Handcrafted one-offs, talented designers, artists and local crafts-people, in the gorgeous surrounds of a Grade II listed Municipal Bank as their venue. No toto, we’re definitely not in Costco anymore (or Frankfurt for that matter). In fact if we’re not mistaken, Birmingham Originals may just have single-handedly saved Christmas from the mundane, identikit panic-based Grinch that grabs us by the shiny baubles and pulls us into certain hibernation ’til January. And if, like us, a pre-packaged bulk-buy crowd-pleaser of a Christmas isn’t really your bag, we suggest you step off the yuletide treadmill and into this free 3 day market for a festive feast of everything from locally made leather goods and letterpress stationery to hand crocheted fashions, exquisite jewellery and beautifully crafted modern ceramics. All this as well as the option to indulge in a little festive wreath-making workshop or have a live portrait created or even take part in Sunday’s secret shaving club with award-winning barbers, Barberology. Oh and entry is free. Yes, Christmas did just get a whole lot cooler.

Fri 2 Dec, 1pm-8pm, Sat 3 Dec, 10am-6pm, Sun 4 Dec 10am-5pm at Municipal Bank, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2DR.www.facebook.com/bhamoriginals