Christmas events in Nottingham — 8 magical ways to celebrate the festive season
Fabulous concerts, wreath making, cheese and wine tasting, and more...
When it comes to celebrating the holidays in style, there’s no better way to enjoy the most wonderful time of year than going to Christmas events in Nottingham.
I’ve rounded up a huge mixture of different ones in both the city and the wider county. I’ve picked this shortlist out based on how special the event is, how different it is compared to other offerings in the area, and whether it’s great value for money or not. From musical performances to memorable activities, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking for things to do in Nottingham over the festive period, these are all worth checking out. For more event guides like these, including our weekly round-up Notts Going On, subscribe to The Notts Edit for free.
8 of the best Christmas events in Nottingham
By Eve Smallman
1. Jack and the Beanstalk
When: November 29-January 18
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £19.50pp
Fee-fi-fo-fum — the legendary Nottingham Playhouse panto will be filled with lots of fun. This year’s show is Jack and the Beanstalk, which is the famous tale that follows a farm boy who exchanges a cow for magic beans and then… Well, you know the rest. Starring Nottingham’s famous dame John Elkington, it’s set to be filled with music and laughter. If you are looking for a show just for little ones, the Playhouse is also showing The Ugly Duckling from December 5-January 4.
Do if: It just isn’t Christmas for you and your family without seeing at least one panto.
2. Light Post Farm
When: November 21-December 22
Where: White Post Farm, Newark
How much: £13.20pp, £49.50pp for a family of four
The adorable family farm and Gloworm Festival have teamed up to create this enchanting trail, illuminated by 250,000 sparkling lights. There will be beautiful areas to explore throughout, such as a duck pond with glitter balls, a rainbow racetrack, and a garden with its own gingerbread house. Once you’re done, you can cosy up at the mini Christmas market, which will have hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows, and sweet treats.
Do if: You’re searching for an evening event that has plenty of magic — for the family or as a cute Nottingham date idea.
3. Wine and Cheese Tasting
When: November 30
Where: Wolds Wine Estate, Stanton-on-the-Wolds
How much: £50pp
During this delicious evening, you’ll be able to try wines and even a port made by the Estate. Each drink will be paired with artisan British cheese, along with crackers and bites on the side. The whole tasting will be guided, so you’ll know what flavours to look for as you munch and drink the evening away. After the event, you’ll have the opportunity to shop for wines and ciders at a discounted price. You can even stay in one of the glamping pods overnight if you want to make it a memorable occasion.
Do if: You’re looking for inspiration to zhuzh up your festive nibbles and drinks.
4. It’s in Nottingham Christmas Market
When: November 30-December 1
Where: Nottingham Castle
How much: £1pp in advance
Over 70 independent stallholders will be showcasing baked goods, spirits, gifts, and more during this jam-packed Christmas market. As well as this, you can also tuck into festive food and drink mulled wine as you wander around. It is just £1pp in advance to secure your place, a time slot, and entry to the Castle, so be sure to do this in advance, as the price goes up to £15pp on the door and you’ll likely have to queue.
Do if: You’d like to wrap up your gift shopping and would like to support local makers while doing so.
5. Nottingham Harmonic Choir — Messiah
When: December 7
Where: Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
How much: £19.50-£30pp
Handel’s Messiah is a choral theatrical spectacle that’s harmonious with Christmastime — and Nottingham Harmonic Choir’s annual performance of it is unmissable. It goes through the birth, life, and death of Christ, with songs such as the jubilant Hallelujah chorus to the exquisite I Know That My Redeemer Liveth. The performance runs for two hours and 40 mins and includes an interval.
Do if: You want to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
6. Christmas Wreath Making
When: December 8
Where: Bustler, Sneinton Market
How much: £60pp
The talented team at EverWild are hosting this chic, creative workshop, where you’ll learn how to make your own wreath using seasonal foliage. The ticket price includes expert guidance, all the materials you’ll need, and a festive drink to help fuel you while you craft. If you go as a group of four, this lowers down to £50pp. This event has sold out in previous years, so you might want to be quick in booking if this sounds like something you’d like to do.
Do if: You’d like to add a personal touch to your Christmas decor this year.
7. The Storm Whale
When: December 14-January 5
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: £10.50-£12pp
Benji Davies’ tender and heart-warming story of loneliness, love, and courage is swimming over to Lakeside Arts. It follows Noi, who rescues a little whale that washed up on the beach and begins a life-changing friendship. Next winter, Noi waits and longs to see his friend again. Will it take another storm to bring them back together? The show will have puppetry, playful storytelling, and original music by Julian Butler.
Do if: You and the kids would like to watch an original Christmas story this year, rather than just the usual suspects.
8. Carols By Candlelight
When: December 15
Where: St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
Nottingham has a wonderful cathedral that’s truly beautiful (check out our TikTok exploring it), which is the perfect setting for relaxing and enjoying festive carols. The Cathedral Choirs will be singing and the Newark and Sherwood Concert Band will be playing music. After the concert, there will be mulled wine and mince pies in the foyer. If you can’t make this but would like to head to the Cathedral this season, there will also be carols during its Christmas Eve/Christmas Day Midnight Mass.
Do if: You love taking part in proper Christmas traditions.
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Some lovely ideas ❤️ There’s also a fabulous Family friendly Carol Concert at the Royal Concert Hall, on Dec 21st, that is an annual event for lots of families - it’s our real start of Christmas. https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/family-carol-concert/