Whether escaping to a magical make-believe world, spending quality time with family and friends, settling down for some seasonal storytelling or searching for that perfect present, we’ve got Christmas all wrapped up at Birmingham Hippodrome.

From family favourites The Nutcracker and Cinderella on the Main Stage to alternative offerings The Snow Dragon in our Patrick Centre and our brand new Frost Fair in the foyers, this year’s seasonal programme brings together dazzling spectacle, seasonal song and dance and plenty of audience participation – all delivered with a signature sprinkling of festive flair!

Nothing says Christmas in Birmingham quite like The Nutcracker, which returns to the Main Stage from Fri 24 Nov – Wed 13 Dec.

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s unrivalled production will, once again, be enchanting audiences once more with its sumptuous sets, lavish costumes, magical Christmas tree, winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and a magical Sugar Plum fairy in one of the most celebrated festive shows of all time.

Join young Clara as she is swept away into an enchanted world as gigantic sets, lavish costumes, 60 dancers and a full orchestra combine to make the perfect Christmas treat for the entire family.

For the perfect excuse to escape the shopping crowds, join Birmingham Hippodrome for a seasonal extravaganza to remember at our all new Frost Fair on Sat 16 Dec.

Grab yourself that perfect Christmas gift with festive indoor market, seasonal food and drink, local musicians, creative crafts and much more as the Hippodrome foyers come to life with festive cheer and an added sprinkling of winter wonder from 10am – 6pm. And the best part is, it’s absolutely free to attend.

Enjoy a slice of traditional Victorian tomfoolery with Mr Barnard, a Victorian gent complete with compendium of rib-tickling tricks – from orange juggling to spinning Christmas puddings in roaming theatre show, Period Prestidigitation. Browse vintage and seasonal stores for that perfect Christmas gift at Bert and Gert’s Craft Market, make your own bauble to take home, turn your little ones into an elf or reindeer with festive face-painting and escape to faraway lands with our free storytelling sessions.

This year’s Frost Fair will also feature an exciting programme of live performances from Midland LGBT choir Rainbow Voices, Birmingham Community Gospel Choir and City of Birmingham Brass Band.

Looking ahead to this year’s magical family pantomime, Cinderella, the most magical panto of them all arrives in Birmingham from Tue19 Dec – Sat 28 Jan starring soul-diva Beverley Knight as The Fairy Godmother, Strictly Come Dancing finalist Danny Mac as Prince Charming, Birmingham panto favourite Matt Slack as Buttons, pop and television star Suzanne Shaw as Cinderella, comedy duo The Grumbleweeds and the most fabulous Ugly Sisters in show business, Ceri Dupree and Phil Randall.

Featuring all the ingredients of a perfect panto, this year’s festive spectacular features a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and some dazzling special effects so don’t leave it too late…book your tickets to the ball today!

Meanwhile in our studio, Birmingham Hippodrome is delighted to play host to its first Patrick Centre Christmas show, The Snow Dragon, from Tue 19 Dec – Sun 7 Jan.

Join Billy the Goat and the legendary Snow Dragon on a magical winter adventure filled with toe-tapping songs, enchanting storytelling and lots of laughs from the company behind the hit children’s productions The Gruffalo and The Snail and the Whale. Suitable for ages 3+