Christmas events in Nottingham 2024

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!

Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle

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 event at Nottingham Castle! 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

Panto

November 2024 to January 2025

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!

First to kick off is Jack and the Beanstalk, 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.

Next up is Cinderella 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 - Peter Pan, 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!

Dance

26 November to 30 November 2024

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

Nottingham Winter Wonderland

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

Regularly ranked as one of the UK’s best Christmas markets, Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland 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.

Ice skating

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 Sky Skate Ice Path - 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 National Ice Centre. Alongside skating sessions, there’s a specific Winter Family Fun Day 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!

Musical entertainment

Various dates between 25 November and 21 December 2024

The Irish-inspired Christmas concert, Fairytale of New York, 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 Messiah 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! Home Alone in Concert 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 best veggie & vegan spots!

TRCH and Inspire Libraries are celebrating the beginning of the festive season with a showcase of performances 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 Swing into Christmas 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 Family Carol Concert, 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

Adult-friendly events

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 cheese and wine tasting 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, The Spirit of Solstice. 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 The Snowflake Ball 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!

Make the most of your festive season!

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 top restaurants and places to eat in the city - including some great spots for families to enjoy a meal together.

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