This festive season, Edgbaston Village becomes a hub for holiday cheer, community spirit and local charm, whether you’re on the hunt for gifts, dining with loved ones or simply looking for a day out away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Christmas Lights & Artisan Market
Edgbaston Village ushers in the holiday season with its much-loved Christmas Lights Switch-On and Artisan Market on Saturday November 9th. This event, held in the heart of Greenfield Crescent, offers a day filled with festive lights, shopping and musical performances that bring the community together in the spirit of the season (spoiler alert, Father Christmas and Mrs Claus will be there too!).
The festivities kick off at 10am with the opening of the market, which more than 70 stalls offering handcrafted gifts, artisanal foods and seasonal specialties – perfect for anyone looking to get ahead with their Christmas gifts lists. Discover one-of-a-kind items, from handmade jewellery and candles to gourmet treats and tipples.
At 3pm, the main stage will play host to performances from the esteemed Elmhurst Ballet School and local choirs singing classic carols. For younger audiences, a magical Frozen-inspired show promises to captivate and transport them into a winter wonderland. As the evening unfolds the holiday magic spreads through Edgbaston Village with a special appearance from Santa and Mrs Claus before the Christmas Lights Switch On at 6pm.
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Gift Shopping With A Local Flair
For those on the hunt for thoughtful, unique gifts, the area’s independent stores provide endless inspiration. As Birmingham’s home of luxury interiors, Neptune and OKA present stunning home decor items, with handcrafted furniture and elegant accessories. BoConcept and KIN offer contemporary decor for those with a taste for modern living, while Lux Gallery showcases exquisite art pieces that make standout gifts. There’s also Dr Ana The Skin Clinic, with treatments and SkinCeuticals products allowing recipients to pamper themselves in the comfort of home or indulge in a rejuvenating spa session.
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Dining Delights & Dog-Friendly Destinations
As a thriving culinary destination, there’s an impressive lineup of top class restaurants and bars. Looking for some good-old fashioned gastro pub food? Enjoy the relaxing ambiance at The High Field and The Physician. The newly opened Smoke & Ash Pizzeria offers Italian dishes and contemporary cocktails; Chapter Restaurant has breakfast through to dinner menus, and Loki Wine has a vast array of wines and bottled beers, both of which can be enjoyed on the front or rear terraces.
If you’re after luxury dining, there’s the Michelin-starred Simpsons; the South East Asian restaurant The Blue Piano and new addition include Baloci, for Indo-Persian delicacies.
One of area’s charms is its dog-friendly atmosphere, making it a delightful spot for you and your furry friends. At The High Field and The Physician, pooches are welcome in both the bar and garden areas; or for a more casual settings, Boston Tea Party invites both pets and owners to enjoy a coffee or brunch, with indoor and outdoor seating available. Even at Loki Wine, dogs can enjoy the garden as their owners savour a glass of wine. And, Smoke & Ash and Village Kitchen both accommodate canine companions too.
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Relaxing Retreats & Outdoor Escapes
As well as being a festive haven this season, Edgbaston Village is perfectly placed to be an oasis of calm, ideal for anyone looking to recharge and escape the Christmas rush. Martineau Gardens and Cannon Hill Park are both within walking distance, with walking trails amidst beautiful landscapes as a great way to escape the holiday rush.
There’s also three Blue Plaque Walks designed by Calthorpe Residents’ Society, allowing locals and visitors to learn about the area’s fascinating history with routes range from 1.6 to 3.9 miles. The Central Edgbaston walk is the shortest, taking you in and around Edgbaston Village with blue plaques belonging to Washington Irving, Neville Chamberlain and Ernest Wilson along the way. For a slightly longer stroll, the South Central route moves over to North Edgbaston where you’ll find three JRR Tolkien plaques. The final route takes you through Harborne and towards the University of Birmingham. Each one is accessible via the Walk Run Cycle app and provides a refreshing way to connect with the area’s heritage and leafy landscape.
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Getting There: Travel & Parking Tips
Conveniently located just a mile from Birmingham city centre, Edgbaston Village is easily accessible with a ten-minute walk from Five Ways train station and two minutes from the Metro. There’s also plenty of parking, including pay-and-display car parks (via contactless reader, app or cash) behind Greenfield Crescent and next to The Physician, as well as limited free on-road parking.
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