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Discover what's going on, make plans for what's around the corner and stay up to date with everything Nottingham city centre – all in one place. Whatever your vibe, Nottingham's got it – and 

Where to go for a curry in Nottingham city centre -  top spots for spice lovers

Rainy day activities in Nottingham city centre - making the most of a wet day

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Shopping in Nottingham

Nottingham's Big Red Bow

Dog-friendly places in Nottingham

This holiday season, Bridlesmith House on Bridlesmith Gate will be transformed with a giant red bow, bringing a joyful touch to one of Nottingham’s most loved shopping streets. The installation will be in place from 

through early January 2025, creating a perfect spot for holiday photos and festive strolls.

's effort to celebrate the season while supporting local businesses and making the city centre an even more enjoyable and vibrant place to visit. And thanks to trentbarton’s support, it’s now even easier to reach Nottingham and experience this festive landmark, as well as the city’s unique shops, eateries, and cultural spots.

, shared his excitement about working with trentbarton on this year’s installation:

“We’re excited to see trentbarton join us in celebrating Nottingham’s holiday spirit with this year’s 

. Their dedication to Nottingham and its people aligns perfectly with our mission to bring festive cheer to our city’s retail spaces and support local businesses. This installation will be a vibrant addition to Nottingham throughout the holiday season, and we’re thrilled that trentbarton is helping make it possible.”

With this stunning red bow lighting up Bridlesmith Gate, we hope to bring warmth and joy to everyone passing through our city centre. So grab a friend, the family, or your colleagues and experience the magic of Christmas in Nottingham. Snap a photo with the 

, explore our local shops, and make the most of this festive season right here in the heart of Nottingham.

routes into the city, so you can travel conveniently and sustainably. We’re looking forward to seeing you and spreading some festive cheer together!

For updates, follow us and trentbarton on social media. Let’s make this holiday season in Nottingham one to remember!

With so much on offer in Nottingham this festive season, you’ll find plenty to get you into the Christmas spirit. We've got a whole heap of 

 in the city - including some great spots for the 

Make sure you don’t miss out with our free app - loaded with the latest events, restaurants, activities, shops and more! 

We’ve teamed up with local transport provider trentbarton to bring a splash of festive cheer to Nottingham with our annual Big Red Bow installation!

We’ve pulled together some of our favourite events, which will get you in the festive mood from late November right up to the big day (and beyond!) From crisp afternoons outside to awe-inspiring concerts and theatre, there’s plenty here to fill up your diary!

Saturday 30 November: 10am - 7pm (last admission 5pm, museum closes 6pm)
Sunday 1 December: 10am - 4pm (last admission 3pm)

Kick off the festive season with our very own 

! Packed with over 40 stores from local vendors, live entertainment and kid-friendly free activities, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Browse for unique gifts or enjoy some early festive drinks and bites! Your entry also includes access to the Castle, where you can walk in the footsteps of local legend, Robin Hood. Entry is just £1 per person when you pre-book.

Find out more about the Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle

Get ready to shout “it’s behind you!” at the top of your voice! Panto fans out there are spoiled for choice with this year’s offering of three classic tales!

, running at Nottingham Playhouse from 29 November 2024 to 18 January 2025. When Jack exchanges the family cow for mysterious beans, little could he know the adventure that would begin. Join Jack as he climbs the beanstalk to explore the magical land above the clouds.

 at Nottingham Arts Theatre, which runs from 30 November to 15 December 2024. This classic story follows Cinderella and her friends, Buttons & Moz, as they try to get their chores done in time to go to Prince Charming’s party - but will they make it?

December sees the start of this year’s celebrity pantomime - 

, running at the Theatre Royal from 7 December 2024 to 12 January 2025. Starring Gok Wan, Denise Welch, Paul Chuckle and more, follow along with this swashbuckling adventure as Peter Pan goes on a magical trip to Neverland!

Prepare for a magical journey that captures the essence of Norway with an alpine forest, a crackling log ‘fire,’ an enchanting woodland landscape, and a 

, from 20 December 2024 to 5 January 2025.

Adding to the magical 20-minute immersive trail experience, is a full-size 

 for children to make reindeer food to take home with them. Families can also take part in a snowball challenge and meet a 

, marking the end of the memorising experience.

Donations are welcome for Nottinghamshire Hospice.

Get into the spirit of the season with Northern Ballet’s heartwarming telling of much-loved story, 

. During one magical night, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three mysterious ghosts who help him discover the true meaning of Christmas. Revisit this timeless tale through a festive feast of dance, music and storytelling which will transport you back to Victorian England. A Christmas Carol is at the Theatre Royal from November 26 to November 30.

13 November to 31 December 2024 (Closed Christmas day, times vary between attractions)

Regularly ranked as one of the UK’s best Christmas markets, 

 will take over Old Market Square again this winter. Alongside the host of independent market stalls, you’ll find the Ice Bar, Observation Wheel, Helter Skelter, Tobogganing and a range of food and drink outlets. Circling it all is the amazing Sky Rink outdoor ice rink. Entry to the market is free, with varied costs for each attraction.

National Ice Centre - open every day, Winter Family Fun Day on 1 December 2024

Nottingham Winter Wonderland ice skating - 13 November to 31 December 2024

Glide your way into the Christmas spirit with a festive skating session.

If outdoor skating is your thing, then why not explore Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland from a different perspective? Recent years have seen the addition of the 

 - the centrepiece of the Wonderland, and a unique experience where you can glide around the Wonderland from above. Back on ground level, you’ll also get access to the Ice Rink.

For a larger rink - and shelter from the elements! - head to Nottingham’s 

. Alongside skating sessions, there’s a specific 

 on 1 December. Here you’ll find loads of entertainment for all ages, with activities on and off the ice - as well as a festive Christmas light switch on!

Various dates between 25 November and 21 December 2024

, is back with an even bigger production after three sell-out tours. Enjoy the rich tapestry of Irish culture as talented singers, musicians and dancers perform all the festive favourites - alongside the best Irish sing-a-long songs of all time!

Fairytale of New York, Royal Concert Hall, 25 November 2024

For classical fans, Nottingham Harmonic Choir are performing Handel’s 

 in early December. Telling the story of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection, this dramatic piece is a Christmas favourite.

Messiah, Royal Concert Hall, 7 December 2024

Enjoy one of your favourite Christmas films as you’ve never seen it before! 

 combines the festive favourite with live music from the International Film Orchestra - performing the score live to the picture.

Home Alone in Concert, Royal Concert Hall, 8 December 2024

Looking for somewhere to eat while you're out and about? The fun's not just for meat-eaters - take a look at our round-up of the 

TRCH and Inspire Libraries are celebrating the beginning of the festive season with a 

 by talented young local singers. Including mashups of Christmas carols, pitch battles, and sublime singing, this concert offers a perfect start to the Christmas countdown.

An Inspired Christmas - Concert, Royal Concert Hall, 9 December 2024

Mid-December sees the acclaimed Down for the Count Orchestra bringing the festive season to life with their 

 extravaganza at the Albert Hall. Featuring a fresh take on timeless classics such as The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Let it Snow!, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, the concert showcases the sensational instrumentalists and vocalists in the orchestra.

Swing into Christmas, The Albert Hall, 17 December 2024

Closer to the big day itself, Nottingham Harmonic Choir return with their much-loved 

, where they’re joined by Thoresby Colliery Band. Including the chance to sing along with Christmas carols, as well as relax and enjoy a selection of other seasonal music, there are also plenty of opportunities for children to join in.

Family Carol Concert, Royal Concert Hall, 21 December 2024

While there’s loads to do in Nottingham for families, it’s great having a chance to dig out your best party frock for an evening of being merry and bright!

Kick-start the season with that festive staple - cheese and wine! Cleaver and Wake are offering a popular festive 

 evening on 29 November. You’ll be talked through size different wines, perfectly paired with a cheese board featuring local, British and international cheeses.

For the budding Agatha Christie’s among us, the National Justice Museum is serving up a treat with their festive murder mystery, 

. You’ll be transported back to the Winter Solstice of 1922 to join the residents of the local village. As a world-renowned Spiritualist is presented as the night’s entertainment, be prepared to enjoy an evening of intrigue, accusations, and suspicion. Your ticket includes arrival fizz or mocktail and a three-course Christmas meal alongside the murder mystery event.

To round off the pre-Christmas events, 21 December sees 

taking place in the stunning Pitcher & Piano church. With a black tie dress code and mesmerising entertainment, this elegant event is a perfect way to enjoy some Christmas magic!

 in the city - including some great spots for 

Whether you prefer to glam up and party the night away, indulge in a festive panto or browse amazing stalls at the Christmas markets - there’s heaps to choose from in Nottingham this year!

Christmas events in Nottingham 2024

It’s December and we are nearing Christmas when gifting is on all our minds. There’s not much that beats the anticipation of excitedly tearing paper off presents. But what if that gift just doesn’t hit right?

Why settle for guesswork when you can give the perfect gift and support our beloved city at the same time? The 

 takes the stress out of finding the ideal present, ensuring your loved ones can choose something they’ll truly enjoy. Plus, every purchase helps boost Nottingham’s vibrant city centre. It’s a win-win for everyone – because there’s no better way to show you care, for your loved ones and our city!

Get involved with the latest initiative to keep our high streets thriving and our favourite businesses standing strong. With a Nottingham Gift Card, you are giving so much more than just a gift - you are presenting your family and friends with an opportunity to indulge 

invest in their city – and it couldn’t be easier!

Acquire a card online or pick one up at John Lewis & Partners in Victoria Centre, it will give them access to more than 

120 shopping, dining and entertainment attractions

. This is no ordinary purchase; you are buying into a shopping tradition that turns a financial transaction into a sensory experience that simply sings festive spirit.

Think twinkly lights, seasonal aromas, and a sense of celebration in the air. Among the bustle of modern life, you are offering shoppers the chance to #takeamoment, peruse the rails and shelves, and choose something for themselves based on touch and feel, as well as what it looks like. Picture them running their hand over that cashmere sweater they’ve had their eye on for ages.

You are enticing them to book a treat weekend with endless possibilities. For the out-of-towners, a Christmas wish might be a luxurious night in one of our fine hotels, choosing to start their day with a light bite and browse at Delilah Fine Foods, before a heady scented experience at LUSH. They might long for a visit to Austen & Blake where precious jewellery and gems sparkle under shop spotlights, eyes widening with desire.

Maybe they would prefer a robust breakfast at Browns to fuel up before retail therapy that begins with a little ‘try before you buy’ at Molton Brown, opting for a top-notch product for the body or home. The beauty of the Nottingham Gift Card is that there’s no expiry date!

Check out the list online for a wide range of food and drink outlets, as well as music and entertainment venues, such as Rescue Rooms and Motorpoint Arena. For those committed to health and fitness, Up and Running and Virgin Active are also participating in the scheme. So, take a look, there is literally something for everyone!

And if a shopping trip extends into the evening, a meal in the lively atmosphere of Gusto, or a classic dish with a dash of magic at The Alchemist, would end a fulfilling day with a delicious flourish – maybe a cocktail or two at The Blind Rabbit?

Not exclusively for friends and family, the accessibility of this card option makes it the perfect thoughtful gift solution for colleagues and clients.

 an inspired idea, why not buy, load, and set one aside for yourself for a treat day? Go on, you know you deserve it!

What would you spend your Nottingham Gift Card on?

Experience the real feels of Christmas with the Nottingham Gift Card!

Here are our recommendations for a smashing vegetarian and vegan Christmas meal in Nottingham –

, the award-winning all-vegan restaurant, you can!

Indulge in Twelve’s crushed garlic and herb roasties, maple and rosemary glazed carrots, crispy breaded brussel sprouts, an exquisite Christmas flatbread, dig into wild mushroom served in a miso gravy and finish your feast on a sweet note with the chocolate ganache tart.

Eldon Chambers, Wheeler Gate, Nottingham NG1 2NS

 with a fine dining experience featuring regional and modern Indian and Pakistani cuisine, 

Here, you’re spoilt for choice with an abundance of flavours starting with crispy vegetable samosas and chilli paneer to saag paneer, yellow daal, and smoked aubergine. Cool and refresh your palette with a mango and passionfruit cheesecake before wrapping up your meal and unwrapping your Christmas presents!

12-14 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham NG1 6HS

? Keep yourself warm with a tomato and basil soup to start with, or dive into a beetroot carpaccio for a taste of freshness and smokiness. Enjoy a spiced cassoulet, tenderstem broccoli, toasted seeds and a yoghurt dressing. Decide between refreshing scoops of sorbet, black forest yule log or a classic Crème Brûlée.

Do you want to have an un-pho-gettable time with your friends and family this 

Whilst you nibble on prawn-less crackers, choose from crispy spring rolls or summer veggie rice paper rolls. Select your slurp of choice – hot and spicy noodle soup, curry noodle soup, wok-fried noodles, or go simple with a rice bowl or wok-fried rice. Top it up with tofu, mushrooms, vegan chicken, or all the greens.

End your meal with a slow-churned sorbet and warm banana fritters. That’s not all – keeping up with the tradition, Christmas crackers will be provided, too!

Looking for more foodie inspo? Take a look at our full round-up of the 

If Tobago street food, chickpeas, sweetcorn fritters, creamy coconut curry, and ginger-infused pudding are your thing, you need to escape to the 

The perfect fusion of rich Caribbean spices, cool cocktails, funky tunes, and a bustling environment make for an exciting Christmas meal. Guess what? You can also enjoy a perfect pairing to your meal from a 

The Cornerhouse, 12 Trinity Sq, Nottingham NG1 4DB

Give your Mediterranean tastebuds a whirl this 

. With so many delectable dishes on the menu, order as many dishes as you prefer! You can’t go wrong with a classic houmous and pita bread combination. However, if you want to try something new – the dolmades and Greek zucchini fritters are a must-try. Go classic Greek with the Spanakopita – puff pastry stuffed with spinach and feta, cooked to perfection.

Pamper yourself and your loved ones to delicious lush Indian cuisine fused with aromatic spices at 

. Swing into the meal with tangy chaats and continue to a vegan or veggie total potluck in the classic steel two-tier Indian tiffin box. Finally, finish with a warm Mowgli chocolate brownie with cooling ice cream or a homemade ice cream cone – all in a warm, welcoming ambience perfect for an intimate 

Your heart and tummy are guaranteed to be full by the end of the meal!

YO! Ho! Ho! Roll up your sleeves because you're in for a Japanese treat! Spruce it up this Christmas with 

. Think pumpkin katsu curry, vegetarian yakisoka, and minced pie cream puff. Tree-t yourself and your loved ones this festive season.

Top tip – Ensure to make your bookings well in advance!

Looking for more cracking places to celebrate Christmas?

 to browse restaurants, where to shop the perfect gifts, and get around Nottingham city centre. 

It's almost that thyme of the year – Christmas! Switch it up this year with a vegetarian twist and season the day!

Have a veggie Christmas!

Whether you've got toddlers or teenagers to entertain, Nottingham's got heaps to offer for the whole family.

There are budget-friendly activities through to festive treats, spots to hide from the weather, and opportunities to enjoy some fresh air!

Here we've pulled together our favourites - from the free Robin Hood Adventure Trail to pack in those steps (and work off a few mince pies!) through to action-packed ice skating and retro arcade gaming!

Take a look at our top picks - and for even more inspiration, download our 

Great for: Getting some steps in while you explore the city centre

The good news is, our Robin Hood's Adventure Trail is completely 

! You’ll be hunting out locations around the city centre to help Robin Hood find his merry friends. But beware - there might be some of Robin’s arch-enemies lurking nearby! Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?

There are plenty of city centre locations where you can pick up your free trail map, including Broadway Cinema, Nottingham Castle and the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall. And once you’ve found all of our local legend’s friends and foes, you’ll earn a special Robin Hood badge as a memento for completing the trail!

Robin Hood's Adventure Trail is a great way to get the kids out and about to burn off a bit of energy - while the adults get to enjoy the beautiful architecture, history and atmosphere of Nottingham city centre!

Find out more about how to do the trail here.

Join Pitcher & Piano every Sunday (from 1 December) leading up to Christmas for 

- a fun-filled family event designed just for you and your little ones! Each week brings a new theme, packed with two hours of engaging entertainment, interactive games, arts & crafts, and lively sing-a-longs.

Bring the whole family and make unforgettable memories together from 

Great for: Getting into the festive spirit with a sing-a-long 

★ Free family day out ★ Wet weather friendly

: Start your holiday season with a magical morning of festive tunes at Malt Cross's 

 event. Gather the family to enjoy classic carols and festive tunes together.

: Join Malt Cross for a creative day at the 

, where kids can make and decorate holiday baubles. This event is free; just register on the 

And don’t forget to stay for lunch - make it a day of family fun and celebration!

Great for: Sensory experiences for younger children

We’re lucky to have one of the largest contemporary art galleries in the UK here in Nottingham, and even more lucky that Nottingham Contemporary regularly hosts loads of family-friendly activities over the holidays!

 sensory play sessions for young children - 

Outside of the workshops, the gallery has free entry and has Family Explorer Resources and Sensory Bags available to use during your visit. The Toast Cafe also has a sensory-friendly menu for younger children.

So whether you’re diving in to escape the weather, or looking for a way to add some culture and creativity to your day out in the city, Nottingham Contemporary is a great place to visit!

Great for: Plenty of indoor fun to keep the kids occupied

Looking for something fun to do this Christmas holiday? 

has you covered with exciting activities and unbeatable deals perfect for families and friends alike! For £65, a family of four can enjoy a game of bowling, a round of crazy golf, two delicious 12" pizzas to share, and four refreshing soft drinks - everything you need for a great time together without breaking the bank.

With its festive atmosphere, Disco Bowl is the ideal spot to celebrate the season, whether you’re aiming for a strike or just enjoying good food and laughs. Gather the fam, lace up your bowling shoes, and get ready for a holiday experience full of fun and fantastic value!

Santa is taking a well-deserved break from his busy schedule—and he’s inviting you to join him! Bring your family to 

at John Lewis & Partners, where little ones and grown-ups alike can enjoy an enchanting Christmas story told by Santa himself.

Along with festive tales, guests will be treated to delicious snacks, warming cocoa, and even a special gift from Santa. It’s the perfect opportunity to create magical memories, sip on seasonal treats, and get into the holiday spirit together.

Don’t miss out on this cosy, one-of-a-kind Christmas experience!

Great for: Affordable family trip to the movies 

★ Wet weather friendly ★ Cheap family day out

 at Cineworld, where adults pay kids' prices with the Family Ticket! It’s perfect for one adult and one child (aged 14 or under) to enjoy a movie together for a discounted price.

Also worth checking out Movies For Juniors! These discounted weekly screenings feature family-friendly films for just £2.50 per ticket - whether you're a kid or a grown-up. The only rule? Adults must bring a child along! 

★ Wet weather friendly (wear sensible shoes and warm clothing)

Here in Nottingham, we have the UK’s largest collection of caves - with over 800 hidden beneath our city streets! At the City of Caves - part of the National Justice Museum - you can explore the biggest publicly accessible section of this incredible cave network. These original sandstone caves date back to the Dark Ages - keep an eye out for a WW2 air raid shelter and a medieval tannery as you explore! Enjoy the breathtaking experience as you see where people lived and worked under our city.

Great for: de-stressing and enjoying the quieter side of Nottingham city centre

This rejuvenated area of the city centre hosts the iconic British Waterways building (since converted into apartments) and shows a different side to Nottingham’s heritage.

See what wildlife you can spot - feed the ducks! - and watch the boats go by.

Fancy an unusual stop on your day out? The Canalside pub is famous for having a canal that extends inside the building, complete with a footbridge and resident narrow boats! This award-winning venue is family-friendly and boasts a large terrace, perfect for a relaxing refreshment break as you explore our amazing city centre!

Great for: Affordable family movie afternoons

Broadway Cinema is a nationally-recognised independent cinema - yet another amazing cultural venue that we’re lucky to enjoy in our city!

Their Family Film Club runs every Saturday afternoon - showing a popular family favourite from contemporary to classic!

It runs on a 'Pay What You Feel' model to prevent the price from being a barrier to families, with prices ranging from £2 to £10 a ticket. Each week is a different film, with previous screenings including Toy Story 2 and Mary Poppins!

Book your tickets for the Family Film Club here. 

Great for: A magical Christmas experience!

The National Ice Centre is a great spot for all ages - and they've got a whole heap of festive lineup of activities to keep the whole family entertained this holiday season. From Santa's Grotto to ice skating on the magical indoor rink, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

to view all the activities and timetables.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as 

 comes to life at Nottingham Playhouse! Running from Friday 29 November 2024 to Saturday 18 January 2025, this family-friendly pantomime promises laughter, magic, and plenty of surprises.

 for a holiday experience filled with wonder!

Great for: Action-packed activities under one roof

The Cornerhouse is a hive of activity and has a bounty of entertainment all under one roof - from a cinema, to restaurants, and even an adventure golf course!

 is a vibrant family-fun centre, full to the brim with activities for everyone to enjoy. It offers carnival games along with a miniature bowling alley to keep everyone entertained. Enjoy old favourites like Pacman, Space Invaders, and video games - and you can even pull out your best moves on the dance machine!

. Described as ‘epic fun for the whole family’, it’s a great activity that immerses you into a tropical storm with two courses full of obstacles to complete. There’s even a Tiki Bar to quench your thirst along the way – adventuring in the Lost City is thirsty work!

Great for: Relaxing and recuperating from the Christmas mayhem!

Need a bit of time out? Nottingham’s royal-themed salon, Beauty Temple, offers a ‘Mummy & Me’ package, where you can indulge in one adult treatment and two children’s mini treatments. Once you’re pampered out, round up your session with a hot chocolate and a cake, and leave with a gift for your little one.

Great for: Sharing your retro gaming memories with the kids!

Popular games bar, Penny Lane, is located in the historic Lace Market area of the city centre. It’s packed full of retro arcade games, including air hockey, 2p machines, table football and a ‘Donkey Derby’ among many others. Food and drink is available, so it’s a great spot for an extended lunch - or to hang out for an afternoon!

Penny Lane is open from midday all week throughout the school holidays, and under 18’s are welcome until 6pm every day when accompanied by a parent.

Looking for inspiration for some festive family days out this Christmas? Nottingham's packed with activities the whole family can enjoy - from exploring historic caves to action-packed gaming! Here are our favourite family-friendly activites in the city centre:

The best family days out in Nottingham this Christmas!!

Rainy days in Nottingham city centre offer a chance to explore its hidden gems and cultural treasures. So next time the clouds roll in, embrace the drizzle and discover the city in a whole new light. With these activities, your rainy day is bound to be anything but dull!

Start your rainy-day adventure by exploring 

, a historic gem located atop Castle Rock. The castle offers interactive exhibits that bring Nottingham's rich history to life, from Robin Hood legends to its industrial heritage. Don’t miss the atmospheric cave tours, which delve into the sandstone tunnels beneath the castle—a perfect rainy-day activity that’s as unique as it is intriguing.

Nottingham’s charm isn’t just reserved for sunny days. When rain clouds gather over the city centre, it opens up a world of cosy, cultural, and exciting indoor activities perfect for a day out. From museums to vibrant eateries, there’s no shortage of ways to keep spirits high while staying dry.

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