Fab festive local events: Northfield on Ice, Santa’s Grotto, Longbridge Christmas Market & more

Are you looking for some fabulous festive events to attend locally?!

There are LOTS on our Christmas and New Year Festive Events calendar, but here are just a few of the highlights!

Santa’s Grotto at Northfield Shopping Centre

Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11am – 4pm from Saturday 26th November to Saturday 24th December 2016

Santa returns to Northfield Shopping Centre with a grotto full of goodies! Pop in and visit the big chap and his elves – visits cost just £4 per child, including gift, and all monies raised will be donated to Birmingham Women’s Hospital’s Tiny Babies Big Appeal.

Check the Northfield Shopping Centre Facebook page or website to check times and for more details.

Northfield on Ice

Saturday 26th November 2016, 11am – 5pm, Prices Square, Northfield

You’ll need to get your skates on to catch the festivities in Northfield Town Centre this year!

Once again, there will be a dry skating rink, a snow dome and fairground rides PLUS get crafty with Northfield Arts Forum, face painting, music, local choirs, balloon modelling and more!

Organised and supported by Northfield Business Improvement District

Rubery Christmas Light Switch On (& St Chad’s Big Sing)

Saturday 26th November, 3.30pm – 5.30pm, New Road, Rubery

As usual, a fabulous event has been organised for the Rubery village light switch on, with music and entertainment for all ages, PLUS some special visitors including Santa and Paw Patrol characters!

The Primrose Hospice Tree will be switched on at 5pm, with the big lights switch on at 5.30pm.

To really get into the festive spirit before the event, pop into St Chad’s Church from 2.30pm to make a glowing festive decoration, enjoy singing from 3pm and join the procession to the switch on event from 3.30pm!

Santa’s Sleigh Ride around Rednal

Evening of Friday 9th & Monday 12th December 2016, around Rednal

A firm family favourite in these parts, every year, Father Christmas helps out his good friends Phoenix Scout Group from St Stephen’s Church in Rednal by visiting the area on his sleigh, spreading Christmas joy, sharing sweets and collecting donations!

We’ll have more details on times and routes available on our pages and calendar as they’re finalised. Or you can follow St Stephen’s Church Rednal on Facebook!

Longbridge Christmas Market

Saturday 10th December 2016, 9am – 5pm, High Street / College Street, Longbridge Town Centre

This year, St Modwen and the Friends of Longbridge Open Spaces are bringing a Christmas Market – run by experienced Midlands market organisers Sketts – to the newly developed Longbridge town centre.

There’ll be street food – including hot pancakes, fresh samosas, award winning cider and perry, and unique gifts – such as hand painted glass, scarves & jewellery.

Throw in a local choir singing carols and Santa’s grotto for the children and you should be getting into the festive spirit!

There’ll also be carol singing to join in with in the town centre on 21st to 23rd December between 7-8.30pm!

Kings Norton Farmers Market & Christmas Light Switch On

Saturday 10th December 2016, 1pm – 6pm, The Green, Kings Norton

Pick up some lovely local produce for your Christmas table or gift bag at the last Kings Norton Farmers Market of 2016.

PLUS there will be the grand Christmas Light Switch On at 4.45pm AND a visit from the Big Fella himself! (Santa, that is – we haven’t yet heard if the Mayor will be attending this year!)

Bournville Christmas Gift Fayre & Farmers Market

Saturday 17th December 2016, 10am – 3pm, Rowheath Pavillion, Heath Road, Bournville

Local produce and fantastic last minute homemade gifts at the lovely Rowheath Pavillion.

The Cafe will be open from 9.00am with the bar opening from 12.00pm

See more of Rowheath Pavilions Christmas Activities on our main events calendar.

One of the highlights for many at this time of year, is a trip into the city for the German Market, outdoor ice skating and big wheel…

Ice Skate Birmingham & Observation Wheel

Daily Saturday 19th November 2016 until Sunday 8th January 2017 (Except Christmas Day) 10am – 10pm | New Years Eve skating until 1am, Centenary Square, Birmingham

The outdoor ice rink and big wheel return to Centenary Square in Broad Street this year.

Show off your Dancing on Ice-like skills and enjoy refreshments in the Ice Lounge to warm up before heading to dizzying heights on the Observation Wheel for a great view of Birmingham at Christmas!

It’s best to book, especially at peak times, and you can do so online.

Frankfurt Christmas Market

Daily from 17th November to 29th December 10am – 9pm, Centenary Square / Victoria Square / New Street, Birmingham. Christmas Craft Market also runs from 19th November until 20th December.

This year’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is bigger than ever, with people travelling from around the country for the selection of gifts available.

Plus, this Sunday (20th November) is Family Day, with lots of discounts available on gifts, food and beverages for one day only!

Of course, most of us are only there for a chat with ChrisMoose, the talking Christmas Moose, after having one too many Glühwein! Oh, that’s just us…..?!

Here’s @thechrismoose holding court over a busy @BirminghamFCM tonight! pic.twitter.com/6vGA1dI26w

— Kris Kowalewski (@KrisKowalewski) November 18, 2016

Coca-Cola Truck Christmas Tour

The Coca-Cola truck also drops into Birmingham on Saturday 17th December. You’ll find it in St Martin’s Square, by the Bullring between 1 and 9pm. Find out more

View all festive events on our calendar