Get merry in Robin Hood country this Christmas

Notts will come alive again during the festive period with numerous events happening throughout the county to keep you merry. With events both indoors and outdoors and many of them FREE, don’t miss the chance to see many of Nottinghamshire’s great attractions transform into a winter wonderland. 

From delicious treats to a visit to Santa’s Grotto, mince pies and homemade trifle, live entertainment and Christmas themed walks; you name it and Notts has it. After all, One Day In Notts Is Never Enough!

Christmas in D.H. Lawrence country, Nottinghamshire

www.dhlawrenceheritage.org

Come along to the birthplace of literary legend D.H. Lawrence and post your Christmas letter to Santa, visit the enchanted wood and meet the beautiful fairy to make a Christmas wish, on 26 November, watch the magical season come to life at the Eastwood Christmas Lights Switch On, or step back in time to experience a traditional Victorian Christmas.

From 16 November to 22 December 2013, there will be plenty of festive events taking place at the D.H. Lawrence Heritage Centre and D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum in Eastwood to get you into the Christmas spirit. Don’t miss out on the chance to receive mince pies and mulled wine!

Christmas at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, Nottinghamshire

http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/sherwoodforestcp

Robin Hood’s famous Sherwood Forest has plenty of seasonal spoils during the festive period. With delightful, live Christmas entertainment scheduled throughout the season, join the popular activity of Christmas wreath making, take part in tree dressing and later at dusk, on the 1 December, admire the newly dressed trees at The Big Switch On for a seasonal calendar highlight. Visit St Nicholas in his medieval grotto or avoid the last minute Christmas rush and enjoy the fresh air as you explore some of the forest’s midwinter magic on numerous forest walks and a self-guided trail.

From 23 November up until 26 December 2013, Sherwood Forest will offer an array of activities and events. Get merry and come along to the legendary home of Robin Hood for a magnificent Christmas.

Christmas at Rufford Abbey Country Park, Nottinghamshire

http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ruffordcp

From 6 – 22 December 2013, a key event in Rufford Abbey’s calendar is the magic of Aurora Illuminations. Layers of coloured light will transform the stunning gardens into a winter wonderland, enhanced by a memorable soundtrack and is a celebration of the park’s natural features at a special time of the year. Wander the trails through the winter garden and experience surprises and colours at this family favourite event.

Cost: £10 per car

During your visit, see Santa in his beautiful grotto and purchase personalised memorabilia of your visit, including a photograph with Santa. If you’re after a Christmas themed trail then make your way from the Abbey to the Rufford Mill solving clues along the way, there will even be a reward for completing the trail at the Mill Tea Shop. Meanwhile, be entertained by the robot dance band organ playing magical Christmas music.

Visit the park from 23 November 2013 to 5 January 2014 for a jolly Christmas. The historic parkland is not to be missed during this magical season.

Christmas at Wollaton Hall, Nottingham

http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/article/22178/Wollaton-Hall-and-Park

Nottinghamshire’s beautiful Victorian mansion, Wollaton Hall, will host numerous fun packed events throughout the joyful season. Be serenaded with classical hymns, post your Christmas letter to Santa, or make a wish and place it on the Christmas tree. Experience a Victorian Christmas in the courtyards, decorate cookies in the Tudor kitchen and create a festive Christmas pomander.

From 30 November to 23 December 2013, the magic of Christmas awaits you at Wollaton Hall. Whilst here why not try to spot Rudolf amongst the deer living in the park?

Christmas at Newstead Abbey. Nottinghamshire

http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/article/22179/Newstead-Abbey

Stop by Lord Byron’s home for lots of delightful Christmas treats. Enjoy Christmas afternoon teas and tuck into festive sandwiches, indulgent mince pies, cream scones, homemade trifle and a glass of sherry. Experience a traditional Christmas as the rooms in the house are adorned with twinkling Christmas trees and beautiful displays, and meanwhile join singer Jonathan Brown in some familiar Christmas songs.

Christmas events at Newstead Abbey take place from 30 November to 15 December 2013, so make sure you stop by the beautiful home of the romantic poet this Christmas.

Christmas at Nottingham Castle, Nottingham

http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/article/22175/Nottingham-Castle

Located in the heart of the city centre, Nottingham Castle will come alive and host some fantastic Christmas events for all the family. Visit Santa in his Grotto in the picturesque setting, plus stop by the festive shop, see the sparkle of Christmas lights and decorated bandstand and join in with seasonal children’s activities in the Long Gallery. 

From 1 December until 22 December 2013, the historic Nottingham Castle will be an idyllic winter setting. While here, don’t forget to stop by the café and enjoy a mince pie and mulled wine.

Traditional Christmas in Nottingham, Old Market Square, Nottingham FREE

20 November 2013 – 5 January 2014

http://www.nottinghamwinterwonderland.co.uk/

A traditional Christmas card scene will be recreated in Nottingham’s Old Market Square this year – complete with ice rink, Christmas trees and snow-topped cabins. Nottingham’s Olde English themed Christmas attractions will include a licensed bar, food and drink, a bandstand for great live entertainment and a Christmas market where visitors can browse and purchase an array of quality Christmas gifts from local traders and craftspeople.

Jack and the Beanstalk, Nottingham Playhouse

29 November 2013 – 18 January 2014

http://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/whats-on/family/jack-and-the-beanstalk/

Come prepared for laughs aplenty, madness and glitter galore at Nottingham Playhouse’s pantomime. A giant, magical family adventure awaits and this year marks Kenneth Alan Taylor’s 30^th year at the venue and his last reign as the dame. Oh yes it is! 

Cost: From £20 - £27.50

Santa Specials, Great Central Railway - Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

30 November – 22 December 2013 (every Saturday and Sunday) and 24 December 2013

http://www.gcrn.co.uk/

Come along for a steam-train trip through the beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside, with Santa. All children receive a quality gift during their journey and everyone will receive seasonal refreshments.

Time: 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm (only 10:30am and 12:30pm on 24 December) - Booking is essential

Cost: From £10 - £16 (depending on the date)

A Victorian Workhouse Christmas, The Workhouse, Nottinghamshire

6 December 2013

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/workhouse-southwell/

Visit The Workhouse for a taste of Victorian festivities. Entertainment, carols, brass band and seasonal refreshments will greet you on this special day. The Victorians were the ambassadors of modern Christmas celebrations. Meet Victorian paupers and inmates and get into the Christmas spirit.

Time: 5pm – 8pm

Cost: Adults £4; Children £1

A Christmas Carol, Lakeside Arts Theatre, Nottingham

6 – 29 December 2013

http://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/Children/ViewEvent.html?e=2443&c=1&d=2779

Experience a brand new adaption of Dickens’ timeless Christmas story, written especially for Lakeside by Toby Hulse. There will be music, fun and laughter, as well as some surprises with original interpretations of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Don’t miss the magic, warmth and hope of Dickens’ classic at the Lakeside.

Time: 10:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm

Cost: £7.50 (6 December preview) £8.50 (general admission)

Peter Pan, Theatre Royal Nottingham

7 December 2013 – 12 January 2014

http://www.trch.co.uk/index.aspx?articleid=20318

Put the date in your diary for the magnificent adventures of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. This year’s swashbuckling line-up features international star David Hasselhoff, children’s TV favourite Barney Harwood and one of the country’s best loved stars of stage and screen, Su Pollard. It’s a family tradition not to be missed! Did you know J.M. Barrie lived in Nottingham, and Neverland was inspired by our beautiful Arboretum?

Cost: From £15 - £29.50

Christmas by Candlelight, Framework Knitters Museum, Nottinghamshire FREE

14 December 2013

http://www.frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/

Visit Ruddington near Nottingham and experience the unique Victorian setting plus see Santa in his grotto at the museum with gifts for all. Enjoy family festive fun, traditional music, food and activities for a magical day to remember.

Time: 11am