Christmas Events

Nottinghamshire is leading the way with some brand-new Christmas events to celebrate the festive season in 2024. Our full events calendar includes everything from a Christmas Drone Light Show to Santa's Grotto at the National Ice Centre.

Legendary Events at Historic Venues

You are cordially invited to The Snowflake Ball, a night of elegance and magic in the converted Garde II church, Pitcher & Piano, which dates from 1876. Dress to impress in black tie attire and experience a wonderland filled with mesmerising entertainment! You can expect fire eaters, stilt walkers, casino tables, gorgeous Christmas decor, a 360 booth, live band, Michael Buble tribute, magician, chocolate fountain, ice vodka luge and lots more!

Southwell Minster is the Cathedral of Nottinghamshire with a history going back 1,000 years. The unique venue boasts a rich Christmas events calendar this year, including The Magic of Christmas concert, A Christmas Carol, the Snow Queen and more.

Catch the Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle on Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December. If you’re a fan of browsing stalls, relishing the taste of Christmas-inspired food and drink, or just love walking around and soaking in the festive atmosphere - then the It's in Nottingham Christmas Market, within the grounds of Nottingham Castle, is the perfect treat for you.

Bolsover Castle was built as a fashionable retreat for 17th-Century courtiers to entertain influential guests. Nowadays they are hosting Father Christmas, who will be visiting each weekend in December. He is taking time out of his busy festive schedule to tell some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree, meet children and hand out presents. 

Rufford Abbey Country Park is the estate and grounds of a former 12 century Cistercian Monastery and country house. One of the main country parks that make up the broader Sherwood Forest area, the attraction is popular with visitors throughout the year. For Christmas, they are hosting a range of natastic events including The Arrival of Santa at Rufford Abbey, a Festive Afternoon Tea and a Mini Chistmas Market each weekend from 16 November - 22 December.

Build memories to last a lifetime at Hardwick Hall this Christmas. The season of Elizabethan magic will be here from the 17th of November - 5th of January with Hardwick Wintertide. Whether it's exploring the handmade decorations by the Hardwick team, following the mischievous Lord of Misrule around the mansion, or interacting with the enchanting displays, our festive experience is crafted to bring smiles to everyone's faces. It will leave you brimming with holiday joy, twinkly lights, and the spirit of togetherness.

Festive Favourites

Nottingham’s premier Christmas entertainment attraction, Nottingham Winter Wonderland, opens at Old Market Square from Wednesday 13th November.bBringing back the ever-popular Ice Rink and Sky Skate Ice Path, festive fun-seekers can indulge in all things Christmas until New Year’s Eve.Take in the scenic city views and enjoy a heavenly hot chocolate or mulled wine at the skate-up bar. For those less keen on heights, a ground-level family ice rink is available, along with a new children’s ice rink complete with penguin skate aids, allowing even the littlest skaters to enjoy this classic winter tradition at their own pace. Don't miss the Ice Bar, Sur La Piste chalet bar, the Wheel of Nottingham and their Christmas Market!

The National Ice Centre have announced their incredible festive line-up including their popular Santa's Grotto, Winter Family Fun Day, Santa Skate and more! Click here for the full info.

Each year Nottinghamshire hosts a wide range of festive markets, selling everything from delicious local produce to hand-crafted gifts and traditional treats. This year won't be any different, with the same festive spirit, sensational seasonal food and great gift ideas. Click here to browse the best of Nottinghamshire's Christmas markets.

As the festive season approaches, Nottinghamshire comes to life with Christmas lights and decorations adorning shops and buildings. We've rounded up the best light displays across the county including Light Post Farm and A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show. Click here to browse more festive light shows this Christmas.

Unique Things to do at Christmas

The Spirit of Solstice: A Festive Murder Mystery is the perfect activity for those amateur sleuths! You will be immersed into the narrative, and can expect an evening of intrigue, accusations, and suspicion – complete with cocktails, dinner, and laughter. The story: It is the Winter Solstice, 1922. The depths of winter have gripped Nottingham and the local charitable philanthropist from Westwood, Nottinghamshire has invited the residents of the local village to Nottingham's Shire Hall for a festive celebration with a twist. Prepare to gasp in delight as they present a world-renowned Spiritualist as the night's entertainment. Will they be able to connect with the spirits of the past on the darkest and shortest day of the year?

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There are some exciting announcements coming soon, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or sign up to our newsletter to be the first to find out, or scroll down to browse the events already confirmed.