For those of you in the Midlands or travelling to visit family and friends, here is the low down on what is taking place this Christmas season throughout the region.
Image: Rooftops at Birmingham Christmas market
Find gifts and get into the spirit with local markets
Known as the most authentic German market outside of Europe is Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market. Located in the city’s Victoria Square, the whole market is accessible to those using wheelchairs, pushchairs and other mobility aids and there are several step free routes around the square.
The market is covered by Shopmobility, located in the Bullring, which provides wheelchairs and scooters for visitors, and there are also accessible toilet facilities available near the stage area. There is parking, but this can fill up quickly, so it is best to check before heading out.
Elsewhere in the Midlands, there is Winter Wonderland Nottingham. The majority of the venue is accessible, with step free routes. The ice rink and sky skate are both wheelchair friendly and there are accessible toilet facilities on site.
Enjoy some of the region’s top attractions
There are loads of festive activities to keep you entertained in the Midlands this winter. At Herbert Art Gallery, you and the little ones can enjoy Christmas themed Stories and Rhymes sessions. Throughout December, there are sensory sessions for babies and children aged up to 4. First, there is Sensory Stories and Rhymes: Christmas Story Special, with a sensory play based approached to story telling. Later there is a Santa Sing a Long Special, where Father Christmas himself will make an appearance!
If you fancy getting in the spirit with a panto or theatre show, Buxton Opera House has a host of accessible performances this December. Choose from Jack and the Beanstalk or Rumplestilskin, with a mixture of Autism Friendly, captioned, audio described and BSL interpreted performances.
Looking for more things to do in the Midlands, click here.