The Southside festive guide

From panto to comedy, you’ll be spoilt for choice with our jam-packed calendar of Christmas events for the whole family.

THE SNOW QUEEN

16TH NOVEMBER – 30TH DECEMBER

THE OLD REP

Bringing a seasonal adventure for the entire family, with an epic original score, spellbinding storytelling, and more than a pinch of Christmas magic, this thrilling reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fable promises to be a fairy-tale you won’t want to miss.

THE NUTCRACKER

22ND NOVEMBER – 14TH DECEMBER

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET AT BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

Having remained a timeless city tradition since 1990, The Nutcracker returns to Birmingham Hippodrome with an enchanting production comprised of lavish costumes, gigantic sets, 60 dancers and a full orchestra. The perfect festive treat for the whole family, this world-famous production by Sir Peter Wright, with exquisite designs by John Macfarlane, is highly acclaimed, and not to be missed.

CHRISTMAS COMEDY SPECIALS

4TH DECEMBER – 22ND DECEMBER

GLEE CLUB

If you’re looking for a Christmas celebration with a twist, head to the Glee Club throughout December to enjoy an evening showcase of four top comedians a night, accompanied by a festive menu and an after party to keep the celebration going.

SANTASIDE

7TH – 24TH DECEMBER

HIPPODROME SQUARE

Starting on Saturday 7th December, a specially curated sensory grotto will be open to the public, with young visitors enjoying an interactive story with one of Santa’s elves before meeting Father Christmas for an eco-friendly gift and photo opportunity. There will also be reserved sessions throughout December for children who require assisted access. Find out more here.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, WITH WINE TASTING

15TH DECEMBER

THE ELECTRIC CINEMA

Head to the UK’s oldest working cinema to watch Frank Capra’s timeless classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, accompanied by five delectable wines from the comfort of your seat. In association with the Wine Events Company, the enchanting Christmas movie will be paused at appropriate moments to pour you a glass of festive cheer. What’s not to love?

THUNDER XMAS SHOW

20TH DECEMBER

02 ACADEMY

Legendary rock and rollers, Thunder, will be digging out their tackiest decorations for a good old Christmas knees up. The show will be split into two parts in keeping with the band’s now traditional festive format – there will be a sit-down acoustic performance followed by a full rip-roaring electric set.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

21ST DECEMBER – 2ND FEBRUARY 2020

THE CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME AT BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

Featuring stunning costumes and sets alongside outstanding special effects, direct from the sold-out London Palladium production in 2018, the annual Birmingham Hippodrome pantomime extravaganza will welcome the likes of Lesley Joseph, Joe McElderry, Faye Brookes and Doreen Tipton to the stage for an unforgettable theatrical experience. And, if this star-studded cast wasn’t enough, the city’s much-loved panto favourite, Matt Slack will return for the seventh consecutive year, bringing his trademark comedy and chaos.

SLADE – THE ROCKIN’ HOME FOR CHRISTMAS TOUR 2019

22ND DECEMBER

O2 ACADEMY

Let’s face it – it wouldn’t be Christmas without Slade. The iconic band will be playing their much-loved hits at the O2 Academy for one night only. Don’t miss out!