Birmingham and its surrounding areas have an exciting range of festive events planned for Christmas 2026, offering something special for families and visitors of all ages. Whether it’s festive rides, enchanting light trails, or magical journeys, early booking is highly recommended as many of these popular attractions sell out quickly.
At the Birmingham NEC, the UK’s largest indoor Christmas funfair returns from 5 December 2026 to 2 January 2027. This lively event features unlimited fairground rides, a giant ice rink, a festival circus, and an extreme motorbike show. Santa will be there for chats and photographs, all included in the ticket price. Tickets cost £35 for adults and children, while under-threes enter free. This event is ideal for families wanting to get into the festive spirit in a cosy indoor setting, regardless of the weather.
The much-loved Polar Express experience will be back at Birmingham Moor Street station, inviting families to wear their pyjamas and join a magical journey on selected weekends from 22 November to 20 December, then daily until 23 December. Travellers will enjoy encounters with the famous conductor, dancing chefs, and hot chocolate, culminating with a gift from Father Christmas – a sleigh bell for those who believe. Ticket prices start from £56 for classic seating and £71 for first class.
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For a traditional festive day out, the Santa Safari at West Midlands Safari Park offers a Discovery Trail turned into a winter wonderland with snow and reindeer. Guests will be greeted by elves guiding them through the workshop to meet Santa, alongside pantomime performances and storytime with Mrs Claus. Selected rides will be available, including relaxed sessions. The event runs on selected dates from 21 November to 24 December, with tickets commencing at £23.95 for adults and children, and under-threes at £15.50. The ticket includes a grotto visit, a photo keepsake, a choice of present, and a cookie.
Drayton Manor’s Christmas celebrations feature an Enchanted Christmas Grotto and an Aladdin pantomime, along with festive shows and rides in Thomas Land. There is also a dedicated Christmas grotto for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). From 28 November to 24 December, the Tamworth attraction offers a variety of seasonal surprises. Early booking before the end of September offers tickets from £22.50 per person.
Warwick Castle will be aglow with over half a million sparkling lights, illuminated tree tunnels, colour-changing archways, and captivating projections on the castle walls. Visitors can enjoy an outdoor ice rink playing festive tunes, cosy indoor storytelling with Father Christmas and his elves, and a Christmas food and drink market. The light trail runs from 21 November to 3 January 2027, with tickets starting at £8, depending on selected activities.
Birmingham Hippodrome’s Christmas pantomime for 2026 is Sleeping Beauty, featuring TV presenter and radio DJ Rylan as the Diva of Dreams, Matt Slack as Lester the Jester, West End star Zoe Birkett as Carabosse, and beloved dame Andrew Ryan as The Queen. The production runs from 19 December to 31 January 2027, with tickets beginning at £20.
At Alton Towers, Towers Street will be transformed with a festive makeover, including special shows like Big Fun Show Time with Hey Duggee and the Christmas Singalong Badge, promising an all-singing, all-dancing cast to delight families starting from 16 December. Santa Sleepovers are also available. Visit the Alton Towers website for tickets and information.
The Black Country Living Museum invites families to embark on an interactive Christmas adventure throughout its historic town from 28 November to 24 December. Children can write letters to Santa, sing festive songs, and help local characters discover the secret location of Santa’s grotto. Participants take part in activities to find pages from Santa’s magic nap time book and decipher clues to assist Father Christmas. Tickets can be purchased through the museum’s website.
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