There’s plenty of festive fun to be had in Birmingham in the run-up to Christmas.
We’ve picked out a seasonal selection of the best things to see and do in the city until the end of the year.
As well as the ever-popular German Christmas Market, there’s comedy, the Clothes and Good Food Shows, Santa runs and new restaurants. And of course it’s panto time – oh yes it is!
Why not check out our ultimate guide to things to do in Birmingham too? It’s full of great ideas of ways to spend your spare time, from the best restaurants and bars to try out in the city to days out around the region.
New restaurant/The Stable
John Bright Street
From November 27
Cider and pizza, what could be better? This new restaurant is being opened by Richard Cooper from Kidderminster, who has nine Stable restaurants in the South-west but is now branching out closer to home.
The Stable specialises in using local produce to create unusual toppings.
The Birmingham menu includes such pizzas as The Bull Ring Boar using The Real Boar Company’s chorizo and salami, and The Perry Barr-Ba, marinated lamb, mint and goat’s cheese.
Or how about The Bournville Bantam of chicken, peppers and mushrooms, or dare you try The Smethwick Scorcher of pork and Naga chillies?
Pizzas at The Stable, new restaurant opening in Birmingham
German Christmas Market
The Frankfurt Christmas Market continues in Victoria and Chamberlain Squares and up New Street until December 22. Head here for everything beer, gluhwein and stollen related you could possibly wish for – not forgetting a singing moose.
And even though they are more separated by all the building work on Paradise Circus, don’t forget the Christmas Craft Market in Centenary Square. It has lots of food and drink and gift-buying opportunities, is a bit quieter than the German Market, and it next to the big wheel and ice rink to really get in the festive spirit.
Sebastian MacHanna and Lauren Meddings enjoying the beer on the opening day of the German Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham City centre.
Food event/BBC Good Food Show
Birmingham NEC
November 26 – 29
0844 581 1360
The ultimate day out for foodies, not least because you can watch top chefs like Michel Roux Jr, James Martin, Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, Tom Kerridge and The Hairy Bikers cooking live.
Get your cookbooks signed, learn the latest techniques from the experts, sample great flavours, be inspired and shop the latest gadgets and brands.
Michelin star chef Michel Roux Jr.
Pantomime/Aladdin
December 19 – January 31
The Hippodrome usually pulls out the stops to bring us a fantastic pantomime, and this year should be no different, with new spectacular sets, costumes and 3D effects. Lee Mead takes the title role, with Julian Clary and singer Marti Pellow as the evil Abanazar, plus plenty of laughs from panto favourite Matt Slack.
Julian Clary and Matt Slack pictured outside the Birmingham Hippodrome where they will be starring in Aladdin
Fun/Santa Run & Jingle Bell Jog
If you fancy dressing up like Santa and going on a little run, there are now two ways to raise money for local hospices.
What is hoped to be Birmingham’s biggest-ever Santa Run is taking place in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospital on December 5 in the city centre.
The hundreds of participants will then get free entry afterwards to the Sea Life Centre. Entry is £15 for adults and £10 for children, who can take part in the 5km Santa Run or the 2km Santa Stroll.
Then, on the following day, December 6, comes the Jingle Bell Jog in Kings Heath Park.
Now in its second year, the 2km run raises money for St Mary’s Hospice, which needs £22,000 to make sure Christmas Day at the hospice is the best it can be.
Entry costs £12 or £6 for children and joggers receive a Santa suit, medal and a mince pie.
Birmingham Santa Run 2014 in Brindleyplace
Gig/Madonna
Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham
December 16
Madge is taking her Rebel Heart tour to 35 cities around the world and one of them is Birmingham. She’s still as creative and strong as ever after a 35 year career and this show is bound to be spectacular. It’s pricey, though. Tickets are still available but starting from £96, so you really have to be a fan – or getting them for Christmas, perhaps.
Madonna performs during her ‘Rebel Heart’ tour in Inglewood, California
Musical/Hairspray
New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
December 14 – January 2
0844 871 3011
If you’re not on your feet and dancing to You Can’t Stop the Beat by the end of this musical, there’s something very wrong. It’s the show about big hair, big girls and big hearts that’s a lot of fun, and a Christmas treat if you fancy a night out that’s not a pantomime. Starring Claire Sweeney, Peter Duncan, Benidorm’s Tony Maudsley and Brenda Edwards. Get your tickets here.
Comedy/Barbara Nice
mac and Old Joint Stock Theatre
December 4-5 and December 18 & 20
There are two chances to see Kings Heath’s favourite housewife in December, so she is guaranteed to get you in the festive mood with her Christmas shindigs at the mac and then the Old Joint Stock. The comedian, aka Janice Connolly, is hilarious – and also holds a raffle and tombola and gives out mince pies. What more could you want?
Comedian Janice Connolly, aka Mrs Barbara Nice
Day out/Clothes Show Live
Birmingham NEC
December 4-8
0844 581 1256
A great day out for fashionistas and those who care about what they wear. It’s the ultimate shopping opportunity with its line-up of labels, brands and boutiques on more than 350 stands. There are luxury beauty treatments, style advice from the experts and runway shows, plus all tickets include a seat in the Fashion Theatre.
Celebrities taking part this year include Gemma Cairney, Alice Levine, Charlie XCX, Ella Eyre and Rick Edwards, Made in Chelsea stars Andy Jordan, Binky and Jamie Laing and TOWIE’s Joey Essex and Billie Faiers.
Charli XCX
New restaurant/Original Patty Men
Shaw’s Passage, Digbeth
Early December
This is definitely one to look out for, as the Digbeth Dining Club legends open their first Original Patty Men restaurant to serve some of the best burgers in the land.
Scott O’Byrne and Tom Maher are teaming up with craft beer specialists Siren Craft Brew for the venue, which will seat 33.
Original Patty Men’s “Tony Sopranos Wet Dream” burger Original Patty Men’s “Tony Sopranos Wet Dream” burger
Best show for kids/We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Birmingham Town Hall
December 22 – January 13
0121 345 0600
Source: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/