Birmingham Royal Ballet will also stage The Nutcracker
Families across the West Midlands will have plenty of opportunities to celebrate the festive season, with Christmas markets, light trails, pantomimes and visits from Santa taking place across the region.
With Christmas approaching, towns and cities are preparing a programme of events aimed at children and adults looking to enjoy festive activities.
From traditional Christmas markets to illuminated gardens and seasonal theatre productions, there are several attractions planned throughout November and December.
In Birmingham, the Frankfurt Christmas Market will run from 5 November until Christmas Eve. The free event will feature festive food, drinks and handcrafted gifts, alongside a craft market in St Philip’s Cathedral Square.
Ice skating will also return to Centenary Square, providing another activity for visitors.
Families looking for illuminated attractions can visit Luminate Birmingham at the Botanical Gardens from 28 November until 2 January 2027. The experience will feature light displays, laser effects and installations synchronised with music.
Birmingham Royal Ballet will also stage The Nutcracker at Birmingham Hippodrome from 20 November to 12 December.
Meanwhile, Dudley Zoo and Castle will host Santa’s Grotto from 28 November to 24 December, with children receiving gifts and getting the opportunity to see reindeer.
Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick will hold a free Christmas event on 4 December, featuring Santa’s Diving Elves Show, market stalls, live entertainment and children’s fairground rides.
Elsewhere, Coventry’s Christmas Market will run from 13 November to 4 January, with festive stalls and a big wheel in Broadgate.
Warwick Castle will host its Christmas programme from 21 November to 3 January, including an ice rink, light trail, food village and Stories with Santa experience.
In Wolverhampton, the annual Santa Run will return to West Park on 13 December. Organised by the Beacon Centre for the Blind, participants will dress as Santa Claus and complete a 5km course.
The city’s Grand Theatre will also stage Treasure Island from 28 November to 3 January, starring Richard Blackwood as Long John Silver.
For families in Staffordshire, Christmas at Trentham will begin on 20 November, featuring a winter light trail, Santa’s Grotto and festive markets.
Lichfield Cathedral will host Follow the Star from 15 to 21 December, transforming the historic building through projection shows and illuminations.
Meanwhile, the Polar Express Train Ride will operate at Churnet Valley Railway until 23 December, offering an hour-long journey with hot chocolate, entertainment and a meeting with Santa.
In Shropshire, Attingham Park will display more than 50 decorated Christmas trees from 28 November to 3 January, alongside a family trail.
Telford Winter Wonderland will also welcome visitors from 29 November to 23 December, with rides, a maze, festive woodland and opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs Claus.
Worcester’s Victorian Christmas Fayre will return from 3 to 6 December, featuring more than 200 stalls, costumed traders, entertainment and festive food.
With events taking place across the region, families can start planning their Christmas outings and enjoy the different activities available throughout the festive season.
