Birmingham’s winters are pretty typical for central England—limited daylight hours, chilly days, and endless damp. But that doesn’t dim its charms as holiday markets come to life and dozens of indoor activities are available to huddle up with locals.

There’s no better place in the U.K. to score a one-of-a-kind gift than Birmingham’s Jewelry Quarter. Local craftspeople have carried on the neighborhood’s trade for decades, with gold, silver, and diamonds shimmering on every block.

Whether you need to load up on more gifts or just want to get into the holiday spirit, the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is the perfect festive stop. It’s Europe’s largest holiday market outside of Germany, and it’s tailor made for nighttime strolls.

Get a culture fix at the Midlands Arts Center, which packs in a full roster of performing arts throughout the year. It’s a great indoor option when the weather is gloomy and cold.

The warmest temperatures of the year make walking Birmingham’s City Centre a delight. Nightlife thumps on until late, day trips out of town are less likely to get rained out, and there’s even more daylight to explore revitalized city districts.

What was once a post-industrial husk on Birmingham’s West Side is now one of its liveliest neighborhoods. The canals here are popular places to stroll, especially on a summer night, and you’ll find tons of nightclubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants (especially around the Gas Street Basin).

While the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are open year round, the entire 15-acre property is at its best in the summer. Head here for a much-needed dose of green after days spent in Brum’s hectic center.

Long summer days are the perfect time to explore Birmingham’s creative underground with a visit to the Custard Factory, in trendy Digbeth. Artists' studios and quirky shops call the area home, and street art, single-origin coffee, and hipster bars are along the streets surrounding the 100-plus-year-old building.

As the West Midlands region lights up in spectacular fall foliage, Birmingham remains a great destination despite chillier days and more frequent rain. That’s extra true for fans of spooky nights and local traditions.

With daylight dwindling, Birmingham and the West Midlands go into festival mode with Bonfire Night. The event takes place in early November and includes massive fireworks displays around the region plus carnival rides, food vendors, and—yes—bonfires.

Level up your leaf-peeping game by pairing it with a seemingly limitless list of historic castles on the way to the Shropshire Hills Area of Natural Beauty. Some of the most notable properties include Stokesay Castle, Ludlow Castle, and Broncroft Castle as well as the ruins of the Wenlock Priory abbey.