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The holiday season is nearly upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by enjoying a wide array of Christmas activities and events? The best part is that you don't have to break the bank to make the most of this magical time of year.
In this guide, I've compiled a list of free (or very low cost - under £5 total) Christmas activities and events taking place in and around Birmingham. From enchanting light displays to meeting Santa and his reindeer, there's something for everyone to enjoy during this festive season.
*Do check back as this blog will be regularly updated x
1. Snowdog Trail in Birmingham City Centre
Kick off the Christmas season with a visit to Birmingham City Centre's Snowdog Trail (8th November 2023 - 4th January 2024). This whimsical and artistic display features beautifully decorated snowdog sculptures scattered throughout the city, providing fantastic photo opportunities for visitors of all ages.
Snowdog locations:
Starry Night in Centenary Square
Ru-dog at the German Christmas Market
Elf at the Christmas in Cathedral Square Market
Candy Cane in the Great Western Arcade
Classic Snowdog on Corporation Street
Roodle in the Piccadilly Arcade
Sparkle at The Mailbox
Ginger in Southside
Bark the Herald Angels Sing in Bullring
Gizmo in Selfridges
2. National Trust Sites
If you've recently acquired a free National Trust family pass via one of the national newspapers, you're in luck! Many National Trust properties, including Attingham Park and Shugborough Estate, are transformed into winter wonderlands during the Christmas season. Explore beautifully decorated houses, and gardens, and enjoy the festive ambience.
3. Meet Santa and His Reindeer at Wollescote/Lye Park
On December 2nd, visit Wollescote/Lye Park and get the chance to meet Santa and his reindeer from 10am to 3pm for free. The event promises not only a meet-and-greet with Santa but also carol-singing and Christmas stalls, adding to the festive atmosphere.
I do believe the meet and greet with Santa requires pre-booking. For more details about the event, head here.
Location: Wollescote Road, Wollescote, DY9 7JG.
4. Breakfast with Santa at the East Midlands Designer Outlet
Start your day in a jolly way by having breakfast with Santa at 200 Degrees Coffee (East Midlands Designer Outlet). Kids will receive a free waffle breakfast and drink after spending time with Santa – also enjoy a free gift from Santa.
Selected Dates in December: 8.45am - 9.15am
Location: 200 degrees coffee at East Midlands Designer Outlet
5. Meet Father Christmas at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands
From Friday 1st December, Santa's Grotto will be returning to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands. The grotto experience is £2.50 per child with 100% of the proceeds going to their local charity partnership. Each child will receive a chocolate treat and a photo of their experience. Extra photos will be available to purchase.
The event is only by pre-advanced booking only. Tickets go on sale from Thursday 16 November. Click here to book.
Location: Eastern Way, Lichfield Road, Cannock, WS11 7JZ.
6. IKEA Wednesbury Event - Breakfast with Santa
At selected IKEA stores, your children can enjoy breakfast with Santa and his elves. They'll also have crafting activities and character appearances to keep the little ones entertained. Each child will receive a free breakfast, in addition to a small gift from Santa.
Although this event is currently sold out, IKEA has since added more dates and will also be readvertising slots if people cancel their booking, so it's definitely worth keeping an eye on their website.
Location: Park Lane, Wednesbury, WS10 9SF.
7. Christmas Launch Party at Touchwood Solihull
On Saturday 25th November, Touchwood Solihull will be hosting a free Christmas Launch party. There will be a special appearance from the world-famous ‘Bjorn The Polar Bear’, the amazing animatronic character that will be putting on a magical interactive show. There'll also be a meet and greet by The Snowman™ and The Snowdog, and Santa will be making an appearance with his elves to switch on the Touchwood Christmas Lights.
Location: Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3GL.
8. The Grinch's Grotto Takeover at Touchwood Solihull
On Saturday 18th November (12pm - 6pm) and Sunday 19th November (11am - 5pm), the Grinch has taken over the Christmas Grotto! The grotto experience is £2.50 per child with all proceeds donated to Touchwood’s Charity of the Year. Just a note: Gifts will not be given out at the Grinch Grotto takeover sessions. All gifts will be collected from the Grinch and given to the Birmingham Children's Hospital and Charity.
This event is currently sold out but be sure to check Touchwood's website as cancellations will appear on the booking calendar.
Location: Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3GL.
9. St Mary’s Church Christmas Tree Festival (Warwick)
Visit the St Mary's Church Christmas Tree Festival in Warwick (Thursday 23rd November - Sunday 3rd December 2023), where you can marvel at creatively decorated Christmas trees. While children can enter for free, adults are requested to pay a nominal fee of £2 per person.
10. Father Christmas at Playbox Theatre
Join the festive fun at Playbox Theatre in Warwick on Sunday, December 17th, from 10 am to 2 pm. This event offers a free visit to Father Christmas. There is no booking required but please be advised you may have to queue to meet the man himself.
Location: Playbox Theatre, The Dream Factory, Stratford Road, Warwick CV34 6LE.
11. Lansdowne Christmas Lights
For a truly dazzling display, visit Lansdowne, often known as 'Britain's Most Christmassy Street.' While enjoying the festive lights, consider making a donation to charity to support a good cause.
There is currently no set date for when the lights will be on but I will update you as soon as a date is confirmed.
Location: Lansdowne Road, Burton upon Trent.
12. Staffordshire’s Christmas Tractor Run
Support a good cause and enjoy a unique spectacle at Staffordshire's Christmas Tractor Run on December 4th. This event raises money for Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs and Midlands Air Ambulance, and donations are warmly welcomed.
Click here to learn more about the event.
13. Christmas Fun Day at St Giles Church
Don't miss the Christmas Fun Day at St Giles Church in Rowley Regis on November 26th. Santa's Grotto is among the highlights of this event, and admission is free.
Location: Church Road, Rowley Regis B65 9EP.
14. Interactive Christmas Experience at Kidderminster Elim Church
On Saturday December 9th 10am - 2pm, Kidderminster Elim Church is hosting a completely free Christmas event. There will be breakfast with Santa, a live nativity walk-through, smores pits, a photo booth, and a free gift for all the children. Booking here is essential.
Location: Kidderminster Elim, 61 Hoo Road, Kidderminster DY10 1NB
Tips to Find More Free and Low-Cost Activities: If you're looking for additional free and low-cost Christmas activities and events, consider using platforms like Eventbrite, where you can filter events based on your location and budget. Additionally, Facebook's events tab is an excellent resource for discovering local holiday happenings.
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