Taxidermy, flash tattoos and the terrifying Krampus: Inside Birmingham's completely free 'Gothmas' market for alternative festive shopping – Secret Birmingham

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Taking over Digbeth’s Zelling Building with more than 30 independent vendors across three distinct areas, this alternative yuletide event swaps traditional bright lights for the macabre just in time for the holidays.
Where do goths buy their Christmas presents in Birmingham? No, it’s not a bad Christmas cracker joke, but a genuine question that I have the answer to. The Goth’s Playground is swapping out brightly lit, joyful festivities for the black and the macabre this ‘Gothmas’.
Head down to Digbeth on Sunday, December 6, where Birmingham’s one-stop shop for freaks, geeks and goths is hosting an alternative market. From 11am to 4pm, The Goth’s Playground’s Yuletide market will extend throughout Zelling Building.
Selling everything from taxidermy to records, clothing to cosmetics, this is not Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market! You will find 30+ vendors in 3 destinations for those last-minute gifts for the goths in your family—you can also get piercings from Dolly Rockers and flash tattoos from House of Thieves.
Don’t expect to see Santa on your way round, but instead, keep your eye out for Krampus—the terrifying Alpine goat-man said to accompany Saint Nicholas to visit children—making this a Gothmas to remember, alongside plenty of family-friendly activities. 
This is The Goth’s Playground’s final market instalment for 2026, and is FREE for all to enter. But don’t worry if you can’t make it; you’ll still be able to buy plenty of presents for your alternative friends and family. The store will remain open right up until Christmas.
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