We confirmed 11 Christmas events for kids in Birmingham for 2026. The season starts on 18 November with Peter Pan and runs until 31 January (Sleeping Beauty). Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in the UK.
The short version
- 11 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Birmingham, Solihull and Dudley
- First: Peter Pan, Birmingham, 18 November
- Free events: None confirmed yet
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by area, with the date, time, price and the small things parents ask about (booking, ages, what is included).
Birmingham Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 11 confirmed for 2026
- Areas
- Birmingham, Solihull and Dudley
- Season
- 18 November to 31 January
- Free events
- None confirmed yet
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Birmingham
8 confirmed events in Birmingham, soonest first.
Peter Pan
Christmas story timeBirmingham Rep · Birmingham
- Host
- Birmingham Rep (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The House, Birmingham Rep, 6 Centenary Square, Birmingham B1 2EP
- When
- Wed, Nov 18, 2026 to Sun, Jan 17, 2027
- Price
- From £23
- Ages
- 7+
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Rep's big festive show is a new version of Peter Pan, adapted by Phil Porter from J M Barrie's story and directed by Joe Murphy. The Darling children fly to Neverland with Peter, meet the Lost Boys, Tinker Bell and the mermaids, and Wendy tries to keep everyone safe from Captain Hook and the Crocodile while deciding how to grow up on her own terms.
It runs in the main House from 18 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. Evening shows start at 7pm, weekend and holiday matinees at 2pm, and Sunday shows at 11am and 3.30pm. The Rep gives an age guide of 7 and up. A relaxed performance is on Sunday 10 January at 11am, with audio described, BSL interpreted and captioned shows on set dates through the run.
Parent tip: Weekday 10.15am and 2.30pm shows are mainly for schools, so families should aim for evenings, weekends or holiday matinees; a £3.50 transaction fee applies.
See dates and details from Birmingham Rep (opens in a new tab)Snow White
Panto or Christmas showBlue Orange Theatre · Birmingham
- Host
- Blue Orange Theatre (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Blue Orange Theatre, 118 Great Hampton Street, Birmingham B18 6AD
- When
- Fri, Nov 20 to Sun, Dec 6
- Price
- From £13
- Ages
- Recommended for ages 3 to 100
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Blue Orange Theatre in the Jewellery Quarter marks ten years of affordable family pantomime with Snow White. Snow White escapes the Wicked Queen and sets off on an adventure full of friendship and fairy tale fun, with comedy, songs, dances, sweets, bright costumes and lots of audience participation. The show runs about 2 hours including an interval and is recommended for ages 3 and up.
Public tickets start from £13 and rise with demand, so booking early gets the best price. A special 10th anniversary gala on Friday 27 November at 6.30pm offers upgraded tickets with a souvenir programme, signed postcards, a sweet bag and a pre-show chance from 5.30pm for children to meet Snow White and friends on stage.
Parent tip: Several weekday dates are schools-only performances, so check the booking page for public show times.
See dates and details from Blue Orange Theatre (opens in a new tab)The Nutcracker
Christmas story timeBirmingham Royal Ballet · Birmingham
- Host
- Birmingham Royal Ballet (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB
- When
- Fri, Nov 20 to Sat, Dec 12
- Price
- See booking page
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Birmingham Royal Ballet's The Nutcracker returns to Birmingham Hippodrome from 20 November to 12 December 2026. Clara receives a mysterious Nutcracker doll at her parents' Christmas party, battles the King Rat alongside the Nutcracker and his toy soldiers, then travels through the snowflakes to a kingdom where she becomes the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Tchaikovsky's score is played live by the 60 strong Royal Ballet Sinfonia, and the production includes swordfights, falling snow and a 30 foot Christmas tree. The show runs about 2 hours 10 minutes. Matinees are on most Saturdays, Sundays and some weekdays, and Tuesday 1 December at 12.45pm is a relaxed performance that is also audio described and signed. An audio described matinee with touch tour is on Saturday 28 November.
Parent tip: The relaxed show on 1 December is a good first ballet for younger or neurodivergent children; check prices on the booking page.
See dates and details from Birmingham Royal Ballet (opens in a new tab)The Ugly Duckling
Christmas story timeBirmingham Rep · Birmingham
- Host
- Birmingham Rep (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Door, Birmingham Rep, 6 Centenary Square, Birmingham B1 2EP
- When
- Thu, Dec 3, 2026 to Sun, Jan 10, 2027
- Price
- From £15.50; under 2s £2
- Ages
- Ages 3 to 6 and their families
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Birmingham Rep's Christmas show for younger audiences is a festive adaptation of The Ugly Duckling by Katherine Chandler, directed by Caroline Wilkes. A duckling who is told it is too big, too dull and too ugly by the other farm animals leaves home to find where it belongs, and over the seasons learns that being different is something to celebrate.
It plays in The Door, the Rep's smaller studio, from 3 December 2026 to 10 January 2027, with daytime shows at times such as 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.45pm and 3pm. The Rep says it is suitable for ages 3 to 6 and their families, and free 30 minute pre-show storytelling workshops run before selected performances. There is a relaxed performance on Saturday 9 January at 10am, a BSL interpreted show on 2 January, captioned shows on 17 December and an audio described show with touch tour on 10 January.
Parent tip: Babes in arms (under 2s) need a £2 ticket added when booking; a £3.50 transaction fee applies per booking.
See dates and details from Birmingham Rep (opens in a new tab)Disney's Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert: Film with Live Orchestra
Carol concertB:Music (Town Hall and Symphony Hall) · Birmingham
- Host
- B:Music (Town Hall and Symphony Hall) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EA
- When
- Tue, Dec 8 and Wed, Dec 9
- Price
- £37.50 to £72.50
- Ages
- Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert returns to Symphony Hall on 8 and 9 December 2026. The film is screened while its musical score is performed live by an orchestra, so families get the full Muppets version of Charles Dickens' tale with live music in a big concert hall.
Kermit the Frog plays Bob Cratchit, Michael Caine is Ebenezer Scrooge, Gonzo narrates as Dickens with help from Rizzo the Rat, Miss Piggy is Emily Cratchit and Robin the Frog is Tiny Tim. The score is by Miles Goodman with songs by Paul Williams. It suits families with children who already enjoy the film and can sit through a feature length screening. Tickets are priced from £37.50 to £72.50.
Parent tip: Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult; check the event page for start times and running time nearer the date.
See dates and details from B:Music (Town Hall and Symphony Hall) (opens in a new tab)The Snowman & The Nutcracker with Toscana Strings and Laura Power
Christmas story timeB:Music (Town Hall and Symphony Hall) · Birmingham
- Host
- B:Music (Town Hall and Symphony Hall) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EA
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 10:30 am
- Price
- £13.50
- Ages
- Suitable for the whole family
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
String quintet Toscana Strings and ballerina Laura Power perform two Christmas favourites, The Nutcracker and The Snowman, through storytelling, dance and music. B:Music says the show includes audience participation designed to capture young imaginations and is suitable for the whole family.
It takes place on Saturday 12 December at 10.30am in the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, the smaller stage one floor up from the Symphony Hall entrance. Seating is general admission, so seats are first come, first served. At £13.50 a ticket it is a shorter, more relaxed alternative to a full theatre show for little ones. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. The running time will be posted nearer the date, but a morning start makes it easy to pair with a visit to the city centre Christmas sights afterwards.
Parent tip: Seating is unreserved, so arrive a little early to sit together; under 16s must be with an adult.
See dates and details from B:Music (Town Hall and Symphony Hall) (opens in a new tab)Sleeping Beauty
Panto or Christmas showBirmingham Hippodrome · Birmingham
- Host
- Birmingham Hippodrome (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB
- When
- Sat, Dec 19, 2026 to Sun, Jan 31, 2027
- Price
- From £20 to £52
- Ages
- Ages 5+ (under 3s not admitted; 3 and 4 year olds at parents' discretion)
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Birmingham Hippodrome's 2026 pantomime is Sleeping Beauty, with sets and costumes from The London Palladium. Princess Aurora is cursed by her wicked aunt Carabosse, pricks her finger on a spinning wheel and falls into a long sleep, and the Prince has to break the spell. Rylan plays the Diva of Dreams, Matt Slack returns as Lester the Jester, Zoe Birkett is Carabosse and Andrew Ryan is the Queen.
Shows run most days from 19 December 2026 to 31 January 2027, usually with an afternoon and an evening performance. The theatre recommends the show for ages 5 and up; under 3s are not admitted and 3 and 4 year olds come at parents' discretion. There are BSL interpreted shows on Sunday 10 January, captioned shows on Sunday 17 January, audio described shows on 13 and 16 January and a relaxed performance on Thursday 28 January at 12pm.
Parent tip: Some dates already show limited availability, so book early; prices vary by date and are subject to change.
See dates and details from Birmingham Hippodrome (opens in a new tab)The Snowman: Film with Live Orchestra
Christmas story timeB:Music (Town Hall and Symphony Hall) · Birmingham
- Host
- B:Music (Town Hall and Symphony Hall) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Birmingham Town Hall, Victoria Square, Birmingham B3 3DQ
- When
- Sun, Dec 20, 1:30 pm
- Price
- £20 to £32
- Ages
- All ages (under 16s must be with an adult)
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Carrot Productions brings The Snowman with live orchestra to Birmingham Town Hall on Sunday 20 December. The classic animated film is projected on a big screen while professional musicians perform its soundtrack live, and the programme also includes Fleece Navidad, a Shaun the Sheep Christmas short, played live by the orchestra.
There is a festive medley, a friendly introduction to the instruments of the orchestra from CBeebies Musical Storyland composer Daniel Whibley, a special appearance by The Snowman, and a chance for everyone to sing Walking in the Air together at the end. B:Music describes it as a magical Christmas experience for the whole family and for audiences of all ages. Tickets range from £20 to £32, and the single performance starts at 1.30pm, which suits families with younger children.
Parent tip: Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult; running time is confirmed about a week before the show.
See dates and details from B:Music (Town Hall and Symphony Hall) (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Solihull
2 confirmed events in Solihull, soonest first.
Peter Pan: A New Pantomime Adventure (Solihull)
Panto or Christmas showThe Core Theatre Solihull · Solihull
- Host
- The Core Theatre Solihull (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Core Theatre, Theatre Square, Touchwood, Homer Road, Solihull B91 3RG (near Birmingham)
- When
- Fri, Dec 4, 2026 to Sun, Jan 3, 2027
- Price
- £25 to £30; under 18 months free on a lap
- Ages
- Recommended for ages 3 and up
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Core Theatre in Touchwood presents Peter Pan, a brand new swashbuckling pantomime from Little Wolf Entertainment. Peter, his friends and a woman who refuses to grow up head off on a high flying adventure with loopy Lost Boys, musical mermaids and pirates, with spectacular effects, lots of comedy and plenty of fairy dust.
It runs from 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, mostly with shows at 12.30pm and 4.30pm, plus some 11am, 2pm, 3pm and 7pm performances. The theatre recommends it for ages 3 and up, and children under 18 months can sit on a lap free. A BSL signed show is on Sunday 6 December at 4.30pm and a relaxed performance is on Tuesday 29 December.
Parent tip: The relaxed performance time on 29 December is listed differently in two places, so confirm with the box office (0121 704 6962) before booking.
See dates and details from The Core Theatre Solihull (opens in a new tab)Santa's Best Ever Christmas (Solihull)
Meet SantaThe Core Theatre Solihull · Solihull
- Host
- The Core Theatre Solihull (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Studio, The Core Theatre, Theatre Square, Touchwood, Homer Road, Solihull B91 3RG (near Birmingham)
- When
- Fri, Dec 18 to Thu, Dec 24, several shows daily
- Price
- £12.50 adult, £11.50 child (age 1+), £46 family of four
- Ages
- Age recommendation: 2 to 8 years
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa's Best Ever Christmas is a brand new interactive musical show from Honalee Media, with children's TV presenter Chris Jarvis as the voice of Dasher the Reindeer. Dotty the Elf, Pompom the Penguin and Dasher each have a theory about why Santa thinks this will be his best Christmas ever, and the audience helps find out.
Songs include Jingle Bells, The Hokey Cokey, Away in a Manger, Baby Shark and The Twelve Days of Christmas. It is aimed at children aged 2 to 8, and every child receives a specially wrapped present from Santa after the show. Performances run in the Studio at The Core from Friday 18 to Thursday 24 December, usually at 10am, 1pm and 3pm.
Parent tip: Children aged 1 and over need a child ticket; a family ticket for four is £46 plus a transaction fee.
See dates and details from The Core Theatre Solihull (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Dudley
1 confirmed event in Dudley, soonest first.
Santa Hunts (Dudley)
Story time with SantaBlack Country Living Museum · Dudley
- Host
- Black Country Living Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley DY1 4SQ (near Birmingham)
- When
- Thu, Dec 24 (only date left)
- Price
- Adult £28.50, child £24.50, carer £14.25 (includes museum admission)
- Ages
- Children over 6 months need a ticket and receive an age-appropriate gift
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa Hunts at Black Country Living Museum takes families on a route through the open air museum's historic town. Children help festive characters track down the lost pages of Santa's magic nap time book and solve clues on the way to his Black Country grotto, writing letters to Santa, singing and joining in activities along the route.
The experience lasts about 1 hour 20 minutes and most of it is outdoors, so dress warmly. Every child with a booked ticket over 6 months old receives an age-appropriate present, and tickets include museum admission for the rest of the day. At the time of checking, 24 December 2026 was shown as the only date left. Book online through the museum shop, or call 0121 520 8054 for help.
Parent tip: There is a limit of 2 adults per child, latecomers miss the experience, and annual passes and member discounts cannot be used.
See dates and details from Black Country Living Museum (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cosy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.co.uk (opens in a new tab)Birmingham Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Birmingham in 2026?
We confirmed 11 Christmas events for kids in Birmingham for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Peter Pan, Snow White, The Nutcracker, The Ugly Duckling, Peter Pan: A New Pantomime Adventure (Solihull), Disney's Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert: Film with Live Orchestra, The Snowman & The Nutcracker with Toscana Strings and Laura Power, Santa's Best Ever Christmas (Solihull), Sleeping Beauty, The Snowman: Film with Live Orchestra and Santa Hunts (Dudley). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Where can kids see Santa in Birmingham this year?
Santa appears at Santa's Best Ever Christmas (Solihull) and Santa Hunts (Dudley). Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Birmingham?
Christmas story times on this page: Peter Pan, The Nutcracker, The Ugly Duckling, Disney's Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert: Film with Live Orchestra, The Snowman & The Nutcracker with Toscana Strings and Laura Power, The Snowman: Film with Live Orchestra and Santa Hunts (Dudley).
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on 2 November 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
