Christmas is all about family, traditions and great food. If you have decided to travel this Christmas, it is wonderful to go to those destinations that offer unique experiences and great memories of the place. One place that is good to consider this holiday season is Birmingham.
If you are looking for great food, Birmingham makes a perfect Christmas destination. Did you know it was named by New York Times as a one of the “Must-see Destinations of 20112” being an ultimate dining sensation? Birmingham is, after all, the new regional cuisine capital of UK.
Get a preview of the epicurean delights you stand to experience in this UK destination from the “Culinary Christmas” posted in Visit Birmingham – Christmas Section.
Visit the home of chocolate
No Christmas is complete without chocolate – learn about Birmingham’s food heritage with a trip to Cadbury World. Trace the history of the world-famous company’s growth, from the humble shop in Birmingham founded by the Cadbury brothers in 1824 to the chocolate empire we know today.
Learn about cider matching
Take a lesson in food and cider pairing with Aston Manor Brewery, the UK’s number one independent cider maker based in Birmingham. Aston Manor’s unique range of ciders are best matched with hot and spicy dishes like Indian and Thai curries – watch one of the city’s top chefs whip up special dishes to match with cider, the perfect winter warmer.
Go on a cookery course
Sharpen your culinary skills with a cookery course to get you in the festive spirit. Down at Edible Eastside, Birmingham’s first ‘urban garden’, forage for edible wild fauna and learn how to turn it into a delicious winter vegetable stew.
While you are in Birmingham, don’t miss the experience of dining at a Michelin star restaurant. There are several of these stellar dining places tucked under its belt such as Purnell’s, Simpsons, Adams Restaurant, and Turners Restaurant. Give yourself a perfect dining experience while in Birmingham with one of memorable and delectable Christmas menus.
Are you an aspiring mixologist or one who appreciates a good cocktail; Learn to make a perfect Christmas party cocktail while in the city? You can join a cocktail making class to learn to mix a festive drink at Ginger’s Bar, a noted Michelin star chef Glynn Purnell’s latest culinary project.
Make time for a visit at Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, the heart of the city’s jolly Christmas calendar. The German market has over 200 stalls selling all kinds of foodie treats including Weiss beer, Glühwein, sausages, crepes, pretzels, and marzipan sweets.
The German Christmas Market is just the portal to more festive events, foods and decorations. Be awed by the city’s Christmas decorations. Enjoy ice-skating and those Santa Grottos. The city has more to offer its eager visitors. If you are tight on cash, there are lots of things you can do without diminishing the joys of the season. Learn from David Bentley how to “Save Cash this Christmas! Enjoy Our Ten FREE Things to do in Birmingham and the Midlands.” The article is posted in Birmingham Mail – What’s On Section.
From markets and fairs to carols and art workshops, take some of the stress out of your festive finances with these local events and activities…
Here’s our guide to ten FREE events you can enjoy in Birmingham and the Midlands this Christmas.
Birmingham German Christmas Market
Running from November 15 until December 22 (from 10am to 9pm), the German market is the largest outside Germany and Austria and the centrepiece of the city’s festive calendar…
Craft fairs at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery…
Nativity Trail at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
… Nativity Trail at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in Chamberlain Square, between December 1 and January 6, 2013. The free trail highlights great masterpieces in the city’s collections that depict the Holy Family as seen through the eyes of some of the greatest artists over the past 500 years…
The museum is also the first venue for a tour of works from the Government Art Collection in a free exhibition …
Kings Heath Farmers Market
Held on the new Kings Heath Village Square on the corner of Vicarage Road and High Street, just outside All Saints Church, on December 1 (and the first Saturday of every month), between 9am and 3.30pm. Stalls sell a whole range of products, many of them ideal for the festive season, either for Christmas catering at home or for giving as gifts…
Moseley Christmas Arts Market
Organised by Colmore Business District, Moseley Arts Market will be back in Birmingham Cathedral grounds in December for a Christmas market. Make sure you visit this superb market for your Christmas shopping and meet talented local designers and makers. The high -quality handmade products on offer will include photography, illustration, glass and wood products and textiles. December 14, from 9am.
Craft Fairs and Food Market at the Mac Birmingham
Free entry contemporary craft fairs will be held at the Mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, between 11am and 5pm on December 8, 9, 15 and 16. They will feature a range of high quality work including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, woodwork and visual art…
Other activities and events you can have fun watching or visiting include:
- The open-air service “Carols at Birmingham Cathedral”
- Solihull Christmas Fayre
- Solihull Crafts Markets and Farmers Market
- The Woods and The Big Draw at Mac Birmingham
If you want to check out the other Christmas activities slated for the holidays, there are websites you can visit such as Birmingham 365 and Skiddle.com.
