Explore the must-see holiday attractions in Solihull! Discover all the top events with our guide. For Solihull residents and newcomers, this guide highlights the top festive activities.
One must-visit highlight is the Solihull Christmas Market, which brings a festive spirit with its charming stalls and seasonal treats. For an artistic touch, the Christmas Craft Fair showcases handmade gifts and unique crafts perfect for your holiday shopping. And, Christmas at The Core Theatre is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering performances and shows for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Solihull Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Solihull
- Solihull Christmas Market
- Christmas Craft Fair
- Christmas at The Core Theatre
- Solihull Ice Rink
- Christmas Lights Switch-On
- Winter Wonderland at Touchwood
- Santa’s Grotto
- Christmas Pantomime
- Christmas Craft Workshops
- Christmas Carriage Rides
Solihull Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Switch-On
What to Expect:
Community-designed light installations
Description:
Solihull's Christmas Lights Switch-On event illuminates the town with unique, community-designed light installations. Local schools and community groups contribute their creative visions, resulting in a diverse and personal display. The switch-on ceremony features a countdown led by a local celebrity with ties to Solihull's history. Witness the town center transform as thousands of lights flicker to life simultaneously. This event has evolved from a simple bulb-lighting to an elaborate production celebrating local talent and unity.
Website:
Winter Lantern Parade
What to Expect:
Community-made biodegradable lanterns
Description:
Solihull's Winter Lantern Parade illuminates the streets with hundreds of handcrafted, biodegradable lanterns. Community members create these eco-friendly light sources in workshops leading up to the event. The parade route winds through Solihull's historic district, casting a warm glow on centuries-old buildings. Participants can learn about the town's nighttime history, from ancient fire festivals to the introduction of gas lighting. The gentle bobbing of lanterns creates a mesmerizing display as the procession moves through town.
Website:
Solihull Holiday Markets and Shopping
Solihull Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Fusion of traditional and modern market experiences
Description:
Solihull Christmas Market transforms the town center into a bustling hub of holiday cheer. Stroll through rows of charming wooden chalets offering a blend of traditional crafts and contemporary gifts. The market pays homage to Solihull's rich agricultural heritage, featuring local produce and artisanal foods. Visitors can sample mulled wine while browsing unique handcrafted items. This event has grown from a small local fair to a regional attraction, drawing visitors from across the West Midlands.
Website:
Christmas Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Emphasis on locally-made, eco-friendly crafts
Description:
Solihull's Christmas Craft Fair showcases the talents of local artisans and their commitment to sustainability. The fair features an array of handmade goods, from upcycled decorations to organic beauty products. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, connecting the present with Solihull's artisanal past. The gentle hum of conversation fills the air as shoppers discover one-of-a-kind treasures. This event reflects the town's growing focus on environmental consciousness and support for local businesses.
Website:
Solihull Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at The Core Theatre
What to Expect:
Interactive theatrical experiences for all ages
Description:
Christmas at The Core Theatre brings stories to life through innovative performances. The theatre's unique "Choose Your Own Adventure" holiday play allows audience members to shape the narrative. Immerse yourself in the world of the performance with set pieces that extend into the audience. The Core Theatre, built on the site of a former Tudor hall, infuses its productions with historical elements of Solihull. Patrons can participate in post-show workshops to learn about the art of stagecraft.
Website:
Christmas Pantomime
What to Expect:
Modern twist on traditional pantomime with local references
Description:
Solihull's Christmas Pantomime injects fresh energy into this British tradition with contemporary humor and local references. The show incorporates Solihull landmarks and personalities into classic fairy tales, creating a unique hybrid. Audience participation reaches new heights with real-time voting on plot twists via a custom smartphone app. The pantomime pays homage to Solihull's theatrical history, which dates back to traveling troupes in the 18th century. Spectators can join a backstage tour to see the intricate costumes and set designs up close.
Website:
Youth Choir Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Fusion of traditional carols with contemporary music
Description:
The Youth Choir Christmas Concert in Solihull presents a dynamic blend of classic carols and modern compositions. Young voices breathe new life into holiday favorites, accompanied by a diverse range of instruments from classical to electronic. The concert showcases original pieces inspired by Solihull's history and landscape. Listen as harmonies soar through the venue, a restored 13th-century church. This event has launched the careers of several notable musicians and continues to nurture local talent.
Website:
Solihull Other Holiday Activities
Solihull Ice Rink
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly synthetic ice rink with themed skating sessions
Description:
Solihull Ice Rink offers a unique skating experience on an innovative synthetic surface, reducing energy consumption. The rink hosts themed skating sessions, including "Disco Nights" and "Fairy Tale on Ice." Glide across the ice to the sound of live music performances by local bands. This eco-conscious attraction reflects Solihull's commitment to sustainability, a principle dating back to the town's early development as a planned community. Skaters can join impromptu lessons from professional instructors throughout the day.
Website:
Winter Wonderland at Touchwood
What to Expect:
Indoor-outdoor winter experience with virtual reality elements
Description:
Winter Wonderland at Touchwood blends the outdoors with indoor comfort, featuring a covered ice trail and snow-dusted pine forest. The event incorporates cutting-edge virtual reality stations, allowing visitors to "travel" to winter destinations around the world. Explore a recreated Victorian-era Solihull street, complete with costumed characters. The scent of freshly baked gingerbread wafts through the air from pop-up bakeries. This innovative take on winter celebrations reflects Touchwood's reputation as a forward-thinking retail and entertainment destination.
Website:
Winter Wonderland at Touchwood
Santa’s Grotto
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling experience with local folklore
Description:
Santa's Grotto in Solihull offers more than just a photo opportunity. Children embark on an interactive journey through local folklore before meeting Santa. The grotto incorporates elements of Solihull's history, including references to the town's Tudor past. Elves guide visitors through themed rooms, each telling a part of a grand holiday tale. Kids can help solve puzzles to "save Christmas" in this immersive experience. The grotto's design changes annually, inspired by suggestions from local schoolchildren.
Website:
Christmas Craft Workshops
What to Expect:
Intergenerational craft workshops led by local artisans
Description:
Christmas Craft Workshops in Solihull bridge generations through shared creativity. Local artisans, some practicing crafts passed down for centuries, lead sessions for participants of all ages. The workshops focus on traditional Warwickshire crafts with modern twists, such as digital embroidery and 3D-printed ornaments. Create your own unique holiday decorations while learning about Solihull's craft heritage. The rhythmic click of knitting needles fills the air as participants work. These workshops have become a platform for preserving and evolving local artistic traditions.
Website:
Christmas Carriage Rides
What to Expect:
Historical tour of Solihull combined with carriage ride
Description:
Christmas Carriage Rides in Solihull offer a journey through time as well as the town. Passengers travel in restored Victorian carriages, learning about Solihull's evolution from medieval market town to modern suburb. The route passes by historical landmarks, with drivers sharing stories and little-known facts. Blankets made by local weavers keep riders cozy during the trip. This event connects modern-day Solihull with its transportation history, highlighting the importance of horse-drawn carriages in the town's development.
Website:
Christmas Wreath-Making Classes
What to Expect:
Use of locally foraged and sustainable materials
Description:
Christmas Wreath-Making Classes in Solihull emphasize sustainability and connection to nature. Participants use locally foraged materials and eco-friendly alternatives to create unique door decorations. The classes take place in a restored Victorian greenhouse, linking present-day crafting to Solihull's horticultural past. Instructors share tips on identifying and responsibly collecting natural materials. The fresh scent of pine and herbs fills the air as wreaths take shape. These classes have sparked a local movement towards more sustainable holiday decorating practices.
Website:
Christmas Wreath-Making Classes