Looking for something to do over the break? Your community organisers have pulled together a handy guide to events, activities, and things to explore across the West Midlands over the next few weeks. Whether you are staying local, heading home later on, or just looking for a reason to get out of the house, there is something here for everyone.
If the break feels a bit overwhelming, you are not alone. We have also included information at the end of this article about where to find support and help if you need it.
Wolverhampton and Walsall
Festive Grottos and Attractions
- Santa’s Ice Palace, Mander Centre (Wolverhampton)
- Dates: 15 to 23 December
- Times: 10am to 5pm, late opening until 6.30pm on 20, 22 and 23 December
- Cost: £5 per child
- A walk-in winter wonderland located on the lower mall of the Mander Shopping Centre.
- Santa’s Grotto, Bilston Indoor Market
- Dates: Every Saturday from 22 November, then daily from 20 December
- Cost: £5 per child
- Santa will be visiting Bilston Indoor Market throughout the festive period.
Family Entertainment and Events
- Panto Family Fun Racenight, Wolverhampton Racecourse
- Date: Saturday 27 December
- An evening of live horse racing with a festive pantomime theme.
- Christmas Day at The Wheatsheaf Pub
- Date: Thursday 25 December
- A social Christmas Day with drinks, mince pies, music and conversation.
- Christmas by Candlelight featuring Matthew James Richards, Wolverhampton Arts Centre
- Date: Saturday 6 December
- A Christmas themed candlelight piano performance.
Further Events and Activities
Birmingham
Christmas Markets and Outdoor Activities
- Frankfurt Christmas Market
- Ice Skate Birmingham and Big Wheel
Relaxed and Low Cost Options
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens Winter Visit
- Cost: £8 with valid student ID
- Dates: 3 November 2025 to 8 February 2026
- Times: 11am to 4pm daily
- Location: Edgbaston
- Highlights include glasshouses, green spaces and on site food and drink.
- https://birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/
- Birmingham Christmas Lights Trail
- Cost: Free
- Location: City centre
- A festive evening walk with photo opportunities.
- Transport: Walkable from Bullring
- Bullring and Grand Central
- Cost: Free entry
- Christmas displays, shopping and warm indoor spaces.
- Transport: Train, tram or bus to Birmingham New Street
Days Out and Entertainment
- Winter Funland at the NEC
- Dates: 6 December 2025 to 3 January 2026
- Cost: £35 plus booking fee
- Each session lasts four hours and includes unlimited rides, ice rink access, circus shows and food.
- Transport: Train to Birmingham International
- https://www.winterfunland.com/birmingham/
- Cadbury World Festive Events
- Cost: Mid range, student deals available
- Location: Bournville
- Chocolate tours and festive family friendly activities.
- Transport: Train from Wolverhampton to Bournville
- https://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/
- Birmingham Museums
- Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery: Generally free, Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm
- Thinktank: Paid entry, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm
- Warm indoor spaces with exhibitions and displays.
- https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/
- Symphony Hall and Birmingham Hippodrome
- Cost: Varied
- Concerts, orchestral performances and Christmas shows throughout the season.
- Tip: Look out for student rush tickets
Need a bit of extra support?
The festive period can be enjoyable, but it can also be challenging for some people. If you are struggling or need someone to talk to, support is available.