The festive season is right around the corner and so are many festive events, including local Christmas lights switch ons. Here are those taking place in Birmingham this year.

Edgbaston Village - Saturday 11 November

Gather your family and friends and head down to Greenfield Crescent from 10am for the artisan market. Stage acts begin at 3pm with special guest appearances from Santa, Mrs Claus and their Elf helper. The event will also feature a Frozen-inspired performance, an Elmhurst Ballet School performance, choirs singing Christmas carols and lots more. Lights will be switched on at 6pm.

The artisan market will be filled with over 70 stalls of fabulous unique hand made gifts, artisan food and drink, not forgetting the Farmers’ market produce to include bread, cheese, fruit & veg. There will be additional food vendors offering hot food and drinks to warm you through.

Colmore Business District - Wednesday 15 November

Delivered in partnership by Colmore BID, Birmingham City Council, Danter Attractions Ltd and Birmingham Cathedral, Christmas in Cathedral Square will take place in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral between Wednesday 15 November and Sunday 17 December, with local West Midlands traders holding stalls offering crafts, food, and drink.

The partnership will bring the community together in the Cathedral grounds for the annual Christmas Light Switch-On, which celebrates the opening of the market and attractions. This event will take place on Wednesday 15 November from 6pm to 9pm.

At the launch, visitors can enjoy a free evening of entertainment including the Christmas tree lights switch-on with some very special guests in attendance. Colmore Business District’s very own Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Glynn Purnell will once again be pressing the button to illuminate the Christmas tree.

This year Glynn will be joined by Birmingham Children’s Hospital mascot Bertie, cast members from Birmingham Stage Company’s production of Horrible Histories: Horrible Christmas, ahead of their two performances at Symphony Hall (28 December), and cast members from Birmingham Rep’s magical Christmas show Little Red Riding Hood (7 December to 6 January) including CBeebies presenter Nisha Anil. The Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Maureen Cornish, along with her Consort Malcolm Cornish, and Deputy Chair of Colmore BID, Alex Tross, will also join residents, vendors and performers to illuminate the District and begin the countdown to the festive season.

Over the course of the event, visitors to Christmas in Cathedral Square can expect live music from local artists, roaming street acts, the Snowdog Art Trail, and traditional crafts, ornaments and gifts from an array of independent West Midland businesses. Stallholders include Summer & Silver, Miss Macaroon, Birmingham Balti Bowl Company and Funny Brummie Pictures.

There will also be a selection of pop-up food and drinks vendors, as well as the return of the much-loved Pigeon in the Park pub. Food and drinks vendors include Gaucho, Chatty Patty, Vagabond and Bab’s Tap.

Jewellery Quarter - Friday 17 November

The Jewellery Quarter’s much anticipated Christmas Light Switch On is set to take place this month with the help from Black Country icon, Doreen Tipton.

JQBID will be hosting the festive ceremony on Friday 17 November at 5pm to kick off Christmas season with a bang featuring live music, food, and drink.

Set to become a winter wonderland, the historic Jewellery Quarter will be transformed by over 100 bespoke Christmas lights, two 30-foot Christmas trees and the city’s largest lighting feature – a stunning 3m x 3m illuminated diamond ring.

Visitors will be able to enjoy delicious plant-based fusion cuisine from Notty Bites and seasonal drinks from local favourites, Rose Villa Tavern, Lunchi, and Urban before a spectacular firework display from 6pm.

The lights will be switched on by local legend Doreen Tipton! Doreen will be joining the event whilst rehearsing for Birmingham Hippodrome’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, where she will be playing the role of Doreen the Cow alongside Birmingham’s own Alison Hammond and Hippodrome favourite Matt Slack.

Harborne Lights Up - Saturday 18 November

Taking place between 4pm-6pm, Harborne Lights Up will feature plenty of fun for all the family. A special announced guest will be present for the big light switch on at 6pm.

The Harborne Market is celebrating its 1st birthday and brining over 50 traders along for the party! Running from 10am - 3pm it will be situated in its usual market space beside Home Bargains.