The festive season kicks off across East Birmingham this November as The Fort Shopping Park hosts its annual Christmas Market and Christmas Light Switch-On.
Scheduled for Saturday 21 November 2026, the free family event features live seasonal entertainment, real reindeer, appearances by Santa Claus, and an artisan gift market.
For residents in Sheldon, Yardley, and across East Birmingham, The Fort remains one of the most accessible retail parks for holiday shopping, offering convenient road links and extensive free parking.
Event schedule and main attractions
- The Christmas Market (11:00 AM – 6:00 PM): Organised in partnership with CJ's Events Warwickshire, festive market stalls will be set up outside Greggs, Mango, and JD Sports offering handmade crafts, decorations, seasonal gifts, and food.
- Real Reindeer Meet-and-Greet (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Visitors can meet real reindeer in an enclosure near Five Guys, managed alongside the Phoenix Charity.
- Santa and His Sleigh: Father Christmas will make appearances throughout the afternoon, meeting young visitors and posing for family holiday photographs.
- Family Entertainment & Storytelling: Roaming holiday entertainment across the retail park, including storytelling sessions and appearances by Mr Moody.
- Christmas Light Illumination: The retail park's Christmas lights and main display trees will be switched on as darkness falls in the late afternoon.
Shopping and local retail
In addition to the visiting outdoor market stalls, permanent high-street retailers across The Fort will operate standard Saturday trading hours, including Primark, Boots, Next, JD Sports, TK Maxx, and Superdrug.
Food outlets including Five Guys, Nando's, Greggs, Costa Coffee, and Starbucks will be open for lunch, hot drinks, and takeaway treats throughout the day.
Practical information for visitors
Admission & Parking: Entry to the market and entertainment is free. The Fort provides over 2,000 free surface parking spaces. Arrive earlier in the day to secure convenient parking and avoid peak afternoon retail traffic.
Getting there from Sheldon and Yardley
The Fort Shopping Park is located at 20 Fort Parkway, Birmingham, B24 9FP.
- By car: Driving from Sheldon or Yardley takes 15 to 20 minutes. Route runs via the A45 towards Small Heath, connecting through Heartlands Parkway directly onto Fort Parkway.
- By public transport: Regular bus stops are located along Fort Parkway outside the shopping centre entrance, connecting from Erdington, Bromford, and city centre routes.
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