Christmas in Nottingham & Nottinghamshire 2025:

A Legendary Season Awaits

Nottinghamshire is ready to sparkle this festive season with a host of brand-new Christmas events, enchanting light trails, family experiences, and magical performances. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a seasonal getaway, we – from wreath-making workshops to pantomimes, Santa encounters, immersive illuminations, and festive concerts.

Here’s our full guide to Christmas 2025 across Nottinghamshire, curated to make planning your festive adventures simple and fun.

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Legendary Events at Historic Venues

Step back in time and enjoy the magic of Christmas at some of Nottinghamshire’s most iconic historic locations.

Belvoir Castle – A Magical Night Before Christmas
29 November – 30 December 2025
Enter a festive transformation inspired by The Night Before Christmas. Explore stateroom displays, enjoy choir performances, adventure playgrounds, and optional Santa visits. A must for families and festive lovers alike.

Newstead Abbey – Fairytale Christmas
22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Wander through fairytale-themed installations in the historic house, browse craft stalls, enjoy afternoon teas, and take part in seasonal trails. Perfect for a festive family outing.

Clumber Park – Elf on the Shelf® Giant Sculpture Trail
22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Discover twelve giant Elf on the Shelf® sculptures dotted across the park. Ideal for festive family adventures and photo opportunities.

Sleeping Beauty – Nottingham Playhouse
28 November 2025 – 17 January 2026
Nottingham’s legendary panto returns with Maleficent, a tangled forest, and a spellbound kingdom. Expect jaw-dropping costumes, dazzling effects, and plenty of comedy chaos from favourite panto dame John Elkington.

Cinderella – Theatre Royal, Nottingham
28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Join Craig Revel Horwood as the Wicked Stepmother in this family pantomime packed with stunning scenery, beautiful costumes, and laugh-out-loud comedy.

Home Alone in Concert – Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
5 December 2025 | 18:00
Experience the classic festive comedy with John Williams’ score performed live to picture. Perfect for the whole family!

Christmas with Anton Du Beke – Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
2 December 2025 | 19:30
Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke returns with festive music, dazzling dancers, and a live band for a magical night of seasonal entertainment.

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Festive Workshops & Creative Fun

Get hands-on this Christmas with wreath-making, bauble decorating, and more.

Festive Wreath Making – Cleaver & Wake
22 November 2025 | 10:00–12:00
£60 per person
Learn to craft your own Christmas wreath with all materials provided, plus a welcome glass of bubbles. Perfect for a morning of festive creativity.

Willow Wreath Making – Green’s Windmill and Science Centre
4 & 6 December 2025 | 10:30–12:00 & 13:00–14:30
£15 per person (booking essential)
Weave your own winter wreath from willow and decorate with natural and craft materials. Suitable for ages 8+.

Reindeer Bauble Pour-Art Session – Splash Art Republic
6–7 December 2025
Create colourful pour-paint reindeer keyring baubles in a fun 30-minute festive craft session.

Clumber Park Festive Workshops
Selected dates in December
Christmas crafts and wreath-making for all ages.

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Christmas Light Trails & Illuminations

Experience Nottinghamshire sparkling in lights this festive season.

Wollaton Winter Light Trail
26 November – 31 December 2025
Immersive installations, soundscapes, food vendors, fairground rides, and marshmallow toasting.

Light Post Farm – Gloworm Light Trail
22 November – 23 December 2025
A 1km illuminated farm trail with festive lights, newborn lambs, and full farm access.

The Lights of Abraham – Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
21 November – 30 December 2025 | 16:00–20:00 (last entry 19:00)
Take a moonlit cable car ride and explore illuminated gardens, boardwalks, and woodland trails. Vista Bar and café serve festive food and drinks. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

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Winter Wonderland & Festive Markets

Nottingham Winter Wonderland – Old Market Square
12 November – 31 December 2025
Ice rink, Sky Skate path, dedicated children’s rink, Ice Bar, chalets, market stalls, rides, and more. Hot chocolate, mulled wine, and festive treats await all ages.

Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle
28–30 November 2025
Over 90 stalls, live entertainment, Makers Marquee, and festive characters – perfect for gift shopping or a festive stroll.

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Family Fun & Seasonal Dining

YMCA Christmas Family Fun Day – Newark
30 November 2025
Meet reindeer, enjoy live music, crafts, and festive activities. Free for all.

Malt Cross Festive Feast + Beer & Carols
8–11 December 2025 | 17:00–23:00
Festive Feast (£30pp) followed by Beer & Carols (FREE, suggested donation £5). Enjoy a festive menu, mulled wine, carol sing-alongs, and festive cheer, supporting YMCA’s Winter Campaign. Over 16s only.

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Unique Christmas Experiences

Oh Come All Ye Dreadful: A Festive Murder Mystery – National Justice Museum
27 November – 20 December 2025 | 18:00–22:30
£62.99 per person
Step into Nottingham’s 1930s underworld and solve a festive murder mystery while enjoying a three-course Christmas meal and cocktail/mocktail.

Clumber Park Festive Walks & Runs
Heritage Amble, Christmas Eve 10k, Trust 10k, Tinsel Trek, Lantern Walks (dates TBC), and Festive Dog Walk – a fun way to get outdoors this season.

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Christmas at Broadway: Festive Films for Everyone

Broadway Nottingham is bringing the magic of Christmas to the big screen this December with a dazzling selection of festive films – from timeless classics to modern favourites.

Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming tales, family adventures, or a slightly darker festive twist, Broadway has something for everyone this season. Screenings include traditional favourites like The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf, and It’s A Wonderful Life, plus an immersive experience of The Polar Express returning to Screen 1.

The cinema’s festive line-up also features a mix of comedy, musicals, and action-packed favourites – including Home Alone, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Arthur Christmas, Meet Me in St. Louis, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, and a double helping of Kevin McCallister antics. For those seeking something edgier, there are Tim Burton classics, Martin McDonagh’s darkly comic films, and cult festive favourites like Die Hard.

Festival Highlights:

• The Muppet Christmas Carol – classic family fun (also Pay What You Feel screenings)

• Elf – hilarious holiday cheer (also Pay What You Feel screenings)

• It’s A Wonderful Life – timeless Christmas magic (also Pay What You Feel screenings)

• The Polar Express – Santa Extravaganza – immersive family adventure

• Home Alone & Home Alone 2 – festive mayhem and laughs

• Arthur Christmas, Meet Me in St. Louis, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Batman Returns, In Bruges, Die Hard, The Holdovers, Ghost Stories for Christmas – for a mix of genres, age groups, and holiday vibes

Broadway’s Christmas cinema experience makes it easy to enjoy festive cheer with friends and family, whether you’re looking for nostalgia, laughter, or cinematic magic. Grab your tickets, cozy up, and let Broadway bring Christmas to life on the big screen this December!

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Nottinghamshire is ready to light up your Christmas, from glittering historic venues to immersive light trails, family adventures, and festive workshops.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about new festive events – and start planning your magical Nottinghamshire Christmas today!