Music, markets and clay-modelling are all part of the rich variety of entertainment and activities available on Westside this Christmas.
And to help visitors decide what to see and do among its theatres, galleries, and open spaces, Westside BID has put together an informative e-guide listing various events.
For a fun time, look no further than The Crescent Theatre in Sheepcote Street which has not one, but two family-friendly shows in the run-up to Christmas.
The Snow Queen, which runs from December 6 to 17, has been skilfully adapted from the famous original story by Hans Christian Andersen.
Audiences will be under a magical spell as they will follow Gerda on her epic journey through the seasons to save her best friend Kai before she loses him to endless winter.
No sooner do Gerda and company pack away their snow-shoes than The Crescent follows up with A Christmas Wassail, with performances running from December 18 to 20.
The show is certain to kickstart the Christmas celebrations in the best way possible, promising a festival of choral music, solo songs, spoken word and comedy to warm people’s spirits with the magic of Christmas.
And there is also an opportunity to enjoy a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine while being entertained by the Wassailers.
If being creative is more to your liking, then pay a visit to The Rep theatre at Centenary Square to learn new skills at workshops presented by Akers of Art.
They take place on Saturday 10 December, the theatre will host two Make a Christmas Decoration: Clay Workshops, for children and adults respectively.
The children’s workshop, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm, offers a fun and experimental experience for youngsters aged five and over to create all sorts of exciting things out of clay.
This can include a set of hanging Christmas baubles, a snowman with googly eyes or a gingerbread house.
Then it is the turn of the adults from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on the same day, with participants using air dry clay, so no kiln or oven is needed.
All materials will be provided on the day for attendees to try to create a beautiful candle holder or Christmas bauble decorations.
Full information can be found here: Christmas Craft Workshops | Birmingham Rep (birmingham-rep.co.uk)
Other gift ideas can be found at the Ikon Gallery in Oozells Square where visitors can browse for books, prints, stationery, jewellery, and homeware in the gift shop.
Or, for a unique late-night shopping experience, visit Ikon’s winter craft market on 1 December to meet a range of local independent makers selling products such as jewellery, gifts, cards, and books, while also enjoying a visit to the gallery. For more information click here: Ikon Shop (ikon-gallery.org) or here : Winter Craft Market – Event – Ikon (ikon-gallery.org)
Another shopping experience can be found at the Canal Square Market’s Christmas special.
The Artisan market starts on 2 December, selling locally sourced food, gifts and crafts, plus live music, Pimm’s and much more!
The more adventurous visitors to Westside can enjoy the return of Ice Skate Birmingham together with the iconic Big Wheel and newest attraction, the Star Flyer! For more information click here: Things To Do In Birmingham Christmas 2022 | Skating | Ice Skate Birmingham
