There are lots of lovely things to do as a family this weekend.
You can get into the festive spirit by taking the kids to see Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker – if they’ve never seen ballet before this is a wonderful introduction for them.
Children can breakfast with Santa at Warwick Castle, and learn about how Christmas was traditionally celebrated at the Black Country Living Museum.
And, if you’re looking to get some Christmas shopping done this weekend and keep the kids amused at the same time, why not head to The Gracechurch Centre in Sutton Coldfield where they can join in with some free craft activities, or try the atmospheric Christmas markets at Sarehole Mill?
Christmas Markets at Sarehole Mill
The Christmas Markets at Sarehole Mill on November 29 are offer a great place to find unique Christmas gifts for loved ones, by local designers.
You can also tuck into some great enjoy street food too.
Sarehole Mill in the snow
Free Christmas crafts at The Gracechurch Shopping Centre
There will be lots of free Christmas-themed arts and crafts activities to get involved in from 2pm until 4pm on November 28 at The Gracechurch Shopping Centre.
Children are invited to join in and have lots of fun with their families.
They can also visit Santa in his special grotto. Entry is £5 and you can book online to beat the queue.
To help spread the festive cheer, there’ll also be plenty of live performances in centre in the run-up to Christmas, from choirs and carollers to local bands and dance groups.
Letters to Santa at Cannock Shopping Centre
Birmingham Royal Ballet – The Nutcracker at Birmingham Hippodrome
BRB’s classic The Nutcracker is a great way to get into the festive spirit.
This world-famous production by Sir Peter Wright starts on November 27 and runs until December 13 at Birmingham Hippodrome and is always popular with families, young and old.
When a young girl sneaks downstairs on Christmas Eve to play with her new nutcracker doll, she is swept up in a fantastic journey, filled with toy soldiers, sugar plum fairies and, of course, her handsome prince.
Tickets start at £19 and up to two under 16s can go half price with every full paying adult on selected performances.
Steve Hanson The Nutcracker at Birmingham Hippodrome
Breakfast with Santa at Warwick Castle
Treat little ones to Breakfast with Santa – included in Warwick Castle entry on selected dates up until January 3.
Take part in games and carols and receive a special gift when you meet Father Christmas.
The Castle will be decked in the finest festive grandeur, with a 20-feet-high Christmas tree gracing the Great Hall and attractions including A Very Victorian Christmas and a Winter Wedding in The Princess Tower.
There are also Stories with Santa in the State Rooms each weekend from November 28 to December 20 and then each day until December 23.
A winter birds of prey show will take place in the gardens.
There’s also a Carols at the Castle event on December 19, where people of all ages can join together to sing.
Warwick Castle in the snow
Christmas in the Home at Black Country Living Museum
Experience some festive domestic bliss as costumed characters in period houses and cottages prepare for Christmas the old-fashioned way at Black Country Living Museum each weekend until December 20.
Take in the smell of pomanders as you learn all about how families decorated their homes with a ‘make do and mend’ spirit.
There’s even a chance to see what families ate as traditional Christmas recipes are recreated from the one and only Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management.
Normal entry fees apply.
Christmas at the Black Country Living Museum
Source: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/