Nottinghamshire is a vibrant county brimming with exciting events and activities! If you're looking to make the most of your weekend in our fantastic region, we've curated a list of our five top things to do. Including some Christmas essentials, a treat for the little ones and a side splitting night out, keep reading for the full info complete with times and prices.

And while you’re out and about, don’t forget - if you are out having a great time in Nottingham or Nottinghamshire, you can use #LoveNotts to share the love, or tag us using @visitnotts on FacebookTwitter and Instagram. We’re also on TikTok under @visitnottinghamshire!

There are many more things to do and explore on our full What’s On calendar such as interesting exhibitions, tours and fun outdoor activities. Have a browse today and find the perfect activity or experience to enjoy this weekend.


Cinderella at Nottingham Playhouse

1. Cinderella

Friday 1st December 2023 - Saturday 13th January 2024 | Nottingham Playhouse | Tickets: £18 - £40.50

Polish your glass slippers and line up your pumpkins for you shall go to the Ball. Nottingham Playhouse's legendary Panto returns this year with the most enchanting story of them all – the magical tale of Cinderella!

You’ll be booing the Ugly Sisters, swooning at Prince Charming, marvelling at the Fairy Godmother and enjoying an added touch of fabulous glamour and glitz from Nottingham’s favourite panto dame, John Elkington.

Who is this for?

With live music, dazzling dance and comedy chaos galore, it’s the perfect festive treat for all the family. There are also a range of accessible performances including dementia friendly, relaxed, BSL, captioned and audio described options available.

To learn more about what you can expect, read our review!


Christmas Wreath Workshop

2. Christmas Wreath Workshop

Saturday 9th December | Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre | 10.30am - 12.30pm | Tickets: £25pp (£20 RSPB members)

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of seasonal greenery as you craft your own Christmas wreath. At the end of the workshop, your wreath will be ready to grace your door!

Guided by an expert instructor, you'll have the opportunity to work with a medley of natural materials, including fragrant evergreens, vibrant holly, lustrous ivy, and rustic pine cones sourced directly from conservation work in Sherwood forest.

You'll learn the art of wreath-making, step by step, ensuring that each participant, novice or experienced, can fashion a splendid wreath that reflects their unique style and festive spirit.

Who is this for?

A Yuletide wreath hanging on the door is a sure sign of Christmas, and what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by creating your very own masterpiece? So gather your friends or family and indulge in the warmth of the holiday season as you sip on complimentary hot chocolates and traditional mince pies. Please note children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more Christmas activities at Sherwood Forest, click here.


Christmas at Wollaton

3. Christmas at Wollaton

Friday 1st - Sunday 31st December | Wollaton Hall & Deer Park | Various times | Tickets from £18.50

Christmas at Wollaton is back with a brand new trail for 2023 bringing colour, light and play to Nottingham this December!

With a brand new design team and a whole new look, expect the unexpected and allow the Christmas spirit to take over as you immerse yourself in a world of seasonal sparkle and festive cheer.

Surprises are around every corner, and festive food, warming cocktails and picture perfect moments add to the exciting and unique spectacle that will have you captivated as you enjoy a magical Christmas with family, friends and loved ones at this seasonal classic with a contemporary twist.

Who is this for?

This is perfect for families, friends, a date night, and even a celebration in Nottingham! A local favourite which is also popular with visitors, you need to experience it at least once. Please note that while dogs are allowed in the park, no dogs are allowed on the light trail - registered disability assistance dogs only. The length of the trail is no longer than 1.5km and takes about an hour to complete depending on the crowd. Every effort has been made to make the trail fully accessible, however, customers should be aware that by its nature it will cover some uneven terrain with a number of varying gradients. There are also some areas that can be made more challenging by wet weather.

To learn more about what you can expect, read about how we got on at the opening event!


The Boy Who Cried Wolf

4. The Boy Who Cried Wolf

Selected dates between Saturday 9th – Sunday 31th December | Lakeside Arts (Djanogly Theatre) | Tickets: £10.50 - £12

This beautiful warming wintery tale brings the story of a bother of a boy, a mithered mother and a grand old brass band of a granddad. All set in the village of knitters with fingers flicking, needles clicking and where every new Christmas jumper tells a tale!

Inspired by the famous Aesop fable this wonderful play has a gifted group of actor-musicians who will become the hilarious characters, including the baaarmy sheep, and perhaps a scary wolf or two!

What’s even better, you can WIN tickets to the show by taking part in their Design Your Own Festive Jumper competition! Visit the Lakeside Arts website for the full info and to download the entry form.

Who is this for?

Suitable for ages 3 and above, this is the perfect treat for your little ones this December! The performance is 60 minutes with no interval. They have BSL interpreted performances on 16 December and Relaxed performances on 28 December. Please contact Lakeside Arts directly for more information.

Why not enjoy a walk around Highfields Park during your visit, where you can walk around the lake and make the most of the playground? We also recommend picking up a warm drink from the Lakeside Arts café to take with you!


Neville Staple

5. Neville Staple from The Specials with a full band and special guests

Friday 8 December | Metronome | 7pm | Tickets: £22.50
Time To Shine Promotions are proud to bring the legendary rude boy himself, Neville Staples and band to Metronome. He is supported by Sharp Class, The Ruffs and Alex Ohm.

Awarded with an Honorary Doctorate by Arden University in July 2019, Neville Staple is credited with changing the face of popular music not only once but twice. His UK and International career in the music industry, is well documented and started out from the early days with Ray King, Pete Waterman (OBE), The Coventry Automatics and his Jah Baddis Sound System, before taking to the stage as a frontman of The Specials and performing at the famous tour with 'The Clash' and Bernie Rhodes.

He has performed, written or produced, highly acclaimed and hit albums and singles, along with TV and film soundtracks, including performing on a song for the 2019 Spiderman blockbuster film and more music releases in 2020 and beyond. His musical awards also include MOJO, NME, Gold, Silver & Platinum Discs and a lifetime achievement award from Foxford School in his home City of Coventry (birthplace of the 2-Tone Movement). He is celebrated as a living legend.

Who is this for?

Perfect for any fan of The Specials, or anyone who loves music! It would be a fantastic night out with friends, family or as a date night with that special someone. Please note this is for over 16s only.


This blog was written by Katherine Taylor, Marketing Executive at Visit Nottinghamshire.

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Cinderella
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Polish your glass slippers and line up your pumpkins for you SHALL go to the Ball. Nottingham Playhouse's legendary Panto returns in 2023 with the most enchanting story of them all – the magical tale of Cinderella!

Christmas Wreath Workshop
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Come along for a festive celebration of the season at this Wreath Making Workshop!

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Christmas at Wollaton is back with brand new trail for 2023 - bringing colour, light and play to Nottingham this December!

The Boy Who Cried Wolf
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This beautiful warming wintery tale brings the story of a bother of a boy, a mithered mother and a grand old brass band of a granddad.

Neville Staple from The Specials with a full band and special guests
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Neville Staple

Time To Shine Promotions are proud to bring the legendary rude boy himself, Neville Staples and band to Metronome.

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