The festive period doesn't end on Christmas Day. For those magical days between Christmas and New Year, known as Twixmas, the West Midlands is bursting with events and activities to keep the whole family entertained. From enchanting light trails and classic pantomimes to historic walks and festive ice rinks, our 2025 guide highlights the very best ways to spend the holiday season in and around Birmingham.
Enchanting Outdoor Adventures & Light Trails
Embrace the winter weather with a range of outdoor experiences. The Snowman™ trail at Baddesley Clinton in Solihull runs until January 11, where you can hunt for colourful Twelve Days of Christmas sculptures. National Trust members can enjoy this for free.
For a breathtaking walk, tackle the famous 21 Hatton Locks, often called the Stairway to Heaven. This two-mile flight of locks in Warwickshire boasts a 45-metre elevation from Hatton World up to the Hatton Arms.
Illuminations are a key part of the season. Warwick Castle hosts a light trail of 500,000 lights across its 64-acre grounds until January 4, alongside a festive ice rink. Meanwhile, Birmingham Botanical Gardens presents its Luminate light trail on selected dates until New Year's Day. This almost mile-long, music-synchronised walk features magical displays, with chances to toast marshmallows.
Head to the Three Counties Showground in Malvern for Winter Glow, promoted as the West Midlands’ biggest multi-attraction festive experience, running until New Year's Eve. It includes a 120ft big wheel and UV mini golf.
Family-Friendly Shows & Pantomimes
Twixmas is the perfect time for a trip to the theatre. Birmingham Hippodrome's pantomime this year is Robin Hood, starring Christopher Biggins, Gok Wan, Matt Slack, and Faye Tozer. It runs on selected dates from December 20, 2025, right through to February 1, 2026.
Over at Malvern Theatres, the panto is Jack and the Beanstalk, featuring Emmerdale's Tom Lister and local favourite Mark James. Performances are scheduled between Christmas and January 4.
For a theatrical mystery, Birmingham REP stages Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas until January 18. Join the detective as he races to save French Hens and find Gold Rings.
Roald Dahl fans should visit the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon for Tom Wells’ magical new adaptation of The BFG, full of frobscottle and whizzpoppers. It will be on stage on selected dates in December and into January.
Ice Skating & Indoor Festive Fun
Glide into the holiday spirit at one of the region's many ice rinks. Ice Skate Birmingham in Centenary Square, with its Ice Lounge and neighbouring Big Wheel, is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 10am to 10pm until January 4.
The Christmas Ice Rink at Warwick Castle, set before the iconic Guy's Tower, is also open until January 4. For a year-round option with a festive twist, The Snowdome in Tamworth decks its rink with lights and plays festive tunes until January 3.
For an all-under-one-roof extravaganza, Winter Funland at the Birmingham NEC runs on selected dates until January 3. It offers unlimited fair rides, a giant ice rink, a festival circus, an extreme motorbike show, and festive food vendors.
With so many diverse events on offer, from cultural performances to active outdoor pursuits, the West Midlands provides the perfect setting to make lasting memories during the Twixmas period of 2025.
