Birmingham dad creates free Santa's grotto for families
Darren Mackenzie transforms his Yardley home into a free Winter Wonderland and Santa's grotto, offering festive joy to Birmingham families facing cost-of-living pressures.
Darren Mackenzie transforms his Yardley home into a free Winter Wonderland and Santa's grotto, offering festive joy to Birmingham families facing cost-of-living pressures.
The new Cotswolds Designer Outlet near the M5 celebrates its first Christmas with festive markets, big discounts, and family activities. Find all your gifts under twinkling lights.
Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre has launched a new automated parking system just in time for Christmas. Find out how the 'Drive In. Drive Out.' technology works.
Families can visit a magical reindeer grotto at Planters Garden Centre in Tamworth, just 20 minutes from Birmingham. Meet Santa, see Swedish reindeer, and enjoy festive crafts. Open weekends in December and Dec 22-24. Book now!
Sides, the burger chain founded by the Sidemen, has unveiled a festive 'Roast Chicken Dinner' burger meal. The limited-edition menu launches in December across all UK branches, including Merry Hill.
Discover Cheltenham's festive magic with four unique Christmas markets, an ice rink, and independent shopping, just a 35-minute train ride from Birmingham. Plan your perfect Christmas day out.
The Independent ranks Leicester's festive market 12th in the UK. Discover its dates, stalls, and the West Midlands favourites also on the list.
Discover the five highest-rated pubs in Birmingham this festive season, from historic boozers to modern craft ale bars, as voted by visitors on Tripadvisor.
Discover Browns Brasserie & Bar in Nottingham, a serene festive oasis offering a luxurious three-course menu for £45. Perfect for a relaxed Christmas meal away from the city bustle.
The Independent's guide to the UK's best festive markets features Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market and Worcester Christmas Fayre. Discover dates, highlights, and what makes them special.
Discover where to meet Father Christmas in Birmingham and the West Midlands this festive season, including unique trips on the Polar Express train and Dudley Canal boat. Book now to avoid disappointment.
Birmingham's Brindleyplace hosts a festive market on Dec 18 with local vendors like Early Bird Bakery and the Salvation Army Band. Discover food, gifts, and festive cheer.
Lidl launches a festive 'Wrapped' initiative with free gift wrapping and exclusive Birmingham-themed paper. Pop-up opens on December 17. Details inside.
Discover the most dazzling festive ice skating experiences in and around Birmingham for Christmas 2025, from castle backdrops to the UK's only ice track. Book now to glide into the holiday spirit!
Mitchells & Butlers, owner of Toby Carvery and Harvester, warns of menu price increases averaging 3.2% after facing a £130 million extra bill. Find out what's driving the hikes.
A Birmingham family has strapped a giant 25-foot inflatable Santa to their home, delighting children and passers-by. Read the heartwarming story.
Experience the magic of a traditional Christmas with festive steam train rides at Birmingham's heritage railways. Book now for Santa Specials and winter wonderland journeys.
Discover the magical Christmas steam train experiences around Birmingham for 2025, including The Polar Express, Santa specials, and festive shows. Book your family adventure now!
A free Santa's grotto for dogs is opening at the Bullring in Birmingham on December 6th. Get festive treats, photos, and freebies for your furry friend. No booking required.
Discover Statfold's Magical Santa Express near Tamworth. Meet Santa, ride an illuminated train & enjoy festive activities. Runs until Dec 23. Book tickets from £27.50.
Discover how Birmingham's Christmas celebrations have transformed over the last century through 26 nostalgic photographs showing festive markets, decorations and community spirit.
Birmingham City Council confirms major road safety overhaul for 2026, including 30mph limits on 27 roads and new speed cameras. Drivers urged to prepare for changes.
Birmingham's two Christmas markets go head-to-head in our festive comparison. Discover which market offers the best food, gifts and atmosphere this winter season.
Discover Castleton, a fairytale Derbyshire village that transforms into a magical Christmas destination with caves, carols, and quaint shops. Plan your festive visit!
Discover Baddesley Clinton, a stunning Tudor manor house near Birmingham, transformed for Christmas with roaring fires, festive decorations & a magical Snowman trail. Perfect family day out!
Discover five magical Christmas markets across the West Midlands this December 2025. From Birmingham's Cathedral Square to a Victorian market in Sutton Coldfield, find unique gifts and festive fun.
Wetherspoons faces backlash for replacing roast potatoes with mash on its Christmas dinner. The festive menu is available until December 31. Read the full story.
West Midlands Police reveals 48 mobile speed camera sites across Birmingham for Christmas 2025. Check the full list to avoid fines and stay safe.
Discover the best places to buy a high-quality real Christmas tree across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Get festive with wreaths and mistletoe. Open daily 9am-8pm.
A children's football coach has been permanently removed after posting an apparent drugs menu in a coaches' WhatsApp group. Discover how the club is responding.