Looking for whats on Merry Hill this autumn and winter? From family-friendly circus entertainment and Halloween activities to Christmas experiences, shopping, restaurants and leisure attractions, Merry Hill Shopping Centre in Brierley Hill has plenty to add to your plans.
Located in the heart of the Black Country in the West Midlands, Merry Hill is a popular destination for shopping, dining and family days out. October brings the arrival of Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus, alongside seasonal half-term events. As November approaches, visitors can look forward to the Toymakers’ Grotto and the start of the Christmas shopping season.
Whether you’re visiting with children, meeting friends or planning a full day out near Birmingham, this guide covers the main events, things to do and practical information to help you make the most of your visit.
Event dates, prices and opening hours can change, so check the relevant venue before travelling. For the latest Gandeys Circus information, visit our tour dates page.
Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus at Merry Hill
One of the main highlights of what’s on at Merry Hill this October is Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus, a spectacular family show running from Friday 16 October to Sunday 1 November 2026.
The adventure begins when Ringmaster Joel and the mischievous clown La Loka discover a baby dragon. Their mission is to reunite her with her mother, but the journey brings plenty of surprises along the way, reflecting the wider story and themes of Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus 2026.
Expect an exciting mix of circus skills, comedy and music, including motorbike riders performing inside the Globe of Death, a traditional Chinese Lion Dance, impressive banner balancing and breathtaking acrobatics. K-pop hits and popular Western anthems provide the soundtrack, bringing a contemporary twist to the classic Big Top experience that’s echoed across Gandeys Circus shows in the UK.
The production is animal-free, featuring human performers only. The show lasts approximately two hours, including an interval, making it a lively choice for a family day out during the October half-term holiday.
Refreshments are available inside the Big Top, including hot food, drinks, candy floss and popcorn.
Where and when is Gandeys Circus at Merry Hill?
The Big Top is located in the Merry Hill car park. Enter DY5 1QX into your sat nav and allow time to park before your performance.
The scheduled performances are:
- Friday 16 October: 6pm opening-night performance
- Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October: 2:30pm and 6:30pm
- Monday 19 to Thursday 22 October: no performances
- Friday 23 October: 6pm
- Saturday 24, Sunday 25 and Saturday 31 October: 12 noon, 2:30pm and 6pm
- Monday 26 to Thursday 29 October: 2:30pm and 6pm daily
- Friday 30 October: 12 noon, 2:30pm and 6pm
- Sunday 1 November: 12 noon and 3pm
Performance times may be subject to change, so check the booking page when choosing your tickets.
Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus tickets and prices
Several seating options are available, helping families and groups choose tickets to suit their budget and preferred view of the show.
Individual tickets:
- Side: £9.99
- Circle: £14.99
- Grandstand: £17.99
- Ringside: £25
- Premium Ringside: £35
Family tickets:
- Grandstand: £64
- Ringside: £85
- Premium Ringside: £120
Family tickets cover two adults and two children under 16, or one adult and three children under 16.
There is also an opening-night offer on Friday 16 October, with all seats priced at £9.99, subject to a £4 supplement for Ringside and Premium Ringside seats. A £1.95 booking fee applies per ticket.
Children under two can attend free when sitting on a parent’s lap.
The on-site box office opens on Wednesday 14 October. Standard opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 10am–7pm, and Sunday, 10am–5pm. On days without performances, the on-site box office operates from 12 noon to 4pm, although phone bookings are available between 10am and 7pm. Online ticket sales close three hours before each performance.
The Big Top has eight wheelchair spaces, and an eligible carer can attend free. Contact the box office ahead of your visit to arrange accessible seating and confirm any requirements, or consult the Gandeys Circus FAQ and accessibility information before booking.
Book your visit: Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus at Merry Hill.
Halloween Events at Merry Hill
October half-term is a busy time at Merry Hill, with individual shops and leisure venues hosting Halloween-themed activities for children and adults. These events offer another reason to visit the shopping centre, whether you’re planning a full day out or adding an activity to your shopping trip.
The listed activities include:
- Hotel Chocolat – Saturday 24 October: enjoy a guided Halloween chocolate tasting for £12 per person.
- Waterstones – Sunday 25 October: a free parent-and-child reading session featuring Halloween treats and colouring. Booking isn’t required, and children are welcome to wear costumes.
- Toledo Lounge – Thursday 29 October: take part in a Halloween paint-and-sip session with Soley Art Studio for £20 per person.
- Lush – Saturday 31 October: get creative with a Halloween bath bomb-making session for £5.50 per person. Booking is through the Lush Club app.
- Hollywood Bowl – Saturday 31 October: join the Bowloween party from 4pm to 6pm, with a costume competition and a treat for under-16s who dress up.
Availability, age restrictions and booking arrangements may vary by activity. Check directly with each store or venue before making plans, and keep an eye on seasonal Big Top events such as the Gandeys Circus Merry Hill Halloween Spooktacular.
Christmas at Merry Hill: The Toymakers’ Grotto
As November arrives, Christmas takes centre stage at Merry Hill. The Toymakers’ Grotto runs from Friday 20 November to Wednesday 23 December 2026, bringing a festive experience to the Central Event Space on the Lower Mall, near M&S.
Children can take part in an interactive toymaking activity in Santa’s workshop before meeting Santa during a private family visit. There is also time for photographs, making it a lovely seasonal experience for families preparing for Christmas.
Here’s what to know before booking:
- Interactive experience: children join in with a toymaking task before meeting Santa.
- Christmas gifts: every participating child receives a gift.
- Recommended age: around four to eight years old, although children of all ages are welcome.
- Babies under 12 months: enter free, with one baby per adult, but do not receive a gift.
- Relaxed sessions: the first session each day offers gentler lighting and sound, with fewer people.
- Buggies: must be left outside because space inside the grotto is limited.
Pre-booking is recommended, as walk-in availability is not guaranteed. Check Merry Hill’s official information before travelling for the latest session times and ticket details.
The grotto is an easy addition to a Christmas shopping trip, giving families a chance to combine gift buying, lunch and a festive activity in one visit.
Shopping at Merry Hill Shopping Centre
Shopping remains one of the biggest reasons to visit Merry Hill. With more than 200 stores, the shopping mall offers a broad choice of fashion, beauty, homeware, food and everyday essentials under one roof.
The centre opened in 1985 and has developed over the years into one of the best-known shopping destinations in the Black Country. Its main mall is also close to the canal-side Waterfront area, where visitors can find further places to eat and drink, and it regularly hosts touring shows such as the Gandeys Circus Merry Hill Carnival Spectacular.
Department stores and popular brands
Merry Hill has major retailers including Marks & Spencer, Primark, Next and Asda. These stores make it easy to combine fashion shopping with groceries, home essentials and other purchases during the same visit.
The M&S store includes fashion, home and beauty departments, a larger Foodhall and its own café. Primark offers clothing for women, men and children, alongside homeware through its Primark Home range.
With so many stores to explore, it’s worth planning which shops you want to visit ahead of time, particularly during busy weekends and the Christmas shopping season.
Fashion and beauty
If fashion is on your shopping list, Merry Hill has a selection of clothing, accessories and beauty retailers. Brands include Mango, Next, Rituals and Kurt Geiger, offering options for everyday outfits, special occasions and gifts.
The range of stores makes the centre suitable for different budgets and shopping needs. You can browse the mall at your own pace, take a break for coffee or lunch, and then continue shopping before heading to a circus performance or another leisure activity.
Leisure and Entertainment at Merry Hill
There’s more to Merry Hill than shopping. The centre’s leisure options include cinema, bowling, indoor mini golf and arcade entertainment, making it easy to plan a full day out whatever the weather.
ODEON cinema
The ODEON cinema is a convenient option for anyone looking to add a film to their visit. It is located next to P7 Car Park, with the P6 multi-storey car park opposite.
A cinema trip can work well before or after shopping, particularly during school holidays when families are looking for indoor entertainment. Check current listings and session times before setting off.
Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Bowl Merry Hill offers 24 bowling lanes, including six VIP lanes, alongside amusements, a bar and a party zone.
With advertised opening hours of 9am to 11pm, it’s an option for a morning activity, an afternoon break or an evening with friends. The venue also hosts seasonal events, including its Halloween Bowloween party.
If you’re planning to bowl around a circus performance, allow enough time to travel between activities and check the latest opening hours.
Carnival Golf & Games
For another indoor activity, Carnival Golf & Games has two 12-hole mini golf courses. One has a carnival theme, while the other takes visitors into the prehistoric world of Volcano Falls.
The venue also offers electric darts, escape rooms and arcade games, providing a mix of activities for families and groups. Its advertised opening hours are 9am to 10pm, giving you time to explore other attractions or read Gandeys Circus reviews and testimonials before choosing a performance.
These leisure attractions are particularly useful when planning a visit during autumn and winter, when wet weather can make indoor entertainment an appealing choice.
Places to Eat at Merry Hill
Whether you need a quick lunch between shops or a relaxed meal after a show, there are plenty of places to eat at Merry Hill. Options range from food-court favourites and casual restaurants to coffee shops and venues around the Waterfront.
Eat Central food court
Eat Central is Merry Hill’s main food court, with around 1,200 seats and a variety of food choices. It’s a practical option for families and groups who want different meals without having to agree on one restaurant.
Its location makes it convenient for a quick rest during a shopping trip or a meal before heading to the Big Top. Eat Central, Nando’s and Slim Chickens can be reached from the P4 Car Park side.
During busy half-term days and weekends, allow extra time to find a table, especially if you’re eating before a popular performance.
Restaurants and the Waterfront
Merry Hill has a wide choice of restaurants for different tastes and occasions. Options include ASK Italian, Bon Pan Asian, Burger & Sauce, Wagamama, Wingstop, Five Guys, JD Wetherspoon and Heavenly Desserts. Toledo Lounge is another choice for food and drinks.
There are also coffee shops around the shopping mall, ideal for a break between stores.
For a change of scene, head towards the Waterfront, beside the Dudley No. 1 Canal. This area has additional bars and restaurants and can be a good option if you want to sit down for a meal away from the busiest parts of the main shopping centre.
Opening hours vary between businesses, so check individual restaurants if you’re planning to eat late or visit around a showtime.
Getting to Merry Hill Shopping Centre
Merry Hill is situated on the A4036 in Brierley Hill, approximately three miles south-west of Dudley and around 10 miles west of Birmingham city centre. Its location makes it accessible to visitors from across the West Midlands, including Dudley, Stourbridge, Halesowen and Wolverhampton.
By car and parking
For many visitors, driving is a straightforward way to reach Merry Hill. Use postcode DY5 1QX for sat nav directions.
The centre has seven car parks, with free parking and a reported total of 9,209 spaces. Family parking, Blue Badge spaces and electric vehicle charging are also available.
Keep these points in mind when planning your visit:
- P5 Car Park: has a four-hour maximum stay.
- P6 multi-storey car park: useful for late visits to the leisure venues and restaurants. For access, use the bridge on level three.
- Busy periods: allow additional time to park during October half-term, weekends and the Christmas shopping period.
Always check current parking information and any restrictions before travelling, particularly if you intend to stay for several hours, and review Gandeys Circus ticket terms and conditions if you’re combining your visit with a show.
By bus and train
Merry Hill has its own bus station on the lower retail park, with local and regional services connecting the centre to destinations including Birmingham, Dudley, Stourbridge, Halesowen, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton.
A taxi rank is located next to the bus station, providing another option for the final part of your journey.
The nearest railway station is Cradley Heath, which has train connections with Birmingham and is approximately an eight-minute drive from Merry Hill. If travelling by train, check your onward transport options before setting off.
Cycling to Merry Hill
Cyclists can use the NCN54 cycle route, which runs past the centre alongside the canal. Covered-CCTV bike racks are available at several locations, including opposite the ODEON, outside JD Wetherspoon and at the bus station.
If you plan to cycle, check your route and the location of the racks before your visit.
Plan Your Day at Merry Hill
A little planning can help you fit more into your visit, particularly during half-term and the festive season. If you have questions about performances or tickets, you can also reach out using the Gandeys Circus contact details.
Shopping centre opening hours: the supplied standard hours are 9am–9pm Monday to Friday, 9am–7pm on Saturdays and 11am–5pm on Sundays. Individual stores, restaurants and leisure venues may operate different hours.
Merry Hill is closed on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. Check the centre’s latest updates for seasonal opening times, especially in November and December.
Here are a few ways to make the most of your day:
- For families: book Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus, allow time for lunch at Eat Central and add bowling or mini golf if your schedule permits.
- For Halloween half-term: choose a circus performance and check which seasonal activities are running on the same day.
- For Christmas: combine shopping for gifts with a pre-booked visit to the Toymakers’ Grotto.
- For groups of friends: browse the shops, enjoy a meal at the Waterfront and finish with bowling, cinema or another leisure activity.
- For a smooth visit: book tickets ahead, check showtimes and allow extra time for parking during busy periods.
On Sundays, the shopping centre’s standard opening time is 11am, so bear this in mind when planning lunch or travelling to an early performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s on at Merry Hill during October half-term?
Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus runs from 16 October to 1 November 2026, with performances scheduled throughout the main half-term period. Halloween activities are also planned at venues including Hotel Chocolat, Waterstones, Toledo Lounge, Lush and Hollywood Bowl. Check individual listings for booking details and availability.
Is Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus suitable for children?
Yes. The show is designed as a family entertainment experience, combining circus acts, comedy, music and a baby-dragon adventure. It is animal-free, and children under two can attend free when seated on a parent’s lap.
Where is the circus at Merry Hill?
The Big Top is in the Merry Hill car park in Brierley Hill. Use postcode DY5 1QX and check your ticket details for the latest venue and performance information.
How many shops are at Merry Hill?
Merry Hill has more than 200 stores, including retailers such as M&S, Primark and Next, alongside fashion, beauty, homeware and other shopping options.
When can I visit Santa at Merry Hill?
The Toymakers’ Grotto runs from Friday 20 November to Wednesday 23 December 2026 in the Central Event Space on the Lower Mall, near M&S. Pre-booking is recommended.
Is parking free at Merry Hill?
The centre advertises free parking across seven car parks, with family and Blue Badge spaces and EV charging. Some restrictions apply, including a four-hour maximum stay in P5. Check the latest parking information before travelling.
What restaurants are at Merry Hill?
Options include Eat Central, Nando’s, Slim Chickens, ASK Italian, Wagamama, Five Guys, Wingstop and several other restaurants and coffee shops. The nearby Waterfront offers additional places to eat and drink.
Where can I book Gandeys Circus tickets?
Visit the Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus Merry Hill page for show information and booking details. You can also check the full list of productions on our Gandeys Circus tour dates page.
Make the Most of What’s On at Merry Hill
From the high-energy performances of Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus to Halloween activities, Christmas visits with Santa, shopping and indoor entertainment, Merry Hill offers plenty of ways to enjoy autumn and winter in the West Midlands.
Whether you’re planning a family half-term outing, a Christmas shopping trip or a day of food and leisure with friends, checking event details and booking ahead will help you get the most from your visit.
Start planning your day: book Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus at Merry Hill or explore all upcoming shows on our tour dates page.
