Christmas is just around the corner, and Nottinghamshire is ready to sparkle! The festive lights are being untangled, the mulled wine is being prepared, and the city and its surrounding towns are gearing up for a season of celebration. From the spectacular city-centre attractions to beloved community light switch-on events, there’s something for everyone.
Here is your guide to the top events to help you plan your festive calendar.
Skate above the square at Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland: from Wednesday 12 November 2025
No Nottingham Christmas is complete without a visit to the Winter Wonderland in Old Market Square. Already open and running until December 31st, this is the city’s flagship festive event. It features the UK’s only Sky Skate ice path, allowing you to glide above the crowds, as well as a traditional ground-level rink, a 60-metre observation wheel, and the popular Ice Bar.
Kick off the season at the Sutton in Ashfield Christmas Light Switch-On: Thursday 20 November 2025
Be the first to celebrate as Sutton in Ashfield hosts its event for the first time in the newly-refurbished Portland Square. Starting from 4:30pm, you can enjoy a Christmas market, live community performances, and hot food before the main switch-on at 7pm.
Enjoy an all-day event at the Arnold Christmas Light Switch-On: Friday 21 November 2025
Arnold is offering a full day of festive fun from 12pm to 7:30pm. Browse the festive market in the town centre and a Christmas craft market inside Arnold Methodist Church Hall. From 4pm, head to The AMP for live music and a visit from Santa, all leading up to the big light switch-on at 6:30pm.
Celebrate on Central Avenue at the West Bridgford Christmas Light Switch-On: Saturday 22 November 2025
West Bridgford’s popular event returns from 12pm with a wide array of food, drink, and gift stalls. Enjoy live entertainment from local choirs and community groups, and explore the new indoor festive market at Lutterell Hall before the Mayor of Rushcliffe switches on the lights at 5pm.
Discover a ‘Fairytale Christmas’ at Newstead Abbey: from Saturday 22 November 2025
Step into a magical ‘Fairytale Christmas’ as Newstead Abbey’s Historic House opens its beautifully decorated rooms. The display runs on weekends and during school holidays until January 4th. You can also visit the Christmas Craft & Gift Fair in the Abbey’s Cloisters on the weekends of November 22nd-23rd and 29th-30th.
Join the community at Kirkby in Ashfield’s Christmas Light Switch-On: Thursday 27 November 2025
Head down to Kirkby Plaza from 4:30pm for an evening of festive cheer at the Kirkby in Ashfield event. It features a Christmas market, hot food and drinks, and a community performance stage, with the official switch-on happening at approximately 7pm.
See Santa at the Carlton Hill Christmas Light Switch-On: Friday 28 November 2025
Carlton Hill is set to be buzzing with over 35 stalls, live stage acts, and a visit from Santa. The festivities run from 4pm to 7pm, with the main light switch-on ceremony taking place at 6pm.
Walk the magical Winter Light Trail at Wollaton Hall: from Friday 28 November 2025
Wollaton Hall’s famous outdoor winter light trail returns to illuminate the gardens for a truly enchanting experience, running until January 4th. The Hall also hosts ‘Santa’s Frozen Adventure’ for children, festive history tours, and Christmas carols on select dates.
Shop at the first-ever Nottingham Castle Christmas Market: Friday 28 to Sunday 30 November 2025
For one weekend only, Nottingham Castle hosts its first-ever Christmas Market. Discover over 90 stalls, including a ‘Makers Marquee’ for handcrafted gifts, and enjoy free family entertainment like a carousel and live music from acts including Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir. Be sure to book your £2 ticket online in advance.
Enjoy a family fun day in Netherfield: Saturday 29 November 2025
Head to Bethesda Church Hall on Forester Street for a festive fun day in Netherfield. Running from 10am to 3.30pm, the event features 20 stalls, hot food, a bouncy castle, and a special performance from the Netherfield school choir at 11:00 AM. There’s also a free kids’ craft area for biscuit decorating and making tree decorations, plus a ‘Letter to Santa’ post box where two lucky children will win a Christmas Eve box.
Get festive at the Mapperley Christmas Light Switch-On: Sunday 30 November 2025
Head to the Mapperley Precinct for a day of community celebration. This event promises a fantastic atmosphere with entertainment, stalls from local crafters and charities, and a variety of food vendors to enjoy.
Stock up at the Burton Joyce Community Festive Market: Saturday 13 December 2025
A bit later in the season, don’t miss the Burton Joyce Community Festive Market. It’s the perfect opportunity to buy fresh produce, cakes, crafts, and other festive goods from local suppliers, including a local butcher.
With so much happening across Nottinghamshire, there’s no excuse not to get into the festive spirit. From community light switch-ons to grand winter festivals, Nottingham is the place to be this Christmas. So wrap up warm, gather your loved ones, and make some magical memories this Christmas!
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