Christmas is the perfect excuse to spend a day shopping, picking up gifts for friends and family, and enjoying a few festive treats along the way. From big-name brands and designer stores to independent boutiques and Christmas markets, Birmingham has plenty of options for getting your Christmas shopping sorted.
Whether you're looking for a special gift, treating yourself or planning a festive day out, here are some of the best places to shop in Birmingham this Christmas.
1. Bullring & Grand Central
For a Christmas shopping trip where you can find a little bit of everything, start at Bullring & Grand Central. Right in the heart of Birmingham, these shopping destinations bring together a wide range of high-street favourites, fashion brands, beauty retailers and places to pick up gifts for all ages.
Browse the stores at Bullring, including Selfridges, before heading into Grand Central for more shopping. With plenty of places to stop for lunch, a coffee or a well-earned break, it's easy to spend a few hours here ticking things off your Christmas list.
Bullring opening hours
Monday – Friday: 10.00 am – 8.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00 am – 8.00 pm
Sunday: 11.00 am – 5.00 pm
Grand Central opening hours
Monday – Saturday: 9.00 am – 8.00 pm
Sunday: 11.00 am – 5.00 pm
2. Birmingham's High Streets
New Street
Running between the Bullring and Victoria Square, New Street is one of Birmingham’s main shopping streets and a great place to start your Christmas shopping. As well as plenty of places to eat, drink and take a break, you’re within easy reach of the city’s historic squares and beautiful shopping arcades, including Piccadilly and Burlington Arcade.
High Street
Linking the Bullring and Grand Central, High Street puts you right in the heart of Birmingham’s shopping district. It’s a busy pedestrianised street with plenty of places to shop, grab a coffee and soak up the festive atmosphere. From here, you can easily explore nearby New Street, the city’s historic arcades or head towards Digbeth for something a little different.
Corporation Street
With its grand Victorian architecture and distinctive red-brick buildings, Corporation Street offers a historic backdrop to Christmas shopping in Birmingham. Just a short walk from New Street Station, Snow Hill Station and the Bullring, it’s an easy addition to your shopping route, with cafés and restaurants nearby when you need a break from browsing.
More about Birmingham's High Streets
3. Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market
No Christmas shopping trip to Birmingham would be complete without a visit to the Frankfurt Christmas Market. One of the city's best-known festive attractions, the market brings a taste of Germany to the city centre, with traditional wooden stalls stretching across Victoria Square and along New Street, with further festive stalls at Cathedral Square.
It's a great place to browse for Christmas gifts, seasonal decorations and handmade items, whether you're looking for a stocking filler or something a little different to wrap up for someone special. Along the way, you can pick up festive food and drinks while enjoying the atmosphere and taking in the Christmas lights.
With the market spread across several central locations, it's easy to fit into a wider shopping trip. Browse the shops at Bullring & Grand Central, then make your way through the city centre to explore the market stalls before stopping for a festive treat.
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is scheduled to run from 5 November to 24 December 2026.
Opening hours
Monday – Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm
Friday: 11 am – 9.30 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 9.30 pm
Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm
On Remembrance Sunday (8 November) the market will not open until 1 pm
4. The Jewellery Quarter
If you're looking for a more personal Christmas present, head to Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Known for its jewellery-making heritage, this historic neighbourhood is home to independent jewellers, craftspeople and specialist shops.
From necklaces and rings to bespoke pieces, it's an excellent place to find a gift with a little more thought behind it. You can also explore the area's independent businesses and historic streets while you're there, making it a worthwhile addition to a Christmas shopping itinerary.
5. The Mailbox
For designer shopping and luxury gifts, The Mailbox is well worth a visit. Home to Harvey Nichols and a selection of premium retailers, it's a good option if you're looking for fashion, beauty products or something special for someone who deserves a little extra.
Once you've finished browsing, there are plenty of restaurants and bars where you can stop for a meal or a drink. The canalside setting also offers a different perspective on Birmingham, so you can make an afternoon of shopping and dining.
Opening hours
Mailbox is a 24/7 venue.
Retail opening hours are as follows:
Monday - Saturday: from 10 am
Sunday: from 11 am
6. Great Western Arcade
For a shopping experience with plenty of character, take a wander through Great Western Arcade. This beautiful Victorian shopping arcade, just off Colmore Row, is home to independent retailers and specialist businesses offering an alternative to the larger shopping centres.
It's a good spot to look for thoughtful gifts, unusual finds and little treats you might not come across on the high street. Even if you're not shopping for anything in particular, the arcade is worth exploring as part of a day in Birmingham, with its distinctive architecture and independent feel.
Opening hours
Monday: Thursday: 6.30 am – 11.30 pm
Friday: Saturday: 6.30 am – 12.30 am
Sunday: 10.30 am – 11:30 pm
Individual Store Hours: While the arcade building stays open these hours, individual independent shops, cafes, and restaurants inside have their own specific opening and closing times (often closing earlier in the evening).
Shopping in the West Midlands
7. Touchwood, Solihull
For another shopping destination just outside Birmingham, head to Touchwood in Solihull. This modern shopping centre brings together more than 80 high-street favourites and premium brands, making it a handy place to pick up Christmas presents in one trip.
Browse stores including John Lewis, Zara, H&M, Apple and Oliver Bonas, whether you're looking for fashion, beauty products, tech or gifts for the family. When you need a break, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants to choose from, as well as a Cineworld cinema if you fancy rounding off your shopping trip with a film.
With its mix of well-known retailers and places to eat, Touchwood is a great alternative if you'd like to explore beyond Birmingham city centre while getting your Christmas shopping sorted.
Opening hours
Monday – Wednesday: 9.30 am – 6.00 pm
Thursday (Late Night): 9.30 am – 7.00 pm (selected stores like John Lewis, Next, and Apple open until 8.00 pm)
Friday: 9.30 am – 6.00 Ppm
Saturday: 9.00 am – 6.00 pm
Sunday: 11.00 am – 5.00 pm
8. McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands
If you're hoping to find designer gifts for less this Christmas, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands is worth adding to your shopping plans. Located in Cannock, around a 30-minute drive from Birmingham city centre, the outlet brings together more than 65 brands, including Coach, BOSS, Levi's, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike and Adidas.
It's a good option for picking up fashion, footwear and accessories for friends and family, with discounts on selected items throughout the year. There are also cafés and restaurants on site, so you can take a break between shops and make a full day of your visit.
For an extra festive touch, keep an eye out for seasonal events and activities taking place in the run-up to Christmas.
Opening hours
Monday - Wednesday: 10.00 am – 8.00 pm
Thursday – Saturday: 9.00 am – 9.00 pm
Sunday: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm
Plan Your Christmas Shopping Trip to Birmingham
One of the best things about Christmas shopping in Birmingham is how easy it is to combine different experiences in one day. Start with the shops at Bullring & Grand Central, explore the independent retailers at Great Western Arcade, then head to Victoria Square and Cathedral Square to browse the festive markets.
If you have more time, venture over to the Jewellery Quarter to explore its specialist shops, or round off your day with dinner at The Mailbox.
Planning to make a weekend of it? With plenty of places to eat, festive events to enjoy and accommodation options across the city, Birmingham is a great choice for a Christmas shopping break. You can spend the day finding gifts, enjoy the seasonal atmosphere and still have time to explore more of what the city has to offer.
Ready to plan your trip? Find more inspiration for your visit here.
And see all of Birmingham's shopping offering here
