet – The Nutcracker

Part of Birmingham's Christmas tradition since 1990, The Nutcracker returns with a bang.

Hosting the first performances of Sir David Bintley’s spectacular Royal Albert Hall production outside of London, this special adaptation arrives at Birmingham Hippodrome for one year only this Christmas.

From the show’s opening wintry soundscape of Tchaikovsky to the colourful Drosselmeye’s toyshop and Stahlbaum’s beautifully decorated Christmas tree, it brings the 19^th century to vivid life.

Dates: 20^th November – 11^th December.
More info: https://www.brb.org.uk/whats-on/event/nutcracker-2021

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

If you prefer panto to pirouettes, then Dame Betty Barnum and her daughter Goldilocks will also be taking the stage this Christmas with an all-star cast.

Alongside Birmingham panto favourite Matt Slack, Jason Donovan will be making his pantomime debut as The Evil Ringmaster.

Featuring sets and costumes from The London Palladium, expect riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, hair-raising students and international circus acts.

It really is a must-see festive extravaganza that is certain to sway even the grumpiest of grinches.

Dates: 18^th December – 30^th January.
More info: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/goldilocks/