It’s the last weekend before Christmas, so the festive spirit will be ramped up to an all-time high.
Join in with comedy crackers from local funnywomen Barbara Nice and Doreen Tipton and seasonal fun from Alan Titchmarsh, listen to The Christmas Carol where it was first read and meet The Snowman.
Oh and don’t forget, Birmingham’s two major pantomimes kick off. Look, they’re behind you!
Here’s our pick of the best gigs, theatre shows, comedy, foodie events and days and nights out from Friday night to Sunday night.
Or why not check out our ultimate guide to things to do in Birmingham? It’s full of great ideas for ways to spend your time in our fair city.
Show/CBSO Festive Favourites with Alan Titchmarsh
Friday, 7.30pm, Sunday, 3pm and Sunday, 7.30pm
Symphony Hall
0121 780 3333
There are four chances (with another show on Monday night) to see Alan Titchmarsh host the CBSO’s annual festive favourites. This is as much a Birmingham Christmas tradition as the German market. There will be seasonal songs from all the CBSO choruses, a chance to sing along and humorous readings.
Alan Titchmarsh taking part in the CBSO festive concert
Comedy/Barbara Nice’s Christmas Cracker
Friday & Sunday
mac, Birmingham
0121 446 3232
Kings Heath’s favourite housewife is back with her Christmas shindig complete with raffle, tombola, mince pies and lots of seasonal fun.
Comedian Janice Connolly, aka Mrs Barbara Nice
Event/Meet The Snowman
Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Waterstones, High Street Birmingham
0121 633 4353
Waterstones is becoming more like a zoo or home for fabulous things than a bookshop these days. Last weekend they had a visit from the bear from We’re All Going on a Bear Hunt and this week it’s the turn of The Snowman. Yes, THE snowman from the Raymond Briggs book and the Birmingham Rep stage production. He’ll be involved in story time and colouring, though it’s not yet confirmed whether he will fly.
The Snowman at Birmingham REP 2013/14
Panto/Aladdin
Saturday, 2.30pm & 7.30pm and Sunday, 1pm & 5.15pm
Birmingham Hippodrome
0844 338 5000
Panto time is here – oh yes it is! Aladdin begins on Saturday starring Julian Clary, Lee Mead and, making his panto debut, Marti Pellow. Brum favourite Matt Slack also returns to provide lots of laughs. Expect stunning costumes and sets and a fun time for all the family.
Aladdin star Julian Clary outside the Birmingham Hippodrome
Shopping/Panic Saturday
Everywhere
It’s the last Saturday before Christmas so expect the city centre to be packed. Plus, it’s almost your last chance to visit the German market, which shuts up shop on Tuesday. You might find out-of-town shopping centre’s like the new Resorts World to be much quieter, but if you still want to venture into Birmingham, click here to find out about car parks, shops’ opening hours and where to eat.
Gig/The Twang
Saturday
O2 Academy
0844 477 2000
The Brummie band is back! The indie rockers were formed in 2003 and released albums with names like Jewellery Quarter. Their hometown Christmas gigs are always entertaining, so expect a lively gig and hits like Wide Awake and Either Way. With support form Breeze, April and The Americas.
Birmingham band The Twang
Comedy/Doreen’s Christmas Cracker
Saturday
mac, Birmingham
0121 446 3232
Sitting in between Barbara Nice’s gigs is another local celebrity, Doreen Tipton. Like Barbara, she’s a comic creation, who went viral after telling the world about her Lazy Cow Syndrome. Now she hosts a special Christmas show that’s a mix of stand-up, video sketches, music and surprises as she looks back over an eventful year.
Gill Jordan as Doreen Tipton
Panto/Cinderella
Sunday, 7.15pm
Barclaycard Arena
0844 338 8000
It will be interesting to see how this panto measures up to the traditional one at the Hippodrome, which until now has always claimed to be the world’s biggest. This one is definitely bigger – it’s arena sized – but will it be better? It stars Paul O’Grady, Bradley Walsh, Dick and Dom, more than 100 performers and a 50 foot castle and runs until Christmas Eve.
Food/Christmas Kings Heath Dining Club
Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Digbeth Dining Club is taking over Kings Heath again – but this time it’s a festive special. Some of Birmingham’s best street food vendors will be setting up shop at the Hare and Hounds pub and along the closed York Road.
There will be music all day and the food comes from English Indian, Baked in Brick, Jabberwocky, Bournville Waffle Co., Flying Cows, Esmies, Kebab Cartel and Canoodle. And Father Christmas will put in an appearance between 1pm and 3pm at nostalgic gift and toy shop I Had One of Those, giving away a gift for every child.
Baked in Brick street food vendor
Show/A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Sunday, 8pm
Birmingham Town Hall
0121 780 3333
Source: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/