Celebrate the Season in Nottinghamshire: Best Christmas Lights, Markets, and Festivities (2024)

As the year comes to a close, Nottinghamshire evolves into a vibrant holiday destination, brimming with festive activities and celebrations.

From dazzling Christmas light displays illuminating the streets to lively markets filled with seasonal delights, the county offers an array of experiences that capture the magic of the season. In 2024, Nottinghamshire is set to transform into a winter wonderland, with shimmering lights, bustling Christmas markets, and a calendar full of holiday events designed to immerse visitors in the joy and warmth of the festive season. Here’s an in-depth guide to the best Christmas lights, markets, and events in Nottinghamshire for 2024, ensuring you make the most of this enchanting time of year. Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities, local crafts, or just an opportunity to soak up the Christmas spirit, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Southwell Minster Christmas Market

For a classic Christmas market experience, visit Southwell Minster, where history and holiday spirit come together in a truly magical setting. Nestled against the stunning gothic architecture of Southwell’s iconic minster, this market exudes old-world charm. It offers a variety of local artisans showcasing handcrafted goods, along with food vendors serving seasonal treats.

Market Stalls: Discover unique Christmas gifts from local artisans and sample traditional holiday treats such as mince pies, gingerbread, and mulled cider. With everything from handmade decorations to artisanal foods, you’re bound to find the perfect Christmas gifts.

Carols at the Minster: In the evenings, Southwell Minster comes alive with the sound of Christmas carols performed by local choirs. The Advent Carol Service is a particular highlight and is not to be missed.

Dates: November 8 – November 9, 2024

Location: Southwell Minster

More Info: Visit Southwell Minster for full details.

Visitors can also enjoy festive entertainment, creating the perfect atmosphere for a memorable holiday outing steeped in tradition and community warmth. It's a must-see for those seeking an authentic festive experience.

Christmas at Rufford Abbey

The Mini Christmas Market at Rufford Abbey is a charming festive event held every weekend from November 16th to December 22nd. Located in the scenic Coach House Courtyard, this market features up to 12 stalls each weekend, offering a variety of seasonal products, including unique gifts, holiday decorations, handmade jewelry, and even treats for pets. With cozy seating areas, visitors can relax with a warm drink while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Light Trail: Starting on December 1, 2024, the abbey’s gardens and ruins are illuminated with dazzling displays. New this year are interactive installations, where visitors can experience the trail in a more immersive way. The light show also features themed sections that take visitors through winter landscapes, festive scenes, and historical recreations.

Festive Treats: Throughout the trail, visitors can enjoy warm seasonal snacks, including mulled wine and holiday-themed treats from the various vendors scattered around the park.

Dates: November 16 - December 22, 2024

Location: Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire NG22 9DF

Tickets: Available at Rufford Abbey.

Admission to the market is free, though standard parking fees apply. It's an ideal spot for a family-friendly holiday outing in a picturesque setting.

Nottingham Playhouse Pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk

This holiday season, Jack and the Beanstalk takes center stage at Nottingham Playhouse, offering an exciting and family-friendly pantomime adventure. Running from November 22, 2024, to January 13, 2025, this energetic production brings the beloved story of Jack, his magical beans, and his towering beanstalk to life with laughter, music, and spectacular performances.

Known for its festive spirit, the Nottingham Playhouse transforms into a magical world where audiences of all ages can immerse themselves in the fun.

Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 18, 2025
Tickets: Available via Nottingham Playhouse.

Set in the heart of Nottingham, the Playhouse is a well-loved venue with easy access to local amenities, making it a perfect spot for a festive day out. With engaging storytelling, interactive moments, and dazzling special effects, this production is ideal for families, groups, or anyone looking to enjoy the magic of Christmas.

Christmas at Wheelgate Park

Christmas at Wheelgate Family Theme Park in Farnsfield, Newark, promises a magical holiday adventure for families from November 30 to December 24, 2024. The park transforms into a winter wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Children can visit Santa's Grotto to meet Santa and his reindeer, Rudy, adding to the excitement of the season.

Ride and Light Trail: Ride the park’s attractions after dark as the park is illuminated with festive lights. Enjoy a thrilling yet magical Christmas adventure as the lights enhance the park's natural beauty and rides.

Santa’s Grotto: The park also features a festive Santa’s Grotto, where children can meet Santa and his helpers, enjoy seasonal activities, and take home a holiday keepsake.
Dates: Saturday 30th November - Monday 2nd December 2024 | Wednesday 4th December - Monday 9th December 2024 | Wednesday 11th December - Monday 16th December 2024 | Wednesday 18th December - Tuesday 24th December 2024
Tickets: Visit Wheelgate Park for booking information.

The event features an array of fun activities, festive entertainment, and Christmas-themed rides, making it an unforgettable day out for kids and adults alike.

Christmas at Newstead Abbey

The Snowed In event at Newstead Abbey offers an immersive festive experience within the abbey’s historic setting. Running through the Christmas season, this event transforms the interior of the abbey into a snowy, magical wonderland, complete with festive decor, beautifully themed displays, and wintery scenes. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of the elaborately decorated rooms, partake in seasonal crafts, and indulge in festive treats available from local vendors.

The self-guided tour allows visitors to explore the stunning interiors of Newstead Abbey, beautifully adorned for the season, while the Outdoor Narnia Trail offers a magical journey through the grounds, bringing to life iconic scenes from the beloved tale. Ideal for families, the trail features interactive elements and festive surprises, perfect for children and adults alike.

Dates: Weekends & school holidays, Saturday 25th November 2024 – Sunday 5th January 2025
Location: Newstead Abbey, Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire NG15 8NA
Tickets: coming soon here.

Special events like afternoon teas and Christmas dinners enhance the experience, while evening tours provide a magical after-dark ambiance.

Christmas at Clumber Park

This Christmas season, Clumber Park offers a variety of festive events, making it a must-visit destination for families looking to get into the holiday spirit. The park’s picturesque landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, where visitors can enjoy a host of themed activities. One of the main attractions is Walking with The Snowman, a family-friendly trail featuring 12 giant snowman sculptures inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas. As visitors explore the grounds, they'll encounter these beautifully crafted sculptures, creating a fun and interactive experience for all ages.

For those looking to meet Santa, Clumber Park offers a visit to Father Christmas at his cosy grotto in the Old Parsonage. Children can share their Christmas wishes with Santa and receive a special gift. The grotto is a magical stop within the park and is designed to delight younger visitors and their families. You can book your visit here.

Dates: Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 November and Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 December
Location: Clumber Park, Worksop S80 3AZ
Tickets: get them here.

For those looking to meet Santa, Clumber Park offers a visit to Father Christmas at his cosy grotto in the Old Parsonage. Children can share their Christmas wishes with Santa and receive a special gift. The grotto is a magical stop within the park and is designed to delight younger visitors and their families. You can book your visit here.

Throughout the holiday season, Clumber Park also hosts its Christmas Fayre, which brings together a variety of stalls featuring handmade gifts, festive food, and seasonal crafts. Visitors can peruse unique items, perfect for holiday shopping, while enjoying the warm, festive atmosphere. Music lovers can enjoy Christmas performances at Clumber Chapel, adding a touch of tradition and elegance to the festivities.

Nottinghamshire is truly magical during the Christmas season. Whether you’re visiting bustling markets, strolling through enchanting light trails, or attending a traditional pantomime, the region offers an unforgettable array of festive activities in 2024. Be sure to book your tickets early for these popular events and enjoy a season filled with holiday cheer!