The presents are unwrapped, the turkey eaten, and festive films like Elf and Home Alone have been on repeat. Welcome to ‘Twixmas’—the perfect time to get out, shake off the holiday sluggishness, and enjoy exciting activities before the New Year.
If you’re in Birmingham or nearby, there are plenty of fabulous events and attractions for the whole family to enjoy between Christmas and New Year. Here are some highlights to add to your Twixmas plans—just be sure to check times and book in advance where necessary.
Relive the magic of The Snowman™ trail, inspired by Raymond Briggs, which returns to Baddesley Clinton in Solihull until January 11. Follow the Twelve Days of Christmas trail with spectacular sculptures that are free to National Trust members.
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At Birmingham Hippodrome, the 2025 pantomime features stars like Christopher Biggins, Gok Wan, Matt Slack, and Faye Tozer in a comedic Robin Hood adventure. Joined by Matt Cardle, Sandra Marvin, and Andrew Ryan, this production promises laughter, audience participation, and dazzling scenery from December 20, 2025, to February 1, 2026.
For an invigorating outdoor experience, take the scenic two-mile walk along the famous 21 Hatton Locks—aptly nicknamed the Stairway to Heaven—on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire. Starting at Hatton Country World, where Twixmas treats await, the route ends at the picturesque Hatton Arms overlooking the locks.
If ice skating is on your list, Ice Skate Birmingham in Centenary Square offers an accessible rink open daily (except Christmas Day) until January 4, complete with an Ice Lounge and a Big Wheel providing stunning city views. Warwick Castle’s Christmas Ice Rink, located in front of iconic Guy’s Tower, also runs until January 4 and features a spectacular light trail with half a million lights over the grounds.
The Snowdome in Tamworth adds festive cheer with seasonal music and decorations at its year-round rink through January 3. For those craving bigger thrills, Winter Funland—the UK’s largest indoor Christmas fair—offers unlimited rides, a giant ice rink, a festival circus, and an extreme motorbike show until January 3.
Families can delight in a new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The BFG at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, available on select dates through January. Meanwhile, Alton Towers lights up with festive decorations in Tower Street and CBeebies Land, featuring live shows such as Hey Duggee Live and The Sprout that Saved Christmas, running until January 4.
Winter Glow at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern presents a dazzling light trail, a covered ice rink, a 120ft big wheel, and UV mini golf, running right up to New Year’s Eve.
For theatre lovers, Birmingham REP’s festive murder mystery starring Sherlock Holmes blends humor and suspense with songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The show runs until January 18 in Centenary Square.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers a magical, music-synced light trail through New Year’s Day, complete with marshmallow toasting and festive treats.
Over in Malvern, enjoy a magical show featuring Emmerdale’s Tom Lister and comedian Mark James at Malvern Theatres until January 4.
Take a festive tour of Packwood House in Solihull, a Tudor manor decked out with twinkling trees and handcrafted decorations, open until January 4.
Explore Warwickshire’s extensive walks through ancient woodland and the Heart of England Forest’s arboretum, featuring over 600 tree species from across the globe. Note that the forest closes on Christmas Day.
For a unique blend of history and technology, try the Kenilworth Revealed app, which offers an augmented reality experience as you explore St Mary’s Abbey ruins in Abbey Fields. The interactive two-mile walk brings the past to life with visuals and sounds of monastic life and medieval battles.
With so many festive activities on offer, your Twixmas in Birmingham and the surrounding area promises to be full of fun, adventure, and holiday cheer.