Pantos and shows at Birmingham Hippodrome, Malvern Theatres, the RSC and Birmingham REP together with National Trust events, winter walks and outdoor ice skating
The Snowman™ Sculpture Trail at Baddesley Clinton(Image: ShinePix)
The presents are unwrapped, the turkey is eaten and Elf and Home Alone have been looped on repeat.
It’s ‘Twixmas’ and time to get out of the house and blow away the cobwebs before welcoming in the new year.
There are lots of wonderful things to do for all the family in and around Birmingham between Christmas and New Year – here’s a round-up of some of our suggestions.
Read more: All the best festive ice skating rinks around Birmingham 2025
Read next: Perfect National Trust walks with cafes to enjoy around West Midlands
It may be best to check timings and book ahead where necessary to avoid disappointment.
The Snowman™ Sculpture Trail at Baddesley Clinton
Remember The Snowman™ trail when it came to Birmingham in 2021? Well, there’s a chance to enjoy all the wonder of the Raymond Briggs-inspired sculptures again.
The colourful sculptures are at Baddesley Clinton in Solihull between now and January 11. There’s a map to follow the Twelve Days of Christmas trail and it’s free for National Trust members.
Robin Hood Panto at Birmingham Hippodrome
Christopher Biggins, Gok Wan, Matt Slack and Faye Tozer star in the 2025 panto at Birmingham Hippodrome.
They are joined by Matt Cardle, Sandra Marvin and Andrew Ryan as the story of Robin Hood is brought to life on stage.
Expect laugh-out-loud comedy, lots of audience participation and impressive scenery and costumes from The London Palladium.
The show runs on selected dates from December 20, 2025 to February 1, 2026.
Walk the 21 Hatton Locks
Situated on the Grand Union canal, this walk of the famous 21 Hatton Locks takes you through beautiful Warwickshire countryside.
Known as the Stairway to Heaven, the locks span a two-mile distance and have an elevation of 45 metres.
Start at Hatton Country World, which will also be hosting Twixmas treats, and end up at the Hatton Arms which overlooks the locks.
Go festive ice skating
Ice Skate Birmingham, based in Centenary Square, features an Ice Lounge and has a neighbouring Big Wheel for stunning views over the city centre’s Christmas lights. The wheelchair-accessible rink is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10am to 10pm, right through to January 4.
And the Christmas Ice Rink is at Warwick Castle, right in front of iconic Guy’s Tower, until January 4 too. There’s also a light trail of 500,000 lights illuminating the 64 acres of grounds and food and drink village.
The Snowdome in Tamworth has a year-round ice rink but it becomes Christmassy with festive tunes, twinkling lights and decorations from now until to January 3.
Take a look at our full Christmas ice rinks guide to find booking details to avoid disappointment.
Warwick Castle in the snow(Image: Warwick Castle)Winter Funland at Birmingham NEC
The UK’s biggest indoor Christmas funfair, Winter Funland, features unlimited fair rides, a giant ice rink, a festival circus and an extreme motorbike show to watch.
There’s also festive food and drink vendors at the event, which runs on selected dates from now until January 3.
Roald Dahl’s The BFG at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Gather your chiddlers to see Roald Dahl’s powerful and darkly funny story, packed full of frobscottle and whizzpoppers.
Tom Wells’ magical new adaptation of The BFG is at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
This classic tale will be on stage on selected dates in December and into January.
The BFG at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford upon Avon(Image: Marc Brenner)Christmas at Alton Towers
The festivities continue in the decorated Tower Street and CBeebies Land at Alton Towers from now until January 4.
Watch Hey Duggee Live: The Christmas Badge, visit Mutiny Bay to discover budding buccaneers and enjoy the festive live show The Sprout that Saved Christmas.
Follow Brummie Mummies on Facebook and Instagram, listen to our podcasts and sign up to our free Brummie Mummies newsletter for great ideas on things to do over Christmas in and around Birmingham
Winter Glow at Malvern Three Counties Showground
Said to be the West Midlands’ biggest multi-attraction festive experience, Winter Glow boasts a light trail and a huge covered ice rink.
The event, which takes place at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, runs until New Year’s Eve.
There’s also a 120ft big wheel and UV mini golf, providing entertainment for all the family.
Winter Glow at Malvern Three Counties Showground(Image: Mikal Ludlow Photography)Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas at Birmingham REP
Head to the theatre to join Sherlock Holmes as he races to save French Hens, find Gold Rings and rescue Mother Goose and ends up plunging himself into mortal danger.
This laugh-out-loud festive murder mystery features songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber and runs on selected dates at Birmingham REP in Centenary Square until January 18.
Luminate Winter Trail at Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Birmingham Botanical Gardens‘ light trail continues on selected dates from now until New Year’s Day.
The almost mile long trail is set to music and features light play and ‘magical displays’ plus a chance to toast marshmallows and tuck into festive drinks and treats.
Listen to the latest Brummie Mummies Podcast episode:
Jack and the Beanstalk at Malvern Theatres
Watch Emmerdale’s Tom Lister and Malvern’s much-loved funnyman Mark James between Christmas and January 4 at Malvern Theatres.
The magical tale is packed with fun characters, 3D effects and West End-quality singing and dancing.
Packwood House in Solihull
You can take a tour of the Tudor manor Packwood House in Solihull, adorned with sparkling trees, twinkling lights and beautiful handmade decorations.
Festive tours take place at the National Trust property until January 4.
Try one of eight walks in the Heart of England Forest
Explore Warwickshire ’s walks – including woodland, medieval times, and the stairway to heaven The Heart of England Forest has eight walks to choose from across 8,000 acres – including the 3.5-mile Founder’s Walk, taking in newly planted saplings, more mature woodland and meandering brooks.
And the Heart of England Forest arboretum features more than 600 different trees and shrubs from around the world. Closed on Christmas Day.
Kenilworth Revealed
Step into augmented reality with the new app – Kenilworth Revealed – by exploring one of the town’s historical gems, St Mary’s Abbey in Abbey Fields, through your smartphone.
Using 30 different geo plaques, walkers can stand among the Abbey ruins and watch walls rise around them, hear the cannons chant, and witness the daily life of the Augustinian order that once thrived there. In all, the walk equates to around 2 miles.