The Birmingham Hippodrome have got your family festive season sussed, not only with a crazy variety of innovative performances and shows (see our Christmas shows round-up here), but also the fantastically festive and gloriously free Frost Fair. Promising to be a cheerful and charming place to play and experience festivities, here you can escape the Christmas crowds and find a unique gift at one of the indoor market stalls, treat yourself to some seasonal food and drink or indulge in an array of free activities and craft workshops for children so they can really immerse themselves in this magical time of year (book here). They can create their own baubles to take home, transform into a little elf with the help of a splash of festive face paint or even travel to far away lands at one of the free storytelling sessions. There will also be pop up performances from the Midland LGBT choir Rainbow Voices, City of Birmingham Brass Band and Birmingham Community Gospel Choir to bless your ears with some charming Christmas tunes and add even more incredible cheer and goodwill to this fabulous free event.

Sat 16 Dec, The Birmingham Hippodrome Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB. 10am – 6pm. Free. www.birminghamhippodrome.com