Nottingham December events — 10 things to do this month
Pantos, grottos, parties, and more...
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and if you want to enjoy it in style, there are plenty of events around Nottingham this December.
I’ve narrowed down a range of these, from glittering pantos and grottos to cosy fairs and cinema screenings. I have narrowed these down based on their seasonality, the uniqueness of the event, and the value for money they offer. The majority of these events are festive, but we’ll be sharing more throughout the month in our Notts Going On newsletter.
If you’re looking for things to do around Nottingham, these 2025 events are all perfect for rounding the year off with. For more guides and features, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
10 things to do in Nottingham this December
By Eve Smallman
1. Sleeping Beauty
When: November 28-January 17
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £17.50pp
Ths classic fairytale has been given the Panto treatment by Adam Penford, with beautiful costumes, dazzling effects, and lots of laughs – especially from Nottingham’s favourite dame John Elkington. Nottingham Playhouse’s pantos are particularly brilliant, as they contain local talent and are penned with Nottingham in mind – so expect lots of laughs and in-jokes you’ll know and love.
Do if: You’ll always be entertained by pantomime (it’s always a treat, no matter what age!).
2. Craft Fair Contemporary
When: December 5-7
Where: Nottingham Contemporary
How much: Free entry
Over 40 local and national makers will be setting up shop at Nottingham Contemporary’s fair, with ceramics, jewellery, homeware, candles, prints, and more on offer. The event kicks off on Friday night from 5-8pm with live music, late-night gallery access, and food and drinks (including free drinks for the first 100 customers at Blend), before opening 10am-6pm on the Saturday and 11am-4pm on the Sunday.
Do if: You’d like to pick up lovely, unique gifts, all while supporting independent creators.
3. Wreath Making Workshop
When: December 6, 7, and 13
Where: Attenborough Nature Reserve
How much: £75pp
Take a trip to the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve – which is also one of our top winter walk spots – for a morning or afternoon of wreath making led by an expert facilitator. You’ll be provided with all the willow, foliage and tools needed to create your wreath, as well as a variety of decorative accessories, but you can bring your own decor if you wish, too. There will also be hot drinks and festive treats to keep you fuelled up throughout.
Do if: You’d like to make your own wreath to wow your guests with.
4. Christmas Grotto
When: Weekends from December 6-21, then December 22-23
Where: Rufford Abbey, Ollerton
How much: £12pp per child
Why journey all the way to Lapland, when you can meet Santa right here in Nottinghamshire? Little ones will be able to meet the man himself in his cosy grotto in the Stables Courtyard. They’ll receive an adorable 10” TY plushie to take back with them, to remind them of their trip for years to come. Bookable time slots are available, and adults and children not needing a gift don’t need tickets.
Do if: You’d like to create a wonderful festive memory for the family.
5. Live at Christmas
When: December 12
Where: Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
How much: £31.50pp
A huge range of the country’s best comedians are coming to the Royal Concert Hall for an evening of jokes and laughter. These include Taskmaster and Celebrity Traitors icon Lucy Beaumont, Have I Got News For You star Phil Wang, and Never Mind The Buzzcocks’ Simon Amstell. There is limited availability, so make sure to be quick if you’d like to go.
Do if: You or someone you know is in need of some seasonal cheer.
6. The Polar Express – Santa Extravaganza
When: December 13
Where: Broadway Cinema, Nottingham
How much: £25pp child, £11pp adult
Hands up whose ultimate dream as a child was to go on The Polar Express? While the train isn’t coming to Nottingham, this cinematic experience comes pretty close. You’ll receive your golden ticket invitation in the post after booking, and on arrival, you’ll be greeted with hot chocolate and mince pies, before watching the film. Afterwards, Santa Claus will visit and hand out gifts.
Do if: You’re looking for a relaxed Christmas activity to do with the family that still feels oh-so-special.
7. Carols in the State Chamber
When: December 14
Where: Southwell Minster
How much: £12pp, under 18s free
Join six-part vocal ensemble Mosaic for an evening of carols in the stunning State Chamber in Southwell Minster. You’ll have the chance to flex your vocal chords and sing along to Christmas favourites, as well as bite into festive nibbles. There is also a Christmas By Candlelight event on December 13 at the Minster (£25pp), with tickets mostly remaining for the 2.30pm slot.
Do if: Carols at Christmastime never fail to give you goosebumps.
8. A Christmas Ghost Story & Lecture
When: December 13
Where: The People’s Hall, Nottingham
How much: £14.25pp
The newly re-opened People’s Hall is hosting this eerie yet enchanting talk that will explore the supernatural side of Christmas. Guided by Matthew, Blue & the Spirit of Christmas Past, it will delve into spooky Christmases from screens and books gone by. It will finish with a Christmas Ghost Story recited by special guest Paul Paschal. This venue is beautiful but doesn’t have integral heating – so wrap up warm.
Do if: You’re interested in exploring the nooks and crannies of Christmas beyond the normal bells and whistles.
9. It’s Christmas 5km
When: December 21
Where: Starts at the Trent Navigation Inn, Nottingham
How much: £22.38pp adult, £16.96pp child
On the shortest day of the year, tie up your trainers and head over to Trent Navigation for a sporty morning of fun. Whether you run, jog, or stroll, you’ll be able to take in the picturesque 5K route and tuck into mulled wine and a mince pie afterwards. A donation from every entry will go to Tracey’s Kitchen, and they’ll be collecting food donations on the day to help stock up supplies for the Bestwood and Bulwell Food Bank.
Do if: You’d like some motivation to get a run in before Christmas.
10. Studio 31 – NYE Disco Party
When: December 31
Where: 31K, Nottingham
How much: £5pp
Head down to 31K for a night of glitz and glamour, which will be filled with flowing drinks and have a live DJ on the decks with disco tunes. The ticket entry includes a free glass of fizz for midnight and a token for a free shot, making it very good value for money. The bar is even open until late, only pausing between 11.45pm-12.15am to allow the staff to join the celebrations. If you’d like to visit before NYE, 31K also has fab Christmas dining menus.
Do if: You’d love to end 2025 on a high in one of Nottingham’s best bars.
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