Nottingham January events — 10 things to do this month
Burns Night fun, Beat the Streets, Lunar New Year, and more...
The New Year is well and truly here, and there are so many brilliant events in Nottingham this January to go out and enjoy.
I’ve picked out a variety of events from across the county, narrowing them down based on how seasonally relevant they are, the uniqueness of what they offer, and how good value for money they are, too.
If you’re looking for Nottingham 2025 events and things to do in the area this month, these are all worth heading out to and trying. For more events in the area, sign up to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free, including our weekly Notts Going On guide.
10 things to do in Nottingham this January
By Eve Smallman
1. Burns Season Ceilidhs
When: January 9, 16, and 23
Where: Copper City, Nottingham
How much: Free entry except for January 23, which is £35pp
It’s the season for Scottish dancing, and Ceilidh specialist Schuggie will be teaching you how to shake a Scottish jig during these fun and inclusive nights. The January 9 and 16 events will simply have dancing and good vibes, while the January 23 date is £35pp but will also have an address to the Haggis, The Big Moose Ceilidh Band, and a main course and dessert. Schuggie is hosting events around the county this month, so do check the site for more options.
Do if: You’d like to beat those January blues with something new.
2. MasterChef Tasting Menu
When: Wednesday-Saturday throughout January
Where: No. Twelve, Nottingham
How much: £65pp six-course menu, £100pp ten-course menu
No. Twelve’s chef patron Ritchie Stainsby recently cooked up a storm on MasterChef: The Professionals, and he’s showcasing a range of dishes that he did and didn’t cook on the show in this tasting menu. Highlights include the mushy pea Goosefair Tart, The Beeton Mess, and Roadkill. Despite the name of the latter dish, everything is plant-based, which should make for an interesting and special dining experience.
Do if: You fancy dabbling in Veganuary at one of the best plant-based restaurants in Nottingham.
3. Visioning Day 2025
When: January 11
Where: MinorOak Coworking, Sneinton Market
How much: £50pp
Transformation coach Sarah McNicol is hosting a full guided journey day that will help you create your own personal vision for 2025. You’ll start by acknowledging 2024 and putting it behind you, before focusing on the new year and connecting with your dreams and ambitions. You won’t need any special skills or experience to take part — just go along with an open mind.
Do if: You want to start your 2025 with a positive, purposeful mission.
4. Winter Photography Walk
When: January 11
Where: Clumber Park, Worksop
How much: Event free, site admission fee £5pp
Clumber Park is one of our top beauty spots in Nottingham, and it’s especially lovely during this season. Head there and go out on a winter walk with its volunteer photographers, who will help you capture it beautifully and give you top tips for doing so. The event is from 3pm-5pm, so you’ll be able to take stunning sunset shots. Make sure to take a flashlight or torch, as the park will be dark by time the walk ends.
Do if: You’d like to do a relaxing yet rewarding activity this month (or have getting your steps up as a New Year’s resolution!).
5. Adam Kay
When: January 19
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: £20-31pp
The author of the bestselling book This is Going to Hurt is taking his brand-new show Undoctored to Nottingham, following a record-breaking run at the Edinburgh Fringe and a sell-out season in the West End. Adam’s unique tales of life on and off the wards are set to make you laugh and cry. There are limited tickets available, so be sure to be quick if you’d like to go.
Do if: You’d like to spend your Sunday evening going out and watching something truly entertaining.
6. TEDxMaidMarianWay
When: January 22
Where: Nottingham Trent University
How much: £29.96pp
Did you know that TEDx (as in ‘Thank you for coming to my TED talk’) comes to Nottingham every January? This year’s event has a line-up of fascinating speakers who will lead talks on a diverse range of topics, from leadership and development to social justice and rule of law. No matter if you’re a professional or just like having your thinking challenged, you’re sure to leave having learned something.
Do if: You’re looking for motivation to make a difference this year.
7. Lunar New Year
When: January 22-February 12
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: £8pp for brush painting, free entry for arts and crafts, £8-10pp for the gala
Welcome in the Year of the Snake by trying your hand at these creative activities. The brush painting workshops run on January 22 and 29 and February 5 and 12, and will teach you how to paint Lunar New Year subjects like peonies and goldfish. On February 2, families can drop in between 12-3pm and try Chinese arts and crafts including paper cutting, knot making, and calligraphy. There’s also a Lunar New Year Gala on the same day — tickets for this are sold out for the afternoon and down to their final few for the evening.
Do if: You’d like to pick up a new skill or spend time doing something mindful.
8. Nottingham Comic Con
When: January 25
Where: David Ross Sports Village, Nottingham
How much: £11.37pp adult, £9.21pp teen and student, £5.98pp child
Immerse yourself in comic and movie culture during this exciting day with retro gaming, face painting, shopping stalls, and more. Entry begins at 10am, but for those looking for a quieter experience, you can go at 9.30am for a more peaceful walk-around. Punters are encouraged to dress up as their favourite characters, so be sure to dust off your best cosplay outfit so you blend in with the crowd.
Do if: You’d like to meet people who share your beloved interests.
9. Burns Night Whisky Tasting Supper
When: January 25
Where: Wolds Wine Estate, Stanton-on-the-Wolds
How much: £49pp
Try a range of different whiskies and foods during this evening filled with Scottish food and drink. The single malt whiskies will take you through key regions, including Lowlands, Highlands, and Speyside. There will also be haggis, neeps and tatties to nibble on, plus a little whisky infused cranachan with shortbread. The event can cater for dietary requirements with notice in advance, so write a note at the checkout if this applies to you.
Do if: You’d like to learn more about Burns Night traditions.
10. Beat the Streets
When: January 26
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: From £15pp
One of the best music events in Nottingham, Beat the Streets is returning once again to celebrate local musicians, all while raising much-needed funds for homelessness charity Framework. There are some brilliant artists on the line-up this year, including rapper JayaHadADream, heavy metal band Evil Scarecrow, and rock up-and-comers King Blonde. Tickets start from £15pp, but you can donate more at the checkout — every penny goes to the cause!
Do if: You like the idea of supporting local artists and a local charity, all while having a great time.
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