A festive day out awaits! From 26-29 November at NEC Birmingham, the Festive Good Food Show offers everything you need to kick off the holiday season. With an incredible line-up of chefs, tastings and shopping, this year’s event will be bursting with Christmas cheer. We’ve highlighted 10 reasons why you won’t want to miss it.
Secure your tickets now for a memorable foodie adventure!
10 reasons to join us this winter
1. Top chefs & experts
See your favourite chefs in the Big Kitchen, your front-row seat to some of the UK’s biggest culinary names in action. Expect mouthwatering dishes, expert cooking tips and a lively festive atmosphere, with James Martin, John Torode, Lisa Faulkner, Jane Dunn of Jane’s Patisserie, Glynn Purnell, David Taylor, Chris Bavin and many more joining the 2026 line-up.
There’s a free session every day, giving you even more chances to see the stars in action. And remember, the earlier you book your place at the Big Kitchen, the better your seat, so don’t miss your chance to get closer to the action!
2. Do Black Friday differently
Taking place over the Black Friday weekend, the Festive Good Food Show is the perfect place to get ahead on your Christmas shopping and discover gifts that you won’t find on the high street. Step away from the endless scrolling and swap online deals for a proper day out.
3. Expert perks for all Good Food subscribers
If you subscribe to Good Food magazine or the Good Food app, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the Good Food Subscriber Lounge at the show. It’s the perfect place to take a break from the bustle of the show with a tea or coffee while listening to the action next door at the Kitchen Clinic. Plus, get the chance to meet your favourite chefs at exclusive book signings.
4. Master the Christmas dinner
Head to the Festive Kitchen for tips, shortcuts and inspiration to make your Christmas cooking even more delicious. From perfecting your spuds to planning a brilliant Christmas feast on a budget, discover practical advice and clever ideas to take into your own kitchen. Come and discover the tricks that will have your family and friends talking about your cooking long after the last mince pie has been eaten.
5. The Cheese Hub
The best cheeseboards are about more than simply putting a few favourites on a plate. Come and discover everything from pairings to the journey of cheese through time at the Cheese Hub. Hosted by Perry Wakeman, this hub will make your festive cheeseboard the stuff of legend.
6. The Christmas Challenge stage
Head to the Christmas Challenge Stage if you’re looking for a detour from serious shopping and cooking into pure, unfiltered festive fun. From chilli-eating competitions and chef cook-offs to creative ideas for Christmas leftovers, this stage serves up the kind of entertainment no one expects from a festive food show.
7. The Kitchen Clinic
The floor is all yours. Have any questions about your Christmas cooking? The Kitchen Clinic is led by food experts and designed to help you ask your most burning culinary questions, pick up skills and get top tips from expert chefs on the topics that matter most in your kitchen.
8. Kitchen Tales – live Q&A
Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes in your favourite chefs’ kitchens? For an additional fee, step into Kitchen Tales for lively conversations, entertaining stories and the chance to hear from the stars in a whole new way. Each conversation is delivered through headphones for an intimate, immersive listening experience, where no culinary secret is left unsaid. Afterwards, you may even have the chance to meet the stars in person at book signings and photo opportunities.
9. Brand new food and drink tastings
Who doesn’t love discovering brilliant new festive food and drink – the kind of finds that stop you in your tracks and make you think, where has this been all my life?
Taste something extraordinary at sessions hosted by Katy Truss, one of the UK’s leading experts in artisan and speciality food. This year, discover new sessions including Best of Betwixmas and The Luxury Christmas Table, alongside more delicious food and drink finds to discover.
10. Make a festive day of it
With famous faces, live cooking, delicious tastings, hands-on experiences, fabulous shopping and plenty of festive cheer, the Festive Good Food Show is the perfect way to celebrate the countdown to Christmas with your loved ones.
Whether you’re a serious foodie, looking for inspiration for the big day or simply fancy a festive day out with friends and family, join us at the NEC Birmingham from 26-29 November 2026.
Inspired? Book your tickets to the Festive Good Food Show now and enjoy the ultimate foodie day out! We’re looking forward to seeing you there. Book tickets now.
