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
5th November midnight - 3rd 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 £11 and big wheel £7, 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
5th November midnight - 24th December midnight
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
Gold paper stars with a pair of scissors Residence Life: Christmas Cracker Making
27th November 5pm - 7pm
The Shack, Vale Village
Get into the Christmas spirit by making your own traditional Christmas crackers, ready to be pulled for a little surprise, laughter and festive fun!
Guild of Students | Christmas on Campus
A large tree covered in christmas lights Bournville Christmas Festival
28th November 1pm - 6pm
Bournville Village Green
Head to Bournville - just a couple of stops on the train from campus - for a real community celebration. See Santa, browse craft and community stalls, and enjoy the big light switch on at 17:00. Free entry, but some activities charged.
Family friendly | Christmas in the City
A close up of a Christmas bauble Handmade Christmas Craft Fayre at Selly Manor
28th November 1pm - 6pm
Selly Manor, Bournville
Head to Selly Manor, one of the oldest buildings in Birmingham, to get into the festive spirit and buy some unique local handmade gifts. Bournville Voices will perform at 14:00 - free entry to the fayre and museum.
Christmas in the City
Small knitted stockings Guild Explore Birmingham Winter Fair
30th November 11am - 4pm
Reception, Guild of Students
From food stalls to arts and crafts, join us for a festive edition of our Explore Birmingham Fair, featuring a range of small businesses and popular local brands.
Guild of Students | Christmas on Campus
A Santa decoration on a Christmas tree Residence Life: Santa’s Grotto Christmas Crafts & Gifts
30th November 5pm - 7pm
Social Space, Jarratt Hall
Step out of the November chill and into Santa’s little corner of Christmas: a room filled with festive decorations, creative activities and presents waiting to be unwrapped.
Guild of Students | Christmas on Campus
Brightly coloured baubles Joe's Christmas Bingo Bonanza
30th November 7pm - 10pm
Joe's Bar, Guild of Students
Get your dabbers at the ready for an entertaining evening at Joe's Bingo Bonanza.
Guild of Students | Christmas on Campus
A student looks intently at a stall selling cured meats Artisan Market
1st December 10am - 4pm
University Square
Find tasty food, handmade gifts, and more as the bustling Artisan Market comes to campus!
Christmas on Campus
A person singing into a microphone Christmas Karaoke at Joe's Bar
1st December 8pm - 1am
Joe's Bar, Guild of Students
Get ready to sing your heart out this Christmas! Whether you're belting out festive classics, party anthems or guilty pleasures, the mic is yours!
Guild of Students | Christmas on Campus
Two students look at a brightly coloured bowl on a market stall Christmas on Campus: Christmas Artisan Market
2nd December 10am - 8pm
University Square
Enjoy an extra day of our artisan market to browse for gifts, treat yourself, or enjoy some tasty local food, all whilst supporting local and independent traders!
Christmas on Campus
Four students pose with Santa in front of a fireplace fabric backdrop Christmas on Campus: Christmas Marquee
2nd December 11am - 5pm
Marquee near Old Joe
One of our favourite days on campus is back - the Christmas Marquee! Join us for fun, silliness, and a whole heap of festive cheer with games and activities, a photo booth, and a very special visit from Santa himself (until 16:00).
Christmas on Campus
A student playing with lego Neuro Nights: Lego Baubles and Pizza
2nd December 4pm - 8pm
Hampton Room, Chamberlain
Get into the festive spirit with our Residence Life LEGO Baubles & Pizza event! Free for students in UoB or partner accommodation - book your ticket now.
Guild of Students | 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
2nd December 5pm - 5:30pm
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
A choir in stalls in the Great Hall University Carol Service
2nd December 6:15pm - 7:45pm
Great Hall, Aston Webb building
The University Carol Service returns for an evening of seasonal music from University Upper Voices and readings from the Multifaith Chaplaincy team.
Multifaith Chaplaincy | Christmas on Campus
A person speaking into a microphone Quiz Night at the Lapworth Museum
2nd December 7pm - 9pm
Lapworth Museum of Geology
Join us for a quiz night at the Lapworth Museum of Geology. Questions will range from general knowledge and geography to music and movies. Tickets £3.99 per person, up to 6 people per team.
Lapworth Museum of Geology | Christmas on Campus
A student holding a coffee cup in front of old joe Community Wellbeing Café
3rd December 1pm - 3pm
Reception, Guild of Students
Take a break and join us at the monthly Community Wellbeing Café. Enjoy free refreshments in a relaxed setting at the Guild of Students while accessing practical advice, wellbeing resources, and support.
Guild of Students | Wellbeing | Christmas on Campus
A student drinking a hot drink Residence Life: Christmas Cards and Cocoa
3rd December 5pm - 7pm
Social Space, Pritchatts Park
Get into the Christmas spirit with a cosy, festive get-together filled with creativity, hot chocolate, and a little Christmas kindness! This is a completely free event for students living in UoB and partner site accommodation.
Guild of Students | Christmas on Campus
Students and a chaplain sat at a table with bread and jam Bread and Belief: Film Evening
3rd December 6pm - 9pm
Oasis Lounge, Multifaith Chaplaincy
In Bread & Belief, we bake, eat bread, and take bread home. All people and perspectives are welcome at our regular Bread & Belief sessions. Spaces are limited.
Multifaith Chaplaincy | Christmas on Campus
People in inflatable christmas tree and polar bear costumes Joe's Big Christmas Quiz
3rd December 7pm - 10pm
Joe's Bar, Guild of Students
Think you’ve got what it takes to reign supreme at our weekly quiz night? Gather your brainiest mates and head over to Joe's Bar for an evening of trivia, laughter and top-notch competition!
Guild of Students | Christmas on Campus
Piled Christmas jumpers Joe's Bar Christmas Jumper Social!
4th December 9pm - 2am
Joe's Bar, Guild of Students
It's time to dig out your best (or worst!) Christmas jumper and get ready for a night of festive fun at Joe's Bar!
Guild of Students | Christmas on Campus
A person wearing a mini santa hat Christmas Movie Night at Joe's Bar
6th December 5pm - 11pm
Joe's Bar, Guild of Students
Enjoy Christmas movies in Joe's Bar at 17:00 and 20:00!
Guild of Students | Christmas on Campus
Two students in elf hats pose for the camera Residence Life: Countdown to Christmas
7th December 5pm - 7pm
Social Space, Battery Park
Join Res Life for a festive afternoon filled with Christmas crafts, delicious treats, self-care goodies and FREE Domino’s pizza! 🍕❤️
Guild of Students | Christmas on Campus
Ex Cathedra promo image Christmas Music By Candlelight with Ex Cathedra
18th December 7pm - 9:10pm
Great Hall, Aston Webb building
Step out of the winter rush and into the still, warm glow of candlelight with an evening of seasonal music, carols, and readings, all revealing the quiet magic of Christmas. Student tickets are just £8!
Christmas on Campus