Christmas events in Nottingham 2025

There’s plenty of festive fun to look forward to in Nottingham this year. From Christmas markets and pantos to live music, comedy and cosy nights out, we’ve rounded up some of the city’s best events to make your season extra special.

Jump to section:

Christmas markets

Panto

Ice skating

Festive carols

Family favourites

Festive nights & grown-up delights

Ringing in the New Year

Christmas markets

There’s nothing quite like a Christmas market to get you in the festive spirit. Wander the twinkling stalls, pick up unique gifts for loved ones and tuck into delicious street food along the way.

Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle

Nottingham Castle, 28 - 30 November

🧸 Family friendly 🧣 Outdoor activity 🛍️ Festive shopping 🍵 Food & drink

Kick off the festive season with our very own Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle, brought to you by It’s in Nottingham in partnership with Nottingham Castle and Nottingham City Council.

For the first time, this event now runs over three days, packed with more than 90 stores, live music and free family fun. Pick up unique gifts from local makers in the Makers Marquee, tuck into festive street food or warm up with a mulled wine by the bandstand.

Little ones will love the free face painting, carousel rides and colourful festive characters bringing cheer throughout the day. And with the Castle itself open to explore, it’s a great excuse to revisit one of Nottingham’s most iconic landmarks.

🎟️ Tickets: £2 adults / £1 children (under 15) when pre-booked online. Please note these prices won’t be available on the gate.

Find out more about the Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle

Nottingham Winter Wonderland

🧸 Family friendly 🧣 Outdoor activity (Indoor bars) 🛍️ Festive shopping 🍵Food & drink

Old Market Square, 12 November - 31 December (Closed Christmas Day)

Christmas in Nottingham wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Winter Wonderland. The city’s famous festive attraction returns to Old Market Square, transforming the heart of Nottingham into a sparkling winter village complete with market stalls, ice skating and the spectacular Sky Skate ice path - a one-of-a-kind experience that lets you glide above the city lights.

Take a spin on the Observation Wheel, sip cocktails in the Ice Bar, or cosy up in the Sur La Piste ski lodge with friends. You’ll find plenty of festive food stalls too, serving everything from bratwurst to Belgian waffles.

✨ Why not visit after dark to see the square sparkling with festive lights?

Panto

From booing the baddies to cheering the heroes, panto season is back! Nottingham’s theatres are pulling out all the stops for a festive line-up the whole family will love.

Sleeping Beauty

Nottingham Playhouse, 28 November - 17 January

🧸 Family friendly 🏠 Indoor activity

At Nottingham Playhouse, Sleeping Beauty takes to the stage in a spectacular mix of laughter, music and mayhem. When the wicked Maleficent casts a sleeping curse on the Princess, it’s up to a brave Prince - and plenty of true love - to save the day.

Expect dazzling costumes, brilliant special effects and all the comedy chaos you could hope for - led by Nottingham’s favourite dame John Elkington.

Cinderella

Theatre Royal, 28 November - 4 January

🧸 Family friendly 🏠 Indoor activity

Get ready for glamour, laughter and a little bit of ballroom magic as Cinderella glides into the Theatre Royal this Christmas. TV favourite Craig Revel Horwood stars as the fabulously wicked Stepmother, joined by a glittering cast including Neil Hurst as Buttons and Christina Bianco as the Fairy Godmother.

With lavish sets, glittering gowns, laugh-out-loud comedy and just the right amount of mischief, immerse yourself in the story as Cinders swaps her rags for riches and finds her Prince Charming.

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood

Nottingham Arts Theatre, 6 - 21 December

🧸 Family friendly 🏠 Indoor activity

Head into the heart of Sherwood Forest for a Nottingham classic! This year’s panto at Nottingham Arts Theatre follows Robin Hood, Maid Marian and the Merry Folk as they take on the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham in a tale packed with laughter, adventure and plenty of local mischief.

Packed with archery contests, daring rescues and plenty of laughter, this true community panto is the perfect mix of mayhem and merriment for the festive season.

Ice skating

Lace up your skates and take to the ice! It’s one of the most magical ways to celebrate the season - fun, festive and perfect for all ages.

National Ice Centre

Bolero Square, open every day

🧸 Family friendly 🏠 Indoor activity

Glide into Christmas at the National Ice Centre, where festive skating sessions run throughout the season. Whether you’re showing off your spins or just finding your balance, it’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Enjoy festive music, twinkling lights and plenty of space to show off your best moves - all without worrying about the weather outside. Skates are available to hire, so all you need to bring is your Christmas cheer!

❄️ Look out for themed sessions closer to Christmas - they’re always a hit with families!

Sky Skate Ice Path at Winter Wonderland

Old Market Square, 12 November - 31 December (Closed Christmas Day)

🧸 Family friendly 🧣Outdoor activity

For a truly magical festive experience, take to the Sky Skate Ice Path at Nottingham Winter Wonderland - the only rink of its kind in the UK. Glide high above Old Market Square, enjoying the view of twinkling lights and festive stalls before looping back down to the rink below.

It’s skating with a view - and one of Nottingham’s must-do festive experiences.

✨ Evening sessions are especially magical when the market sparkles below you.

Festive carols

Warm up those vocal cords - it’s time for some festive singing! Whether you love a classic carol or a lively sing-along, these events are guaranteed to lift your Christmas spirits.

Festive Feast + Beer & Carols

Malt Cross, 8 - 11 December

🍸Adults only (Aged 16+) 🏠 Indoor activity 🍵 Food & drink

Get into the festive spirit with beer and carols at the Malt Cross. Start your evening with their Festive Feast - a delicious Christmas dinner with all the trimmings - and enjoy a complimentary mulled wine.

Afterwards, join the crowd around the Christmas tree for the pub’s much-loved carol sing-along, filled with laughter, mince pies and plenty of seasonal cheer. It’s a Nottingham favourite for good reason!

A portion of every booking goes to YMCA’s Winter Campaign, helping to support vulnerable people in Nottingham this Christmas.

🎅 Christmas hats and jumpers are an essential!

Nottingham Harmonic Choir’s Family Carol Concert

Royal Concert Hall, 20 December

🧸 Family friendly 🏠 Indoor activity

Take a breather from the Christmas rush and enjoy a heart-warming afternoon of music at the Family Carol Concert. Set in the impressive Royal Concert Hall, this festive favourite combines sing-along carols, joyful performances and plenty of sparkle from Nottingham Harmonic Choir and Thoresby Colliery Band, conducted by Luke Pallister.

Children (up to Year 6) are invited to join in on stage - with a few lucky ones even getting to conduct the band! Expect plenty of child-friendly favourites, including Let it Go, in a relaxed and friendly setting.

Family favourites

Big screens, classic stories and plenty of festive fun - these family favourites are guaranteed to bring smiles all round this Christmas.

The Muppet Christmas Carol - Live in Concert

Royal Concert Hall, 30 November

🧸 Family friendly 🏠 Indoor activity

Join Kermit, Miss Piggy and the whole Muppet gang for a magical screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol, brought to life by a live orchestra performing the film’s original score.

Watch as Michael Caine’s Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future - with Gonzo as Dickens himself, narrating the story in true Muppet style. It’s the perfect blend of music, laughter and nostalgia for all ages.

Christmas at the Movies

Royal Concert Hall, 7 December

🧸 Family friendly 🏠 Indoor activity

Get ready for a night of festive film magic as the International Film Orchestra brings your favourite Christmas soundtracks to life on stage. From Elf and The Polar Express to Frozen, Home Alone and The Grinch, it’s a heart-warming celebration of movie music.

You’ll also hear the spellbinding scores from Harry Potter, Star Wars and Beauty & The Beast, featuring the incredible vocals of Paul Pashley. A show full of nostalgia, warmth and family cheer - perfect for kicking off the season in style.

Horrible Christmas

Royal Concert Hall, 19 - 22 December

🧸 Family friendly 🏠 Indoor activity

The team behind Horrible Histories are back - and this time, Christmas is in trouble! Join a young hero on a hilarious adventure through time as he teams up with Charles Dickens, St. Nicholas, Henry VIII and more to save the season from disaster.

Packed with laughter, songs and plenty of festive mayhem, Horrible Christmas is the perfect treat for families who like their history with a cheeky twist.

⭐ This is a great choice for older kids who’ve grown up with Horrible Histories - educational, funny and full of festive spirit!

Festive nights & grown-up delights

Christmas isn’t just for the kids - from wreath-making and cocktails to concerts and comedy, these Nottingham events are perfect for a festive catch-up with friends.

A Fairytale for Christmas

Royal Concert Hall, 5 November

🧸 Family friendly 🏠 Indoor activity

Get ready for toe-tapping tunes and festive cheer as A Fairytale for Christmas returns to the Royal Concert Hall. After four sell-out tours, this Irish-inspired concert is back with an even bigger show - blending Christmas classics like O Holy Night and Step into Christmas with Irish favourites including The Galway Girl and The Irish Rover.

With live music, dazzling dance and a good dose of sing-along spirit, it’s a joyful celebration that brings a little St Patrick’s Day energy to Christmas.

☘️ Why not start (or end) the night with a bit more Irish spirit at Katie O’Brien’s Irish Tavern, just down the road at Long Row?

Festive Wreath Making

Cleaver & Wake, 22 November

🍸Adult event 🏠 Indoor activity

Start the season in style with a wreath-making workshop at Cleaver & Wake. Set in their beautiful upstairs event space, this relaxed session will guide you through creating your own handmade Christmas wreath - complete with all the greenery, ribbons and festive touches you’ll need.

A welcome glass of bubbles sets the tone for a creative and cosy event, with additional drinks available to purchase throughout the session. Leave with your very own masterpiece - and a front door that’s sure to make the neighbours jealous!

Christmas with Anton Du Beke

Royal Concert Hall, 2 December

🧸 Family friendly 🏠 Indoor activity

Step into a festive wonderland with Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke, as he brings music, dance and glamour to the Royal Concert Hall this Christmas. Joined by his live band, the incredible vocalist Lance Ellington and a troupe of dazzling dancers, Anton promises an evening packed with charm, laughter and seasonal cheer.

From show-stopping numbers to heart-warming Christmas classics, it’s a fab-u-lous night out for anyone who loves a touch of ballroom magic.

Oh Come All Ye Dreadful: A Festive Murder Mystery

National Justice Museum, Selected dates between 27 November - 20 December

🍸Adults only (aged 18+) 🏠 Indoor activity

Step into the shadows of 1930s Nottingham for an unforgettable night of mystery at the National Justice Museum. Set in the city’s infamous Narrow Marsh, this immersive experience plunges you into the world of The Boon Gang- where secrets, betrayals and a Christmas party gone wrong set the stage for a thrilling whodunnit.

As the story unfolds, you’ll gather clues, question suspects and piece together the truth before it’s too late. With a festive meal and drinks included, it’s a night of intrigue, laughter and vintage Nottingham grit.

Simon Amstell, Lucy Beaumont, Phil Wang, Sarah Keyworth: Live At Christmas

Royal Concert Hall, 12 December

🍸Adults only (Age guidance 16+) 🏠 Indoor activity

Get ready for a night of festive laughs as some of the country’s best comedians take over the Royal Concert Hall for Live at Christmas. Headlined by Simon Amstell, the all-star line-up also features Lucy Beaumont, Phil Wang, Sarah Keyworth and Sharon Wanjohi, hosted by John Robbins.

From sharp stand-up to quick-fire storytelling, it’s a feel-good evening of comedy that’s guaranteed to lift your spirits before the holidays.

Ringing in the New Year

Get ready to raise a glass, hit the dance floor and welcome 2026 with an unforgettable night out in Nottingham.

NYE in the Church

Pitcher & Piano, 31 December

🍸Adults only (18+) 🏠 Indoor activity

Ring in 2026 in unforgettable style at Pitcher & Piano, as the iconic Lace Market church transforms into Nottingham’s most atmospheric New Year’s Eve party.

Following last year’s sell-out success, Gok Wan returns as the headliner, joined by El Johno, LAILOW and Martin Beirne for a night of incredible music, energy and celebration beneath the stained-glass windows.

With world-class music, a stunning setting and a crowd ready to dance into the early hours, it’s the ultimate way to say goodbye to 2025 and welcome in the new year.

Make the most of your festive season in Nottingham!

With so many events, restaurants and activities to explore, there’s plenty to keep the Christmas spirit going. From family meals to nights out with friends, discover everything the city has to offer with our free app - packed with the latest events, food spots, shops and more. Download it here.