Christmas Lights

Nottinghamshire Christmas Lights & Light Trails 2026

As the festive season approaches, Nottinghamshire comes alive with sparkling Christmas lights, magical decorations, and immersive experiences across towns, villages, and iconic venues. From enchanting light trails to city-wide illuminations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Please be aware booking tickets in advance may be necessary.

Light Trails & Illuminations in Nottinghamshire

Light Post Farm
21 November – 23 December 2026
Wander through a 1km illuminated farm trail, surrounded by festive lights and seasonal magic. Enjoy the farm’s newborn lambs, fascinating reptiles, indoor jungle barn, hot chocolate and festive treats. This year they’re introducing Dog-Friendly Thursdays, where your pups are welcome to enjoy the festive atmosphere and join in on the family fun. Expect water stations, treat stops, and plenty of wagging tails! The trail runs Thursday to Sunday.

Wollaton Winter Light Trail
25 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Experience immersive installations, soundscapes, fairground rides, food vendors, and marshmallow toasting on this spectacular festive trail through Wollaton Hall’s grounds.

The Lights of Abraham – Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
20 November – 30 December 2026 | 4pm – 8pm (last entry 7pm)
Take a moonlit cable car ride across the river before exploring illuminated gardens, boardwalks, and woodland paths at the summit. Discover neon forests, a ginormous moon, interactive stepping stones and colourful surprises around every corner and enjoy festive food and drinks at the Vista Bar or café. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Nottingham Winter Wonderland – Old Market Square
12 November – 31 December 2026
Step into a festive wonderland in the heart of Nottingham. A Giant Christmas Tree features in the famous Old Market Square, you will be surrounded with Christmas lights as they stretch off throughout the city centre and adorn the front columns of the Council House.

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Christmas Light Switch-On Events

Stapleford Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 21 November 2026 | FREE
Stapleford's Christmas Celebration is back! This year Broxtowe's Christmas Light Switch On events are bringing Christmas markets, fairgrounds rides, food vendors, Santa's grotto, street entertainment, live music and much more!

West Bridgford Christmas Countdown
Saturday 21 November 2026 | Light Switch-On at 5pm
Enjoy festive markets and food and drink stalls, live music and entertainment, the returning indoor Christmas market Lutterell Hall, and the traditional Christmas lights switch-on with BBC Nottingham breakfast show presenter Sparky and the Mayor of Rushcliffe, Cllr Richard Butler.

The Railway Inn Christmas Lights Switch-On
Thursday 26 November 2026 | 6pm
Head to The Railway Inn this November for their big Christmas Lights Switch-On. Marvel at the glistening lights and expect a visit from Santa, reindeer meet and greet with elves, live Christmas music and indulge in a warming mulled wine and a tasty BBQ while you're enjoying the festivities.

Eastwood Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 28 November 2026 | FREE
Eastwood's Christmas Celebration is back! This year Broxtowe's Christmas Light Switch On events are bringing Christmas markets, fairgrounds rides, food vendors, Santa's grotto, street entertainment, live music and much more!

Wollaton Christmas Lights Switch-On
Monday 30 November 2026 | Bramcote Lane Shops | 4pm - 6pm
Join a festive celebration as the lights are switched on by Vicky McClure! The Wollaton Christmas Lights Switch On will see songs and entertainment from Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir, Fernwood School Choir and Fernwood School Jazz Band. Children will also have the chance to visit Santa’s Grotto and a charity Christmas collection will be held for Switch Up Nottingham.

Beeston Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 5 December 2026 | FREE
Beeston’s Christmas Celebration is back! This year Broxtowe's Christmas Light Switch On events are bringing Christmas markets, fairgrounds rides, food vendors, Santa's grotto, street entertainment, live music and much more!

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Christmas Drone Shows in Nottingham

Sky Kingdom: A Dragon Drone Light Show
5 December 2026 | 6.30pm
Watch breathtaking dragon formations soar through the sky with this spectacular new drone light show arrives at Trent Bridge. Hundreds of illuminated drones take to the skies, creating giant dragons, soaring kingdoms and magical fantasy worlds in a large-scale outdoor spectacle inspired by the timeless appeal of myth and legend. An unforgettable outdoor experience for families, couples and groups with food, drinks and entertainment available before the show.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Drone Light Show
28 November 2026 | 2pm – 8pm
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer takes to the skies in a spectacular drone light show at Nottingham Racecourse. The immersive drone light show tells the story of the much-loves Christmas character as it transforms the night sky into a moving canvas, creating spectacular aerial animations and capturing the magic and wonder of Rudolph's story. Visitors can also enjoy fairground rides, face painting and food stalls, making it a magical Christmas experience for the whole family.

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Nottinghamshire’s lights and trails promise a magical festive season for families, couples, and visitors of all ages. From immersive walks through twinkling gardens to heart-warming city-wide celebrations, there’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit.

We will update this page as more Christmas Lights Switch On events will be announced in the coming weeks. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok or sign up to our newsletter to be the first to find out.