Ready for holiday excitement in Nottingham? Let our guide show you all the festive happenings! For Nottingham veterans and first-time explorers, our guide is your ticket to holiday adventure.
Popular events abound during the season, starting with the Nottingham Christmas Market, where visitors can browse an array of artisan stalls offering unique gifts and delicious seasonal treats. Engaging attractions like the Nottingham Winter Wonderland invite families to enjoy ice skating and festive rides. And the Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a stunning backdrop for festive shopping and entertainment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Nottingham
- Nottingham Christmas Market
- Nottingham Winter Wonderland
- Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle
- A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show
- Nottingham Playhouse's Jack & the Beanstalk
- Peter Pan at the Theatre Royal
- Father Christmas at Bolsover Castle (Bolsover)
- Magical Winter Wonderland at Twinlakes Park (Melton Mowbray)
- Christmas Sparkle with the NJO (Beeston, Nottingham)
- Christmas Celebrations at Belvoir (Grantham)
See these and even more events listed below!
Nottingham Holiday Light Displays
Ride and Light Trail Illumination Evenings at Wheelgate Park
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays and themed rides.
Description:
At Wheelgate Park, immerse yourself in stunning light displays and themed rides from 5 PM to 7:30 PM. Explore Santa's grotto and the fun Toy Workshop, enjoy festive menus and drinks, and explore the cozy indoor areas and huge play zones.
Where: Newark | More Info: Ride and Light Trail Illumination Evenings at Wheelgate Park
Nottingham Holiday Markets and Shopping
Nottingham Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Ice rink and sky skate ice path with live entertainment.
Description:
Nottingham Winter Wonderland offers an array of activities including an ice rink, sky skate ice path, ice bar, and toboggan slide. The event features great food, live entertainment, and a Christmas market with local and international traders selling handmade gifts and seasonal items.
Where: Nottingham | More Info: Nottingham Christmas Market
Nottingham Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Ice rink and sky skate ice path with themed bars.
Description:
Nottingham Winter Wonderland offers an array of activities including an ice rink, sky skate ice path, ice bars, and a toboggan slide. The event features great food, live entertainment, and a Christmas market with local and international traders. Visitors can also enjoy the observation wheel and festive drink options.
Where: Nottingham | More Info: Nottingham Winter Wonderland
Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with local and international vendors.
Description:
Nottingham Castle's Christmas Market offers a variety of local and international traders selling handmade gifts, delicious food, and festive drinks. The event features beautifully decorated stalls and a rich atmosphere, perfect for finding unique holiday items.
Where: Nottingham | More Info: Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle
Contemporary Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Showcase of contemporary craft and design by local and national makers.
Description:
The Contemporary Craft Fair at Nottingham Contemporary features a wide selection of contemporary craft and design, including ceramics, textiles, jewellery, and homeware. The event showcases the work of almost 40 independent designers and makers from around the UK, offering a variety of unique items perfect for the holiday season.
Where: Nottingham | More Info: Contemporary Craft Fair
Christmas Market at Idlewells Shopping Centre
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with local vendors.
Description:
The Christmas Market at Idlewells Shopping Centre offers a variety of local vendors selling handmade crafts, seasonal food, and unique gifts. Visitors can explore the bustling stalls filled with festive items and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Where: Sutton in Ashfield | More Info: Christmas Market at Idlewells Shopping Centre
Nottingham Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show
What to Expect:
45-minute drone light show with heart-warming narration and festive soundtrack.
Description:
Witness Charles Dickens' timeless Christmas classic come to life in a captivating new animated drone light show, narrated by Matt Lucas. Famous characters are brought to life in the sky as you embark on a heart-warming narrated journey through the immortal tale of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve and his ghostly visitors who lead him to profound transformation. Enjoy magic in the sky, festive favorites in the food village, and a world-class stadium experience at Trent Bridge stadium.
Where: Nottingham | More Info: A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show
Nottingham Playhouse's Jack & the Beanstalk
What to Expect:
Pantomime with diverse accessibility options.
Description:
Nottingham Playhouse's Jack & the Beanstalk is a classic pantomime featuring John Elkington as Dame Daisy Trott, packed with comedy, live music, and spectacular special effects. The show includes various accessible performances such as British Sign Language interpretation, captioning, and audio description.
Where: Nottingham | More Info: Nottingham Playhouse's Jack & the Beanstalk
Peter Pan at the Theatre Royal
What to Expect:
Family-friendly pantomime with TV stars and special effects.
Description:
Join Peter Pan and beloved characters in a high-flying swashbuckling adventure featuring stunning sets, beautiful costumes, and barrel-loads of laughter.
Where: Nottingham | More Info: Peter Pan at the Theatre Royal
Christmas Sparkle with the NJO
What to Expect:
Guest vocalist Jeanie Barton joins the Nottingham Jazz Orchestra for a Christmas concert.
Description:
Join Jeanie Barton and the Nottingham Jazz Orchestra for an evening of Christmas music and sparkle at the Royal British Legion Beeston. Dust off your Christmas jumpers and get ready for a night of big band fun.
Where: Beeston, Nottingham | More Info: Christmas Sparkle with the NJO
Mouse on a Daring Adventure
What to Expect:
Interactive adaptation of Julia Donaldson's beloved children's book.
Description:
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood as he searches for hazelnuts. Along the way, he meets cunning Fox, eccentric old Owl, and high-spirited Snake. Will the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from becoming dinner? This classic picture book adaptation by Tall Stories features songs and laughs for children aged 3 and their grown-ups.
Where: Nottingham | More Info: Mouse on a Daring Adventure
Traditional Carols at Bolsover Castle
What to Expect:
Traditional carols in a historic castle setting.
Description:
Join us at Bolsover Castle for a traditional carol service amidst the stunning surroundings of this historic site.
Where: Bolsover | More Info: Traditional Carols at Bolsover Castle
Christmas with Carlton Male Voice Choir
What to Expect:
Traditional choral music with local soloists and composers.
Description:
The Carlton Male Voice Choir presents a heartwarming Christmas concert featuring classic carols, traditional choral pieces, and special performances by local composers and soloists.
Where: Newark | More Info: Christmas with Carlton Male Voice Choir
Nottingham Other Holiday Activities
Father Christmas at Bolsover Castle
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling with Father Christmas.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas at Bolsover Castle for a special storytelling session around the Christmas tree. After the group storytelling, children will have the chance to meet Father Christmas and receive a traditional present.
Where: Bolsover | More Info: Father Christmas at Bolsover Castle
Magical Winter Wonderland at Twinlakes Park
What to Expect:
Heated indoor play zones with real reindeer and festive activities.
Description:
Twinlakes Park transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with rides, attractions, and festive activities. Enjoy gingerbread decorating, Christmas hunts, and real reindeer. The park features 125,000 sq feet of heated indoor zones, including the UK's largest indoor play centers. Witness awe-inspiring light displays and take family photos amidst twinkling lights.
Where: Melton Mowbray | More Info: Magical Winter Wonderland at Twinlakes Park
Afternoon Tea at Norwood Park
What to Expect:
Traditional Afternoon Tea with diverse dietary options.
Description:
Indulge in a traditional Afternoon Tea at Norwood Park, featuring scrumptious sandwiches, delicate cakes, and quality time over a glass of fizz. Vegan, vegetarian, DF, and GF alternatives are available upon request.
Where: Southwell | More Info: Afternoon Tea at Norwood Park
Christmas Celebrations at Belvoir
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and themed rooms create a unique holiday atmosphere.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Belvoir Castle with twinkling lights, themed rooms, and festive activities for all ages.
Where: Grantham | More Info: Christmas Celebrations at Belvoir
Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Orchard Hotel
What to Expect:
Wholesome Christmas experience with Santa Claus.
Description:
Join Santa at The Orchard Hotel for a delightful Christmas Afternoon Tea, blending traditional charm with excitement, creating lasting memories for both children and adults.
Where: Beeston Lane, Nottingham | More Info: Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Orchard Hotel
New Year's Eve at The Orchard Hotel
What to Expect:
Elegant seven-course meal in a sophisticated setting.
Description:
Celebrate New Year's Eve at The Orchard Hotel with a warm welcome, gourmet canapés, and an exquisite seven-course meal meticulously prepared by skilled chefs.
Where: Beaston Lane, Nottingham | More Info: New Year's Eve at The Orchard Hotel
Stained Glass Creation at Hanwell Wine Estate
What to Expect:
Unique, handmade stained glass stepping stone creation.
Description:
Create your own unique stained glass stepping stone in a beautiful setting at Hanwell Wine Estate. Expert tutor Jen guides you through the designing and placing process using small stained glass pieces. Your design will be a wonderful addition to your garden or home, and all materials, tools, and refreshments are included.
Where: Hickling Pastures, Melton Mowbray | More Info: Stained Glass Creation at Hanwell Wine Estate
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- West Bridgford (2 miles)
- Arnold (3 miles)
- Hucknall (6 miles)
- Long Eaton (6 miles)
- Ilkeston (7 miles)
- Heanor (9 miles)
- Kirkby in Ashfield (11 miles)
- Ripley (12 miles)
- Mansfield (13 miles)
- Sutton in Ashfield (13 miles)
- Loughborough (13 miles)
- Derby (14 miles)
- Alfreton (14 miles)
- Belper (15 miles)
- Newark on Trent (16 miles)
- Melton Mowbray (17 miles)
- Coalville (18 miles)
- Swadlincote (21 miles)
- Grantham (21 miles)
- Leicester (22 miles)
- Burton upon Trent (23 miles)
- Staveley (23 miles)
- Chesterfield (23 miles)
- Worksop (24 miles)
- Oadby (24 miles)
- Wigston Magna (26 miles)
- Retford (27 miles)
- Dronfield (28 miles)
- Hinckley (30 miles)
- Lincoln (32 miles)
- Tamworth (32 miles)
- Sheffield (32 miles)
- Nuneaton (33 miles)
- Burngreave (33 miles)
- Gainsborough (34 miles)
- Lichfield (34 miles)
- Rotherham (34 miles)
- Market Harborough (34 miles)
- Stamford (35 miles)
- Bedworth (35 miles)
- Rugeley (35 miles)
- Corby (37 miles)
- Burntwood (38 miles)
- Chapeltown (38 miles)
- Buxton (38 miles)
- Sutton Coldfield (39 miles)
- Doncaster (39 miles)
- Brownhills (39 miles)
- Bentley (40 miles)
- Rugby (41 miles)
- High Peak (41 miles)
- Coventry (41 miles)
- Cannock (41 miles)
- Stafford (42 miles)
- Washwood Heath (42 miles)
- Kettering (42 miles)
- Bloxwich (43 miles)
- Walsall (43 miles)
- Stoke-on-Trent (43 miles)
- Spalding (43 miles)
- Barnsley (43 miles)
- Aston (44 miles)
- Acocks Green (45 miles)