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 may choose to 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

A big wheel and swing ride are illuminated in bright colours against city buildings Ice Skate Birmingham, Big Wheel and City Flyer
13th November 10am - 5th January 10pm
Centenary Square, Birmingham
Birmingham's outdoor ice rink is back, letting you twirl away outside the Library of Birmingham. Student tickets cost £12.The big wheel gives great views over Birmingham and is wheelchair accessible. Turn up and pay on the day!
Christmas in the City
A illuminated helter skelter sits among wooden hut market stalls with a crowd at twilight Christmas in Cathedral Square
13th November 11am - 22nd December 9pm
Cathedral Square
This magical festive market in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral features local producers selling crafts, gifts, food and drink. Enjoy a ride on a helter-skelter and a tipple at the Pigeon in the Park Pub too. This is an external event.
Christmas in the City
A Christmas tree illuminated with fairy lights outside a building at night Festive craft fair
27th November noon - 2pm
Foyer and Mason Lounge, Arts building
Discover handmade items and delicious baked goods at this festive craft fair, hosted by the College of Arts and Law.
Arts & Law | Christmas on Campus
Customers browse illuminated market stalls at night in a city centre Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre
28th November noon - 1st December 5pm
Worcester
Looking to explore further afield? Worcester's Victorian Christmas Fayre is full of Christmas cheer and traditions, with market stalls, a fun fair, and free entertainment. Trains to Worcester run direct from University station.
Christmas in the City
A close up of the architectural dome atop the Aston Webb building UBCU Carol Service
28th November 5pm - 10pm
Great Hall, Aston Webb building
The University of Birmingham Christian Union (UBCU) are hosting their traditional carol service in the Great Hall, open to all students and free to attend.
Christmas on Campus
A group of five sit around a large café table, covered with crafting supplies Pottery painting at grounded.
28th November 6pm - 8pm
grounded. Selly Oak, Bournbrook Road
Coffee n Clay are heading down to grounded. for an evening of pottery painting! Get creative and design your own mug, plate, or Christmas ornament. Pottery costs £12-£13, booking essential.
Christmas in the City
A close up of a clear bauble with a sliver snowflake inside Selly Manor's Christmas craft fair
30th November 11am - 5pm
Selly Manor, Bournville
Get into the festive spirit and buy some unique local handmade crafts at Selly Manor's Christmas craft fair, set amongst two of the oldest buildings in Birmingham! Entry to the craft fair and Selly Manor is free.
Christmas in the City
A very large tree is decorated with coloured lights, with a crowd admiring it Bournville Christmas Festival
30th November 1:30pm - 6pm
Bournville Village Green
Bournville Christmas Festival and the much-loved lights switch on is back! Organised by voluntary community partners, it is a staple in the Christmas diary and just a 30 minute walk or two train stops from campus.
Christmas in the City
Yoga mats in a gallery space Yoga in the Galleries
2nd December 12:45pm - 1:15pm
Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Need some calm from the busyness of Uni life? Take a moment to slow down and reconnect with your breath and body, and join us for a relaxed, bite-sized yoga session in the galleries, surrounded by the beautiful art collection. Booking essential.
Barber Institute of Fine Arts | Sport & Fitness | Christmas on Campus
Students sit around a table covered in paper crafts, cutting and sticking elements Cosy Christmas crochet
3rd December 1pm - 2pm
Library Lounge, Main Library
Head to the Library Lounge for some cosy crochet with Library Services. All abilities welcome and all materials provided - just come along!
Christmas on Campus
The Sekine Quartet stand in front of an illuminated dinosaur skeleton Holiday Classics at the Museum: the Sekine Quartet
3rd December 6pm - 7:30pm
Lapworth Museum of Geology
Get into the festive spirit at the Lapworth Museum, where the magic of the season meets the museum’s fascinating exhibits, including Roary the Allosaurus. It’s an unforgettable way to experience Christmas classics like never before!
Lapworth Museum of Geology | Family friendly | Christmas on Campus
The Sekine Quartet stand in front of an illuminated dinosaur skeleton Holiday Classics at the Museum: the Sekine Quartet
3rd December 8pm - 9:30pm
Lapworth Museum of Geology
Get into the festive spirit at the Lapworth Museum, where the magic of the season meets the museum’s fascinating exhibits, including Roary the Allosaurus. It’s an unforgettable way to experience Christmas classics like never before!
Lapworth Museum of Geology | Family friendly | Christmas on Campus
A Christmas tree illuminated with fairy lights outside a building at night Christmas Craft Fair
4th December 11am - 3pm
Bramall Music Building
Our brand new Christmas Craft Fair showcases items hand made by our students, staff and alumni. Browse the stalls and meet some of campus' most talented members!
Christmas on Campus
Two students sit with Santa amongst a Christmas set, with another student taking a photo Christmas Marquee
4th December 11am - 5pm
Chancellor's Court
Head to Chancellor's Court for some festive fun, with Christmas arts and crafts, a photobooth for souvenir snaps, and of course - Santa himself!
Family friendly | Christmas on Campus
Three students or staff stand chatting in conversation Christmas at the OLRC
4th December noon - 2pm
OLRC, Selly Oak campus
Join staff and students at the Orchard Learning Resource Centre (OLRC) on the Selly Oak campus for some seasonal fun and creativity.
Christmas on Campus
Old Joe at night, with a green illuminated clock face, and crowds in Chancellor's Court with fairy lights between lampposts Christmas light switch-on
4th December 5pm - 5:15pm
Chancellor's Court
3, 2, 1... it's Christmas! Join us for our annual Christmas light switch-on in Chancellor's Court.
Family friendly | Christmas on Campus
Members of the upper voices choir in black roves hold hymn books and candles, mingling in the Great Hall University Carol Service
4th December 6:15pm - 7:30pm
Great Hall, Aston Webb building
The annual University Carol Service returns, with a Christmas celebration in the Great Hall. With music from the University Upper Voices choir, it is a much loved tradition amongst the campus community.
Christmas on Campus
A crowd of people sit around tables amidst a dinosaur model and museum cases and cabinets Quiz Night at the Lapworth Museum
4th December 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Lapworth Museum of Geology
Get ready for an exciting evening of trivia where you can test your knowledge across a variety of fun categories, all while surrounded by the museum's fascinating exhibits. Come with friends, family or solo - book your tickets now!
Lapworth Museum of Geology | Christmas on Campus
A close up of fir branches with out of focus fairy lights Christmas in Selly Oak Park
7th December 2:30pm - 6pm
Selly Oak Park, Gibbins Road
The Friends of Selly Oak Park are getting into the festive spirit, with a Christmas Decoration workshop using materials from the park at 14:30 in the Scout Hut, and Carols in the Park outside the Park Keepers' Lodge, gathering at 16:30.
Christmas in the City
An allosaurus skeleton illuminated by red light Christmas Movie Night at the Museum
10th December 6:30pm - 9pm
Lapworth Museum of Geology
It's the time of the season where even Roary the Allosaurus will be looking festive! Start off your holiday season with a magical Christmas movie night at the Museum. Settle yourself in for Christmas classic Home Alone! Student tickets cost £9.37
Lapworth Museum of Geology | Family friendly | Christmas on Campus
Students sit around a table covered in paper crafts, cutting and sticking elements Cosy Christmas crochet
11th December 1pm - 2pm
Library Lounge, Main Library
Head to the Library Lounge for some cosy crochet with Library Services. All abilities welcome and all materials provided - just come along!
Christmas on Campus
Four students in winter clothes pose in front of an illuminated outdoor Christmas tree Christmas at Duck and Scholar
13th December 7pm - 11pm
Duck and Scholar, Vale Village
Living in halls? Celebrate the end of term at the Duck and Scholar! You can enjoy Christmas films and music, while catching up with your friends over your favourite drinks, including our special festive cocktail.
Christmas on Campus
A plate with roast turkey on top of vegetables in gravy, with a Chrristmas cracker on the table Christmas lunch at Vale Infusion
18th December 1pm - 3pm
Infusion, Vale Village
Sit down for a traditional Christmas lunch, complete with crackers and festive songs! Look forward to roast turkey with all the trimmings, or delicious plant-based options. Lunch costs £15 (or £13.50 on Student Living Plus) - book by 30 November.
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 - 6:45pm
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. This is an external event.
Christmas in the City