While Victoria Square remains a popular destination for Christmas Market shopping and Cathedral Square offers its own festive appeal, there is a third city centre location that deserves attention this winter: Oozells Square.
Renowned for its stunning cherry blossom displays in spring, Oozells Square transforms in the colder months. The vibrant Ikon Gallery, housed in the historic former school building near Broad Street, plays host to a seasonal winter craft market designed for after-work browsing.
This annual event showcases a range of makers and artists offering distinctive treasures that are often hard to find elsewhere. Scheduled for Thursday, 3 December, from 5pm to 8pm, the free-to-attend market features jewellery, homeware, art prints, special greeting cards, unique gifts, and stocking fillers.
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In the lead-up to the market, there is a special sari wreath and garland workshop on Saturday, 14 November. Visitors can join this creative session in the inspiring gallery space to prepare festive decorations.
Ikon Gallery itself is free to enter and presents some of Birmingham’s finest contemporary art exhibitions. This autumn and winter, the highlight is “Lines of Flight,” the first major retrospective of Indian-British artist Balraj Khanna (1939–2024). Running from 29 September until 21 February next year, the exhibition features 40 paintings spanning six decades.
This exhibition coincides with the 25th anniversary of Khanna’s landmark commission for the Birmingham Hippodrome: the safety curtain titled “Astral Dance.” Many locals may have seen this iconic piece without knowing its significance. For those interested, behind-the-scenes tours offer the opportunity to experience the curtain up close.
Attendance at the Christmas Market requires no booking; simply mark your calendar and enjoy the festive spirit of the city as the season unfolds.
Ikon Gallery is located at 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2HS.