The festive season is upon us, and whilst it’s a magical time of year for families we know how expensive it can be to keep children entertained with events and activities, and how Santa’s shopping list can sometimes seem never-ending! So thought we'd help our fellow parents out by sharing five exciting things to do with children in Birmingham this December which won't cost you a penny!

And if you're looking for affordable childcare for the school holidays, scroll to the bottom to read about The Strings Club's Winter Holiday Camps and the ways that you can save on your booking.

1: Spend some musical time with Santa Claus

B:Eats at Symphony Hall in the heart of Birmingham is hosting Singalong & Stories with Santa sessions. Father Christmas will pay a special visit to sing some songs and read a different favourite family story each day - from Oh No! Shark in the Snow! to What the Ladybird Heard! A perfect Christmas activity for little ones.

18-22 December
B:Eats, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA

2: Festive Fun in Cathedral Square

This festive event is returning to the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral for the third year running, with local West Midlands traders holding stalls offering crafts, food, and drink. And if you fancy some carol singing there’s a special interactive family service in the Cathedral itself on 16th December, with a ‘pop-up’ nativity for children to enjoy,

Until 17 December
Birmingham Cathedral, Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2QB

3. Find the perfect present at Blakesley Hall

Blakesley Hall is a picture-perfect timber-framed Tudor house which is situated just a few miles from the centre of Birmingham. This month they have a fantastically festive Craft Market in their Barn and Gallery, suitable for all ages. Check out a wide variety of makers selling locally made crafts and gifts, and grab a hot drink and tasty treat in the Herb Garden Cafe.

9 & 10 December
Blakesley Hall, Blakesley Road, Yardley, Birmingham, B25 8RN

4: Take a stroll with Snowdogs

Wrap up warm for this wintry walk through Birmingham's city centre where you can spot festive Snowdog sculptures in this art trail inspired by the animated sequel to Raymond Briggs' timeless picture book The Snowman™. Ten uniquely decorated Snowdogs can be explored using the Christmas in Birmingham map, and there’s the chance to support Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity too.

Until 4 January
Central Birmingham

5: Double (bass) Delight at the library

There are loads of fun activities for children and families at the Library of Birmingham this December, including a double bass concert (9 December), Board Games pop-in-and-play sessions (16th & 30th December), and Christmas origami making (29th December).

Throughout December
Library of Birmingham, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2ND

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Winter Holiday Activities Near You
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If you’re on the hunt for fun, exciting things to do with your children, we hope our ideas above provide some inspiration. But if you’re looking for childcare during the Winter holidays, then we'd love to welcome your child to one of our Holiday Camps near you.

We're so excited to welcome children to our Holiday Camp in Harborne from 18th-21st December (and in Richmond, Hampstead and Dulwich for families who are based further south).

There are multiple ways to save on our Holiday Camps, including 10% off for first time bookers, childcare vouchers, tax-free childcare and a sibling discount.