When the festive season arrives in Birmingham, images of bratwursts, glühwein, and traditional carols often come to mind. But this year, just a short walk from the bustling Frankfurt-style Christmas Market, an alternative celebration is set to captivate locals—welcome to Gothmas.
Taking place on Sunday, December 7, Gothmas Alternative Market offers a unique twist on holiday shopping. Instead of conventional gingerbread ornaments and sparkling baubles, attendees can browse an array of taxidermy, snag a fresh tattoo or piercing, and discover band T-shirts and darkly themed stocking fillers that perfectly suit the goth and alternative scene.
Hosted in the Zellig building in Digbeth, the event is an extension of The Goths Playground—a year-round market dedicated to the alternative lifestyle. This free-to-enter event spans two floors and features more than 25 vendors from 11 am to 4 pm.
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Forget Christmas hot dogs—Goth Burger serves up distinctive burgers with all-black buns, fitting the event’s moody aesthetic. Meanwhile, The Goths Playground showcases an eclectic mix of products, including House of Hecate perfumes inspired by cathedrals, pumpkins, and mystical spices, alongside homeware like 3D-printed bats, taxidermy pieces, and original artworks.
Regulars can also visit Dolly Rockers Piercing, known for years of on-site piercing at Birmingham’s Oasis Market, now joining the lineup at Gothmas. Evolving from pop-up events hosted in venues like The Flapper, The Goths Playground has blossomed into a vibrant community hub as well as a retail destination.
Visitors exploring Digbeth during Gothmas should stop by The Bakehouse by Baked In Brick for exquisite pastries and coffee beneath The Green Man pub. Just across the street, 670 Grams offers fine dining, while downstairs in Zellig, board game enthusiasts can enjoy Waylands Forge’s extensive collection. For a casual bite, Kanteen nearby is a solid choice.
Just over the bridge on Floodgate Street, Red Brick Market awaits with even more independent sellers, featuring K-Pop gifts, antiques, fashion, unique jewelry, and other rare finds that reflect Birmingham’s diverse creative spirit.
Whether you’re a Goth enthusiast or simply curious about alternative festivities, Gothmas offers a fresh, edgy take on Christmas shopping right in the heart of Birmingham’s creative quarter.