Festive Good Food Show
Visitors can watch renowned chefs and culinary experts cook live across dedicated stages, including the Big Kitchen and Festive Kitchen. The show floor hosts more than 350 independent food and drink producers offering samples and seasonal shopping, from artisan cheeses to small-batch gins. Guests can also take part in interactive masterclasses at the Cheese Hub and tasting sessions at the Fabulous Food Finds Tasting Theatre.
What to Expect
Festive culinary event featuring live chef demonstrations, workshops, and artisan shopping.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Immediate Media Company
Food & Drink
Visitors can sample food and drink, discover seasonal products, and take part in guided tastings; the show also promises warming dishes.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Food lovers and festive-season shoppers
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: General admission: £25 (£23.25 + fee). VIP: £101.75 (£100.00 + £1.75 booking fee); another VIP price is also listed as £106.75 (£105.00 + £1.25 booking fee). – Get tickets
- Parking: The NEC has ample car parking. Pre-paid parking is advised and costs £14.95, saving £5 compared to on the day. Shuttle buses operate between car parks and the Show. Blue Badge parking is also available to book in advance for £14.95, saving £5 compared to on the day; spaces are limited and issued first come, first served.
- Accessibility: The venue is equipped with lifts, flat travelling escalators, tactile signage, dedicated Blue Badge parking close to halls, and free carer admission for registered disabled visitors.
Tips & Advice
- Book your Big Kitchen seat early, because seats are strictly limited and expected to sell out fast, particularly for the most popular chefs.
- Pre-book NEC parking up to the night before the Show opens to get the cheaper advance rate instead of paying more on the day.
- Choose your day carefully when booking, because admission tickets are date-specific and not all chefs and experts appear on every day.
- Book a hotel early if you're staying over a weekend, because the NEC is a busy venue and nearby hotels fill up quickly in November.
- Bring a Blue Badge, Freedom Pass, DLA or PIP letter if you've added a free carer ticket, since proof of eligibility is checked on the day.
Special Events & Promotions
- New for 2026: the Big Kitchen sits at the centre of the Show, with limited reserved seats booked separately.
- Cheese Hub: guided cheese tastings and festive cheeseboard workshops as a paid add-on.
- Fabulous Food Finds Tasting Theatre: guided tastings with artisan producers as a paid add-on.
- The first 9,500 people to book get a free cookbook.
- Group bookings: groups of 10–23 save 20% and groups of 24+ save up to 25%, until 1 November.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a general ticket include?
General admission includes the Good Food Tasted and Festive Kitchen live demos, the Kitchen Clinic, shopping with the exhibitors and live music. Over 350 independent producers offer tastings across the floor.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Children aged 0 to 4 go free, and under-18s must stay with an adult. In the Big Kitchen, little ones sit on a lap unless you buy them a seat. Under-18s can't buy or sample alcohol or buy knives.
What do VIP tickets get you?
VIP gets you the VIP Lounge, a front-block Big Kitchen seat, two glasses of fizz, VIP parking, a goody bag, a shopper bag, and VIP cloakroom and toilets. VIP is for over-18s only.
Can a carer come along?
Yes. A registered disabled visitor with a ticket can bring a carer free. Bring proof on the day, such as a Blue Badge, Freedom Pass, DLA letter or PIP letter.
Is it easy to get there by train?
Yes. Birmingham International station links to the NEC halls by a covered walkway. The walk takes 10 to 15 minutes, with travelling escalators, lifts between floors and tactile signage.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.