As the holiday season fast approaches, Notts’ tourism board Visit Nottinghamshire have unveiled their plans for the festive period, including a weekend stay giveaway, a bumper raffle competition, as well as rounding up their top picks to help you make the most of the Christmas fun.
Weekend Stay Giveaway in Collaboration with the It’s in Nottingham
Visit Nottinghamshire have teamed up with Nottingham’s Business Improvement District It’s in Nottingham to give away a festive family stay on Saturday the 25th of November. The weekend will offer a family of 4 the chance to visit Nottingham Castle’s Christmas Market for free, enjoy a family meal up to the value of £100 at the new Bink’s Yard restaurant, and stay at the stylish Leonardo Hotel. Entries must be made by Sunday 19th November on the Visit Nottinghamshire website.
12 Days of Christmas Raffle Giveaway
Visit Nottinghamshire and its partners will also be hosting a 12 days of Christmas Raffle giveaway during the first 12 days of December, spotlighting a new prize every 24 hours. Entrants will go into a prize draw on the 13th of December and be in with a chance of winning one of the 12 amazing prizes, including an overnight stay in a luxury apartment, and a tour and tasting at a local vineyard. Keep an eye on Visit Nottinghamshire social media channels for more info.
Visit Nottinghamshire’s Top Picks for Christmas 2023
1 December – 1 January | Wollaton Hall and Deer Park | Various prices depending on booking time
Christmas at Wollaton is back again with an all-new light trail for 2023. The event is back for its 4th year and has quickly become a Christmas staple in Nottingham due to its captivating light shows and magical atmosphere. Tickets are on sale now and selling quickly so would be visitors should book soon to avoid disappointment.
Winter Wonderland in Old Market Square
7 Nov – 31 Dec | Old Market Square | Entry is free
Nottingham’s highly acclaimed Winter Wonderland is back again for 2023. Consistently ranked as one of the best Christmas markets in the UK, this year’s Winter Wonderland will see the return of last year’s hugely popular sky rink, as well as ski bar, festive stalls, and observation wheel. Entry to the markets is free with additional activities costing extra.
Various times and dates | Nottingham and Nottinghamshire | Prices may vary
Notts’ has become well known for its plethora of pantos during the festive season. The Theatre Royal will be hosting Dick Whittington, Nottingham Playhouse are hosting Cinderella AND A Christmas Carol, Southwell Minster will also be hosting a Christmas Carol, whilst Nottingham Arts Theatre will be showing Sleeping Beauty. Head to the Visit Nottinghamshire website for more information.
The Sherriff Who Stole Christmas
16 Dec – 7 Jan | Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre | £3.50 per trail sheet
Take a family adventure into Sherwood Forest this Christmas and follow the Major Oak Trail. Look for clues and thwart the Sheriff’s plans to steal Christmas with other outlaws this festive season. No advance booking is required.
18 Nov – 14 Jan | 10am – 4pm | Clumber Park | Prices Vary
Christmas at Clumber Park will be a hive of activity again in 2023, visitors can play find the flock with Shaun the Sheep, meet Father Christmas, attend a Victorian Christmas fairground and much more. Dates, times, and prices vary for different events, with more information available on the Visit Nottinghamshire website.
It’s in Nottingham Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle
25 – 26 Nov | 10am – 7pm Sat & 10am – 4pm Sun | Nottingham Castle | £1 entry
It’s in Nottingham’s Christmas market hosted at Nottingham Castle is set to run over Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th of November. With a variety of stalls offering selling gifts and tasty treats, to live music, carol singing and family entertainment, the It’s in Nottingham Christmas Market offers something for the whole family.
There are lots of chances to enjoy some ice skating this Christmas throughout Notts. Old Market Square’s Winter Wonderland will once again host a sky skating rink, the National Ice Centre will be hosting a range of themed skates too including, a festive character skate, a princess and superhero party, and their Christmas Holiday Club.
Crying Christmas at Sherwood Forest
16 December 10am – 4pm | Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre | Free event
Enjoy the ancient event of Crying Christmas at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre this December, the official start of the revelry and festivities in Sherwood. The Sheriff and Robin set aside their differences at this special time of year to get the Christmas festivities underway.
There are plenty of opportunities to meet jolly old St. Nick this Christmas in Notts, the Orchard Hotel is hosting an afternoon tea with Santa, Conkers Winter Wonderland will play host to its own Santa’s Grotto, the Notts County Foundation are hosting their Christmas fun day on the 9th of December, and of course Santa will be dropping in on some of Nottinghamshire’s light switch ons.
For those looking to get their Christmas shopping done and dusted, Notts has plenty of late-night shopping options, namely Nottingham’s Victoria centre which houses hundreds of brands under one roof. Alternatively, in Nottinghamshire the East Midlands Designer Outlet gives shoppers the chance to do some late-night bargain hunting.
Various Dates in November | Throughout Nottinghamshire | Free
Nothing quite gets you into the Christmas mood like a light switch on and this year there are lots of opportunities to go and get into the swing of things. West Bridgford’s is on the 19th of November, the National Ice Centre, Worksop and Stapleford are on the 25th of Nov, Mansfield and Newark are the following day on the 26th, Eastwood will host theirs at 6pm on the 28th of Nov, finally Beeston host their event on the 2nd of December.
Posted on 01 December 2021
