It's Christmas!

As the nights draw in, get that festive feeling with fun activities on campus and around the city! From carol singing, to city centre thrills and great British traditions, there's something for everyone to celebrate this winter. Whether you're heading off to spend Christmas with friends and family, or staying in Brum, there's time to get involved.

Christmas on Campus

While many of you travel away from Birmingham during the vacation period, we know that some of you will stay on or near campus over the Christmas period. Our christmas events run through term-time and into the vacation, to help you find ways to have fun and relax. You can find out more about buildings and services available over the Christmas break on our opening times page.

Explore Christmas on campus and in the city

An illuminated big wheel at night behind the HAll of Remembrance in Centenary Square Big Wheel and Ice Skate Birmingham
1st November midnight - 4th January midnight
Centenary Square, Birmingham
The iconic big wheel returns to Centenary Square this winter, alongside a weatherproof ice rink! Wrap up warm and enjoy a wholesome festive atmosphere. Students skate from £9 and big wheel £8, open 10:00-22:00. Check daily details.
Christmas in the City
People stand under a giant christmas tree decoarated with candle lights in a busy city square Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
1st November 11am - 24th December 9pm
City centre
A staple of Christmas in Birmingham, the Frankfurt Christmas Market sees New Street and Victoria Square transformed into a winter wonderland of tasty treats, gifts and shopping, and live entertainment. Check daily opening times.
Christmas in the City
A helter skelter illuminated in a market at dusk Christmas in Cathedral Square
7th November midnight - 24th December midnight
Cathedral Square
Discover independent businesses in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral, with tasty treats, quirky gifts, and fun activities!
Christmas in the City
Santa in a speedboat decorated with a christmas tree, lights, and tinsel Meet Santa at Selly Oak Retail Park
13th December 3pm - 7:30pm
Selly Oak Retail Park
Got some last minute shopping? Meet Santa at Selly Oak Retail Park in his speedboat (yes, really!), supporting his friends 1st King's Norton Sea Scouts! Say hello, take photos, share chocolate, and make a donation to support the Scout group.
Family friendly | Christmas in the City
Four people in Christmas jumpers Families Together at Christmas
14th December 11am - noon
Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, Symphony Hall
This Christmas performance for carers and their families is brought to you by B:Music, Midland Mencap, and Forward Carers. Enjoy a morning of songs, reflections and high-energy musical performances to provide that moment of respite for unpaid carers.
Family friendly | Christmas in the City
A carousel illuminated in the dark Christmas carousel on campus!
15th December 11am - 6pm
University Square
Take a whirl on our FREE Christmas carousel, right in the centre of campus.
Family friendly | Christmas on Campus
Gold paper stars with a pair of scissors Christmas decorations: Gonk painting and brownies!
15th December 1pm - 3pm
Social Space, Metalworks
Staying in halls over the break? What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than creating your own Christmas Gonk with Residence Life, with some tasty chocolate brownies and hot chocolate too? Open to all in UoB and partner accommodation.
Guild of Students | Christmas on Campus
Two students playing a game of Jenga Christmas Boardgames cafe
15th December 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Costa Coffee, University Centre
Calling all international and Incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students - join the team for a Christmas board games café, and grab a free drink on us!
Christmas on Campus
A hand holds a shuttlecock to a racquet, ready to hit Active Residences: Just Play Badminton
15th December 3pm - 4pm
Munrow Arena 1, Sport & Fitness Centre
Living in UoB or partner accommodation? Join us for some festive fun with Active Residences! Every session is free and suitable for all abilities, no experience needed. Just make sure to book your space!
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
A close up of legs wearing tracksuit bottoms and white trainers, in a dance class Active Residences: Dance Fitness
16th December 6pm - 6:40pm
Hampton Room, Chamberlain, The Vale
Active Residences is a fun and friendly way to look after your wellbeing and meet others, for students living in University and partner accommodation. All sessions are free and suitable for beginners - make sure to book your place.
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
Four students in coats walk across campus Active Residences: Wellbeing Christmas Walk
17th December 2pm - 4pm
Meet at Shackleton reception
Active Residences is a fun and friendly way to look after your wellbeing and meet others, for students living in University and partner accommodation. All sessions are free and suitable for beginners - make sure to book your place.
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
Two students wearing elf hats and paper chains pose for the camera Cultures Connect: Winter social
17th December 2pm - 4pm
Mermaid Bar, Guild of Students
Take a break from the busy festive season to reconnect with your culture, meet fellow students, and enjoy fun activities as you add a touch of cultural sparkle to your winter! Book your free ticket now.
Guild of Students | Christmas on Campus
Three students and a staff member chat at a table in the Library Lounge covered in craft items Wednesday Crafternoon with Pause@UoB
17th December 2pm - 4pm
Library Lounge, Main Library
Join Pause@uni for a relaxed afternoon getting creative with some free arts and crafts, and space to chat and relax.
Wellbeing | Christmas on Campus
A black and white border collie Wellbeing Café
17th December 4pm - 7pm
Social Space, Oak Brook Park
Sticking around over the Winter Break? We know that it might be getting a little bit quieter in Selly Oak, so cuddle up with some cosy crafts and Pets at Therapy puppy pals. All students welcome!
Guild of Students | Christmas on Campus
A group of students sit around a low coffee table with craft items, next to a banner for Pause Comfort Zone with Pause@UoB
18th December noon - 3:30pm
Wellbeing Lodge, North Gate
Head to the Wellbeing Lodge at North Gate for space to meet others, create, play and relax - or enjoy a free snack and a drink!
Wellbeing | Christmas on Campus
Three rolled black yoga mats stand in a crate Active Residences: Yoga
18th December 6pm - 6:40pm
Hampton Room, Chamberlain
Active Residences is a fun and friendly way to look after your wellbeing and meet others, for students living in University and partner accommodation. All sessions are free and suitable for beginners - make sure to book your place.
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
Four Santa hats Active Residences: Elves v Santas Dodgeball
19th December 3pm - 4pm
Slater Hall, Sport & Fitness Centre
Active Residences is a fun and friendly way to look after your wellbeing and meet others, for students living in University and partner accommodation. All sessions are free and suitable for beginners - make sure to book your place.
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
A fir tree close up with fairy lights Festive performances at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery: Brummie Gems Molly Dancers
21st December 2pm - 3pm
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, city centre
Every Sunday throughout December the museum comes alive with the sounds and sights of the season - drop-in for a free performance by Quinton Community Choir as they fill the gallery with festive tunes!
Family friendly | Christmas in the City
A hand holds a shuttlecock to a racquet, ready to hit Active Residences: Just Play Badminton
22nd December 3pm - 4pm
Munrow Arena 1, Sport & Fitness Centre
Living in UoB or partner accommodation? Join us for some festive fun with Active Residences! Every session is free and suitable for all abilities, no experience needed. Just make sure to book your space!
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
A staff member wearing a santa hat carries a tray with bowls of soup Christmas lunch at The Shack
23rd December 2pm - 4pm
The Shack, Vale Village
Celebrate the festive season with others staying in halls over the holidays with a special Christmas lunch - with all the trimmings! Open to all in UoB and partner accommodation, £15 (£13.50 with Student Living Plus). Order by 13:00 on 13 December!
Christmas on Campus
A hand an a pool cue on a blue table Active Residences: Just Play Pool
23rd December 3pm - 4pm
Chamberlain
Living in UoB or partner accommodation? Join us for some festive fun with Active Residences! Every session is free and suitable for all abilities, no experience needed. Just make sure to book your space!
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
A student looks at a christmas tree Festive Feast Box collection
24th December 11am - 2pm
The Shack, Vale Village
Living in UoB or partner accommodation? Order our Festive Feast Box to cover meals over Christmas Day and Boxing Day, plus some extra tasty treats! Order by 13:00 on 13 December, each hamper costs £10.
Christmas on Campus
A table tennis bat and ball Active Residences: Just Play Table Tennis
24th December 3pm - 4pm
Shackleton
Living in UoB or partner accommodation? Join us for some festive fun with Active Residences! Every session is free and suitable for all abilities, no experience needed. Just make sure to book your space!
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
A very large tree is decorated with coloured lights, with a crowd admiring it Bournville Carols on the Green
24th December 6pm - 7pm
Bournville Village Green
Pop down to the Green for this fantastic yearly event! Led by the Vicar of St. Francis of Assisi Church, this tradition started in 1949 and brings our village and neighbours together to kick off Christmas celebrations.
Family friendly | Christmas in the City
A hand holds a shuttlecock to a racquet, ready to hit Active Residences: Just Play Badminton
29th December 3pm - 4pm
Munrow Arena 1, Sport & Fitness Centre
Living in UoB or partner accommodation? Join us for some festive fun with Active Residences! Every session is free and suitable for all abilities, no experience needed. Just make sure to book your space!
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
A hand an a pool cue on a blue table Active Residences: Just Play Pool
30th December 3pm - 4pm
Chamberlain
Living in UoB or partner accommodation? Join us for some festive fun with Active Residences! Every session is free and suitable for all abilities, no experience needed. Just make sure to book your space!
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
A child at a table covered in craft paper and items Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Art Club: Festive New Year Crafts
31st December 11am - 3pm
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, city centre
Get into the festive spirit with some arts and crafts for the whole family, inspired by New Year's fireworks! 60 minute sessions at 11:00, 12:00 and 14:00. Tickets £3.50 per child, with free accompanying adult. Aimed at ages 3+.
Family focused | Christmas in the City
A table tennis bat and ball Active Residences: Just Play Table Tennis
31st December 3pm - 4pm
Shackleton
Living in UoB or partner accommodation? Join us for some festive fun with Active Residences! Every session is free and suitable for all abilities, no experience needed. Just make sure to book your space!
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
A hand holds a shuttlecock to a racquet, ready to hit Active Residences: Just Play Badminton
5th January 3pm - 4pm
Munrow Arena 1, Sport & Fitness Centre
Living in UoB or partner accommodation? Join us for some festive fun with Active Residences! Every session is free and suitable for all abilities, no experience needed. Just make sure to book your space!
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
Individual climbing wall Social Sport: Just Climb
6th January 3pm - 4pm
Climbing Wall, Sport & Fitness
Active Residences is a fun and friendly way to look after your wellbeing and meet others, for students living in University and partner accommodation. All sessions are free and suitable for beginners - make sure to book your place.
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
A close up of legs wearing tracksuit bottoms and white trainers, in a dance class Active Residences: Dance Fitness
6th January 6pm - 6:40pm
Hampton Room, Chamberlain
Active Residences is a fun and friendly way to look after your wellbeing and meet others, for students living in University and partner accommodation. All sessions are free and suitable for beginners - make sure to book your place.
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
Three rolled black yoga mats stand in a crate Active Residences: Yoga
8th January 6pm - 6:40pm
Hampton Room, Chamberlain
Active Residences is a fun and friendly way to look after your wellbeing and meet others, for students living in University and partner accommodation. All sessions are free and suitable for beginners - make sure to book your place.
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
Three rolled black yoga mats stand in a crate Active Residences: Yoga
9th January 2pm - 2:40pm
Hexagon Room, Pritchatts Park
Active Residences is a fun and friendly way to look after your wellbeing and meet others, for students living in University and partner accommodation. All sessions are free and suitable for beginners - make sure to book your place.
Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus