Christmas at the Birmingham Back to Backs
For the first time, this Christmas visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the houses or explore the houses on a self-led tour. See the houses festooned in traditional décor or find the perfect gift for any booklover at the second-hand bookshop, Court 15.
Self-guided visits
New for 2026, enjoy a self-led festive visit to Birmingham’s Back to Backs on Tuesdays and Sundays during the holidays, and discover how the families who lived here celebrated the season.
Explore the homes at your own pace with two new spotting sheets, including a festive trail to delight visitors of all ages. Along the way, our knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to share stories of the families and their festive traditions, including the Levi family’s Hanukkah celebrations and the much-loved game of dreidel.
Discover the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas past as you step back in time and experience the traditions that brought warmth and celebration to these historic homes. A unique National Trust experience, full of seasonal stories and discoveries for all the family.
Guided tours
If you’d prefer to discover the stories of the Back to Backs with a knowledgeable volunteer guide, you can join a guided tour and explore the history of these unique houses and the people who lived and worked here. Guided tours are available throughout the holiday period, except on Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays.
Though these tours won't focus on the Christmas traditions of the time, and you won't be able to complete the spotting sheets, you’ll still be able to enjoy the houses dressed for Christmas; with each house festooned in traditional decor. Including George Saunders’ tailors shop, where you can travel back to a 1970s Christmas, complete with tinsel, a box of Roses chocolates and a string of Christmas cards tucked behind the reception desk.
Book tickets for both visits over Christmas here.
Christmas events at the Birmingham Back to Backs
There aren't any out-of-hours Christmas events this year. However, anyone who visits between 17 November to 22 December will still feel festive when exploring the houses on a self-led or guided tour.
Buy a sustainable Christmas gift
Second-hand books are the gift that keeps on giving. If you're looking to reduce your environmental impact this Christmas, buy some gifts from Court 15 Books. Second-hand books make great Secret Santa presents and we have lots of children's and young adult books in excellent condition.
Learn more about our second-hand bookshop here.
Mince pie brownies
A festive twist on a classic brownie, these indulgent mince pie brownies make for a great dessert and are a great way to use up any leftover mince pies.
Accessibility at Birmingham Back to Backs
Whilst historic spaces present accessibility challenges, we’re taking steps to ensure as many people as possible can access the houses and their stories.
