Spread the Christmas cheer with fuss-free family days out across this region. From panto and last-minute gift shopping to sharing a foot-long bratwurst at Birmingham’s famous German Market, take the stress out of the holiday season and travel onboard National Express buses.
Winter Wonderland Funland at The NEC
Rather than battling over parking spaces, leave the car at home and enjoy a stress-free journey on a fleet of reliable, convenient and eco-friendly National Express buses instead. The Platinum services offer comfier seats and extra leg room; with free 4G WiFi and USB points to charge your devices. There’s also crystal clear CCTV for passenger safety, LED interior lighting, improved soundproofing and audio next stop announcements.
They’re more fuel-efficient than their conventional diesel counterparts, and their engines are among the cleanest in the world. With services throughout the festive period, there’s routes to the best Christmas events across the city and beyond. What’s more fare prices have been frozen until 2025, so they’re kinder on the wallet too.
TAKE IN A SHOW …
Dick Whittington at Birmingham Hippodrome
The star-studded panto is back with former Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow, local legend Matt Slack, singer and TV presenter Suzanne Shaw, CBeebies star Dr Ranj and comic Doreen Tipton. Expect special effects, laughter, music and dance, with set and costumes straight from The London Palladium. For ticket information click HERE
NATIVITY! The Musical at Birmingham Rep
The big screen favourite returns to the stage; it’s a cracker of a show that’s feel-good, funny and full of joy. Since its world premiere at The Rep in 2017, it’s been seen by more than one million people during its acclaimed UK tour and three successful London runs. Catch it in the city through to early January. For ticket information click HERE
Christmas Spectacular at Symphony Hall
What better way to warm your cockles on Christmas Eve than a show packed with music, dance and a light spectacle plus all the trimmings in the company of glittering West End vocalists, a full orchestra and the all-star Jingle Bell dancers. For ticket information click HERE
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National Express Bus have a number of services that travel into Birmingham city centre, why not check out your nearest here!
Aladdin at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Join West End leading lady Zoe Birkett, Michael Greco and CBeebies’ Ben Cajee for a family-friendly festive spectacular. It’s bursting with laugh-out-loud comedy and sensational song and dance routines – perfect for a spot of Christmas magic. Aladdin runs until January 7. For ticket information click HERE
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National Express Bus have a number of services that travel into Wolverhampton city centre, check out your nearest here to plan your route!
GET INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT …
The Frankfurt Market
Birmingham’s giant Christmas Market is the largest outside of Germany or Austria and boasts a huge selection of traditional gifts, food and drink. Tuck into Pretzels, schnitzels and bratwursts, and raise a toast to Christmas with Gluhwein, Weissbeer or tasty hot chocolate. The market is open daily from 10am-9pm until December 23. For further information click HERE
Winter Wonderland Funland at The NEC
Enjoy the fun of the UK’s largest indoor festive funfair with four hours of unlimited funfair rides, a gigantic ice rink and festival circus all included in the ticket price. It’s all under one roof, so perfect whatever the December weather throws at you! For ticket information click HERE
Big Wheel and Ice Skate Birmingham, Centenary Square
Dust down those Christmas jumpers and get into the festive spirit. Take to the ice in one of the best outdoor ice skating rinks in the UK, or views across the city on the Big Wheel. For more information click HERE
Christmas in Cathedral Square
Whether you’re stocking up on presents or looking to share a Christmas tipple of two, there’s craft stalls, handmade goodies, arts and crafts as well as street food, local brews and the Pigeon in the Park pop-up pub. It’s open Monday to Wednesday from 11am-8pm, Thursday to Saturday from 11am-9pm and Sundays from 12pm-8pm until December 18. For more information click HERE
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National Express Bus have a number of services that travel into Birmingham city centre, check out your nearest here to plan your route!
Luminate Birmingham at The Botanical Gardens
This captivating illuminated trail takes you through the beautiful gardens, with stunning lighting elements to guide you along the way. It’s set over a one mile walk so wrap up toasty warm. For ticket information click HERE
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Jump on the 10, 23 or 24 National Express Bus services to visit the Botanical Gardens.
Illuminated Arboretum, Walsall
Enjoy the spectacular arboretum after hours, lit-up in a kaleidoscope of colour. Follow the one mile trail through the gardens each evening from 5pm-9pm until December 17. A limited number of spaces for Relaxed Sessions are available at 4.30pm on December 7 and 14 with less prominent light and sound features. For ticket information click HERE
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Jump on the 6, 7 or 8 National Express Bus services to visit the Arboretum.
LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING …
Stocking fillers, designer delights or the perfect gift for the hard to please … there’s a reason why so many shoppers head to Birmingham at this time of the year. For luxury brands there’s Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, while you’ll find all the high street big hitters in Bullring. And did we mention, there’s also the world’s biggest Primark in the city centre! Further afield, late night opening at Merry Hill means you can shop whatever the weather, and there’s bargains galore at the outlet stores in Resorts World.
