Christmas

Home to festive markets, independent boutiques, cosy pubs, and sparkling events, spending Christmas in Nottinghamshire is a truly magical experience. From ice-skating to family pantomimes and theatrical extravaganzas, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the run-up to Christmas 2019.

One of the highlights of the festive programme is the Winter Wonderland in Nottingham's Old Market Square, which features the biggest Christmas market in the East Midlands. Wander through the traditional market stalls, treat yourself to a warming mulled wine or skate on the ice rink in the centre of the square. We once again welcome the French ski lodge-style Sur la Piste bar, where you can warm up with Bailey's hot chocolate and enjoy live entertainment whilst soaking in the festive atmosphere in the square. Those with an adventurous spirit willl love Bar Altitude, the all-glass chalet perched on high, serving up cocktails and panoramic views of the Christmas crowds below. There will also be a variety of children's rides, including a 30m toboggan slide. 

Christmas is a magical time at Newstead Abbey, experience the enchantment of A Storybook Christmas as fairy tales come to life in the lavishly decorated rooms of Lord Byron’s ancestral home. Explore the beautiful gardens on the Christmas trail, peruse the great gifts and gorgeous decorations in the gift shop or treat yourself to a traditional Christmas afternoon tea in the Victorian Kitchen. You might even meet Snow White, Prince Charming or Father Christmas himself!

Wollaton Hall is gloriously festive at Christmastime, with markets and festive fayre to enjoy through December at their Woodland Christmas event. More details of this event will be released soon, but in the meantime why not book yourself in for a very special festive afternoon tea at the hall, available every weekend throughout December.

Christmas Shopping

Hunting for those special gifts has never been such a delight with Nottingham's fantastic high street shops and independent boutiques. If you prefer to buy local and find unique presents however, set the weekend of the 22 - 24th aside as there are festive markets galore in beautiful locations throughout Nottinghamshire!

The Welbeck Winter Weekend celebrates all things handmade with over 75 stalls in the art marquee, along with the chance to browse artist's studios, check out the latest exhibition at The Harley Gallery, indulge in delicious treats from the Welbeck Farm Shop. Returning to the beautiful Victorian riding hall at Thoresby Park, Winterfest presents craft and food stalls, carol singing, crafty workshops from studio artists, and the chance to see the big man himself. Take in the creative atmosphere of Patching's Art Centre at their annual Christmas Market, or if you're in the city Craft Fair Contemporary takes place at Nottingham's biggest international art gallery, with craft activities, live music, and more beautiful present ideas that can't be found on the high street. 

If you're more of an early bird and like to get gifts sorted before the crowds, why not head to Lustre on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th November? Taking place at Nottingham Lakeside Arts in the beautiful grounds of the University of Nottingham, this is an eagerly awaiting craft and design market, featuring a great array of bespoke and handmade items, plus cutting-edge work from a selection of 2019 graduates from universities around the UK.

Theatre & Entertainment

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of magical theatre and Nottingham is lucky to have a variety to choose from, with hilarious pantomimes and more traditional seasonal theatre.

You're sure to have a ball at the beautiful Theatre Royal as they present Cinderella, featuring Garath Gates as Prince Charming and Coronation Street’s Les Dennis and Connor McIntyre as the Ugly Sisters. Another fairytale classic comes to Nottingham Playhouse this year with Sleeping Beauty giving you your festive fix of slapstick comedy, boos and hisses and all round silliness.

Nottingham Lakeside Arts has a selection of festive theatre throughout the season, with shows suitable for a variety of ages. A mysterious tale full of fun songs comes in the form of The Snow Dragon, showing throughout December and perfect for entertaining the little ones. If you want your dose of Dickens, A Christmas Carol will be performed in a magical multi-character performance by Olivier Award winner Guy Masterson on 11 - 12 December. Finally, enjoy a truely traditional Georgian Christmas with elegant quintets, marches, dance music and regional carols from clarinets, horns and bassoon, fit for the gallery of Pemberley itself on 18th December.

Christmas Parties

‘Tis the season to get jolly, so why not book a special Christmas event to enjoy with friends, colleagues or someone special.

Keep it classy at Hart’s Festive Jazz Dinner on Wednesday 11th December with a divine 3 course dinner and entertainment from resident crooner Campbell Bass. Enjoy an ecclectic evening of burlesque, cabaret, live music and DJs over a sumptuous 3 course dinner at Tom Brown's Brasserie' Winter Ball Electric Cabaret on Saturday 16th November. Finally, Southbank City brings the party on Christmas Eve with their All Day Sing-a-long, featuring live music, DJs, and, of course, some charming Christmas jumpers.

With lots more events happening, see a full list of Christmas events by clicking on our dedicated Christmas What's On listings and New Year's Eve pages. Don't forget to share your Notts Christmas experiences with us via our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages using the hashtag #LoveNotts.

Ho-ho-ho-pe you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in Nottinghamshire!