The 2025 Walsall gift guide - support local creatives and businesses this Christmas
23rd December 2025
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In the run up to the festive season, many creatives, artists and crafters, spend months preparing, producing handmade, high-quality items using often locally sourced, and sustainable materials. Local businesses also extensively plan for the most wonderful (and busiest) time of the year.

Walsall Council has compiled this Walsall Christmas gift guide to help shine a light on local talent, whilst also helping you find the perfect gifts for your loved ones this year.

Kashmiri hand painted Christmas decorations - The New Art Gallery Walsall

These lovingly hand painted papier mâché decorations are a stunning representation of Kashmir’s rich artisanal heritage. Taking inspiration from traditional Kashmiri embroidery patterns, these ornaments are intricately painted in festive shades of reds, greens, golds and blues. Not only are they a pretty purchase, but they are also affordable (£3.75 each) and directly support local artisans, helping to preserve their unique craft.

Locally sourced, quality leathergoods - Walsall Leather Museum

Inside Walsall Leather Museum’s small shop, you can find a range of quality leathergoods, including handbags, satchels, wallets and belts. The Leather Museum actively supports local businesses and sources many of its high-quality goods from Walsall-based companies including:

  • Abbey England
  • E. Hulme & Son
  • Ettinger
  • Marlborough
  • Undercover
  • Whitehouse Cox
  • W. Lees

You can also shop the 'Made in the Museum' range. A product line of unique pieces in bright, quality leathers with funky fabric linings - all made in-house by the museum’s skilled demonstrators.

The shop is open during the museum's normal opening hours.

Gym and swim memberships - Walsall Leisure

Walsall Leisure operates four leisure centres across the borough:

  • Bloxwich Active Living Centre
  • Darlaston Swimming and Fitness Centre
  • Oak Park Active Living Centre
  • Walsall Gala Swimming and Fitness Centre

Each one offers a range of facilities and classes. Why not gift the fitness fanatic in your life a membership? They can enjoy the gym for free. A simple gym only membership costs £15 per month - for 12 months that’s just £180.

Tickets for upcoming shows and events - Walsall Arena and Arts Centre 

If you are struggling to think of a gift for someone, and don’t want to resort to a box of chocolates or tin of biscuits, why not gift an experience at Walsall Arena and Arts Centre? Here’s a highlight of some events coming in 2026:

For the adventurer - Simon Yates of Touching the Void - My Mountain Life (Thursday 5 February 2026, 7.30pm)

Simon Yates, an avid mountaineer and climber, shares the story of how he found himself in a desperately unenviable position. He was slowly being pulled off the mountain face by his injured partner, Joe Simpson. His decision to cut the rope saved both their lives in the epic of survival that followed.

For the football fan - An Evening with Wolves Legends (Thursday 26 February, 7.30pm)

Step into the golden era of Wolverhampton Wanderers and relive unforgettable moments with three iconic figures of the club’s history. Steve Bull, Steve Daley, and Andy Mutch, take to the stage to share their incredible stories, laugh-out-loud anecdotes, and insights from their celebrated careers.

For the youngsters - KPOP Demon Hunta’z Live (Saturday 28 February, 7.30pm)

KPOP Demon Hunta’z Live delivers a high-energy, K-POP inspired tribute packed with explosive choreography and audience interaction. With dance routines and a mini catwalk competition, this 70-minute spectacle transforms the crowd into part of the show.

For the comedian - Jonny Cole: Armagudd’n (Friday 10 – Saturday 11 April, 8pm)

Local funnyman and social media phenomenon, Jonny Cole extends his record-breaking Armagudd’n tour into a third year and will be back in 2026 with his biggest and best show yet!

For the country cowboy - Nashville Live (Thursday 7 May, 7.30pm)

Europe’s multi-award-winning show, Nashville Live is heading to Walsall for a fantastic night of toe-tapping classic country! The upcoming tour will showcase highly acclaimed tributes to Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Kenny Rogers and new tributes to icons Lainey Wilson, Shania Twain, and Luke Combs.

For the true crime enthusiast - The Makings of a Murderer (Friday 5 June, 7.30pm)

Join Peter Bleksley, a founding member of Scotland Yard’s undercover unit and former star of Channel 4’s Hunted, as he lifts the lid on the most dangerous and hidden aspects of murder investigations.

Walsall Arena and Arts Centre box office is open Tuesdays to Fridays between 10am-2pm. You can call the team direct on 0300 555 2898. Alternatively, you can book online anytime: www.walsallarena.com/whats-on 

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Ian Henery

Member since: 4th February 2019

Presenter Black Country Radio & Black Country Xtra
Solicitor - Haleys Solicitors

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