Brum’s Christmas Reindeer Trail

Santa’s nine reindeer are visiting Birmingham this Christmas as part of a magical sculpture trail, brought to the city centre by Central BID.

Using a special map to locate all nine city centre locations, families can track down Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and, of course, Rudolph, for selfies and to support Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity at the same time.

Brum’s Christmas Reindeer Trail has been brought to the city by Central BID Birmingham, the Business Improvement District for the central retail and leisure area, in partnership with arts trail experts Wild in Art.

Four of the sculptures have been sponsored by trail partners Colmore BID, the Frankfurt Christmas Market, Hortons’ Estate, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity and Ice Skate Birmingham.

Brum’s Christmas Reindeer Trail launches on 6 November 2024 and continues throughout the festive period until 6 January 2025.

The colourful reindeer will be in on display in locations such as Great Western Arcade, Piccadilly Arcade, Christmas in Cathedral Square Market, Selfridges, Grand Central, the Frankfurt Christmas Market, Ice Skate Birmingham, Corporation Street and at The Mailbox.

Each reindeer plinth features a QR code to enable families to donate and support the vital work of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

The reindeer have been lovingly painted by artists from across the Midlands and Birmingham-based children’s author Ruth Millington has written a magical story to go alongside the reindeer trail for families to download from the Central BID website, while a special story booklet has been produced for kids to read when they are in Birmingham Children’s Hospital this Christmas.

The story, called Brum’s Reindeer Rescue, features colourful sketches of the reindeer across Birmingham city centre by talented illustrator Rachel Suzanne who studied at Birmingham City University.

The reindeer trail has been designed and developed by Central BID, working alongside Wild in Art, with a new iconic Christmas sculpture design, unique to Birmingham.

Steve Hewlett, from Central BID Birmingham, said: “This year’s completely new reindeer trail is very special, and we can’t wait to welcome thousands of visitors to the city centre to help Santa find his 9 reindeers in time for Christmas. With thousands of new tree lights, festive markets, ice rink, big wheel, fabulous shopping and hospitality venues, Birmingham city centre is one of the best places in the country at Christmas time.”

Author Ruth Millington added: “I love seeing the city come alive through art trails, so was delighted to write a Birmingham-themed Christmas story featuring this year’s reindeer, local landmarks and a well-loved legend. It has been written for every child (and adult) who loves Christmas magic!”

Tap here to download the trail map to go Reindeer spotting this Christmas!