Christmas ice rink and big wheel take shape in Centenary Square

Christmas is on its way in Birmingham, with the city's ice rink and big wheel now going up in Centenary Square.

The big wheel has been put together section by section over the past few days, and the building that houses the ice rink is now in place. Organisers say this year's event will be "bigger and better" than ever.

Under cover

Ice Skate Birmingham is the city's largest covered ice rink, so sessions can go ahead whatever the weather. There will also be an Ice Lounge where skaters can warm up with a festive drink after their session.

Skating begins on Thursday 5 November, the same day the Frankfurt Christmas Market opens in New Street and Victoria Square, and the rink will then be open every day from 11am to 10pm until 3 January 2027.

A spokesman said: "Ice Skate Birmingham in 2026 is bigger and better than ever. It's a heart-warming tradition that keeps growing, creating unforgettable memories and spreading festive cheer for everyone to enjoy."

Book ahead

Tickets are on sale on the Ice Skate Birmingham website and at the box office in Centenary Square. People are advised to book in advance, as popular sessions, especially at weekends and in the evenings in the run-up to Christmas, often sell out.

A city centre Christmas

The ice rink and big wheel are part of a wider Christmas offer in the city centre that also includes the Frankfurt Christmas Market, which this year marks 60 years since Birmingham was twinned with Frankfurt, and the new Neverland experience at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which opens on Friday.

The twinning anniversary is also being marked by a digital portal in Hippodrome Square, which opens on Friday and runs until 4 November. People can walk into the converted freight crate and talk to residents of Frankfurt in real time through a large screen, with free sessions on weekdays from 10am to 8pm.

Many of the city's theatres have their Christmas shows starting from the middle of November, including Birmingham Royal Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Hippodrome from 20 November.

Centenary Square, in front of the Library of Birmingham, the Rep and Symphony Hall, has been home to the ice rink and big wheel for several years. The square is a short walk from New Street station and is on the tram route, and organisers are encouraging visitors to use public transport rather than drive into the city centre during the busy festive weeks.

The return of the rink means the busiest season of the year is not far away for the city's shops, restaurants and bars, many of which rely on Christmas trade to see them through the quieter months at the start of the year.