Fairy lights and festivities: 10 magical Christmas events around Notts
Fairy lights and festivities: 10 magical Christmas events around Notts
With so many wonderful events on, it's a good idea to start planning early.
It might only be November, but everything is starting to get a little bit more festive. Winter Wonderland has landed again in Old Market Square, so it certainly has in Nottingham. Whether you’ve already decked your halls or are still in Grinch mode, it’s a good idea to plan ahead when plotting out your Christmas calendar — especially as some big events are actually happening this month.
We’re here to make sure that you get tickets for all the events you might want to go to this year. From carols by candlelight to a festive murder mystery, here are 10 events to get tickets for now.
10 Christmas events in and around Nottingham
1. The 12 Days of Christmas
What: Walk and activities
When: November 18-January 2 (excluding December 25-26)
Where: Belvoir Castle
Price: From £19 adult, from £10 child
Alright, you’ve caught us — this isn’t technically in Nottingham. But Belvoir Castle does have an NG postcode and has a really stunning event on, so we felt it deserved a spot on the list. Enjoy the classic 12 Days of Christmas like never before, with artistic decorations and displays designed by Charlotte Lloyd-Webber. If you’re bringing little ones, there’s also a Santa’s Grotto that they can visit for an additional £10.
Do if: Exploring a Christmassy castle sounds like your idea of festive joy.
2. Elementary! A Christmas Murder Mystery
What: Interactive event
When: November 24-December 16
Where: National Justice Museum
Price: £52.99
Oh, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of drama, would it? Grab your trench coat and magnifying glass for an evening of solving clues to find the culprit. Each ticket includes a three-course festive meal. Allergies and dietary requirements can be accommodated. Many dates have already sold out, so if you want to give this a try, you might want to book ASAP.
Do if: You’re looking for a fun, alternative festive activity that can be enjoyed with friends, family, or even co-workers.
3. It’s in Nottingham Christmas Market
What: Market
When: November 25-26
Where: Nottingham Castle
Price: £1
Want to escape the hustle and bustle of Winter Wonderland? For one weekend only, you can walk just a few minutes away from it to Nottingham Castle. Wander around the grounds and peruse stalls, try delicious food and drink, and soak in the festive atmosphere at one of the city’s most iconic spots. Tickets must be booked in advance and for a certain time slot, so be sure to make a note of the time you’re scheduled for when you go.
Do if: You want to enjoy Christmas shopping in a quieter, more relaxed setting.
4. Narnia at Newstead
What: Walk and activities
When: November 25-January 1 (excluding December 25)
Where: Newstead Abbey
Price: £6 parking, £2 for walkers, house tour £12 per adult, trail £2
Newstead Abbey is a picturesque location at all times of year — but especially when it’s decorated for the holidays. Explore the historic home of Lord Byron or even follow the outdoor Narnia trail to discover the grounds’ beauty at its best. At weekends there will be a craft fair, which is the perfect time to get any last-minute gifts and trinkets. It also has afternoon teas and dinners on offer throughout the month.
Do if: You want to enjoy a brisk winter walk with festive treats.
5. Christmas at Wollaton
What: Walk
When: December 1-31 (excluding December 4 and 25)
Where: Wollaton Hall
Price: £21.25 adult, £14.25 child
The magical light event is back again, with a whole month to enjoy the magic. Walk around the grounds and discover the new interactive light launchers, the field of flames, and the Instagrammable tunnel of light. Warming cocktails and hot chocolates will also be available. We have been to this in previous years and can confirm that it’s a dreamy way to spend a December evening.
Do if: You’re looking for the perfect place to take your Christmas card picture this year.
6. Just the Tonic Christmas Comedy Special
What: Comedy show
When: December 2
Where: Metronome
Price: £16.50
While Christmas can be a fun time of year, it can be a little stressful at times, with all the planning and present buying. If you know you might need a good laugh about it all, head on down to Metronome for an evening of giggles with some of the county’s finest circuit comedians. After the show, you can hang around the bar to debrief your favourite jokes with your friends.
Do if: Your idea of a good time at Christmas involves plenty of laughs.
7. Love Actually In Concert
What: Concert
When: December 3
Where: Royal Concert Hall
Price: From £43
Live music has a wonderful way of making everything more emotive. Love Actually is such an emotional film anyway, so we can only imagine the amount of tissues that will be needed to see it with a live orchestra. They’ll be playing the soundtrack for the whole film while it plays on the screen. The film stars actors such as Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Alan Rickman, so if you haven’t seen it before, you can be sure that you’re in for a treat.
Do if: If it just isn’t Christmas for you without hearing God Only Knows.
8. Carols by Candlelight
What: Concert
When: December 3, 10, 17
Where: Rufford Abbey Country Park
Price: £12
It just wouldn’t be Christmas without carols, and this concert is set at the beautiful Rufford Abbey — much better than your front door, right? The Carlton Male Voice Choir will entertain you with all the classic festive songs, which you can enjoy with mulled wine and a mince pie in the Talbot Suite. The ticket price includes the drink and tasty treat.
Do if: You want a peaceful afternoon of getting into the holiday spirit.
9. Christmas Cracker-Making Workshop
What: Crafting
When: December 10
Where: Debbie Bryan
Price: £38
Make your Christmas Day even more personal and thoughtful by crafting your own crackers, with the help of the experts at Debbie Bryan. You’ll be able to personalise each cracker with gilding techniques, as well as make festive decorations to go inside them. On top of this, you’ll be able to write a message to go inside each one. The ticket price includes all the materials you’ll need, plus a glass of mulled wine and a slice of fruit cake.
Do if: You want to go the extra mile for your table this year.
10. 21st Annual Christmas Covers Party
What: Concert
When: December 23
Where: The Bodega
Price: £11
Dance the night away at The Bodega in true festive style at this lively concert, where at least eight Nottingham bands will be performing their takes on your favourite Christmas songs. Artists this year include Airport Dad, Katie Keddie, Penny Moon, and more. All proceeds will be split between Nottinghamshire Hospice and Zephyr’s.
Do if: You want to let your hair down properly after a day of Christmas shopping.