Last updated: 11 November 2024
Feel the festive spirit in Kirkby in Ashfield! Our guide will connect you with all the community events. Whether you're a local or exploring Kirkby in Ashfield for the first time, our guide has your holiday plans covered.
This holiday season, the enchanting Christmas at Chatsworth invites visitors to experience the grandeur of the estate, adorned with twinkling lights and stunning decorations. With its traditional wooden chalets offering an array of artisan gifts, the Nottingham Christmas Market fills the air with the scent of mulled wine and festive treats. And the Christmas Market at Chatsworth is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing an array of unique festive stalls in a beautiful setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Kirkby in Ashfield Holiday Light Displays
Ride and Light Trail Illumination Evenings at Wheelgate Park
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light displays and themed rides in a fairytale setting.
- Description
- At Wheelgate Park, immerse yourself in stunning light displays and themed rides from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. Explore Santa's Grotto and the fun Toy Workshop, indulge in festive menus and drinks, and enjoy cozy indoor areas and huge play zones.
- Where
- Newark | More Info : Ride and Light Trail Illumination Evenings at Wheelgate Park
Kirkby in Ashfield Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas at Chatsworth
- What to Expect
- Interactive light trail and festive farmyard decorations.
- Description
- Immerse yourself in a festive Christmas experience at Chatsworth, featuring over 20 decorated rooms, an interactive light trail, and a farmyard dressed in Christmas decorations. Enjoy interactive exhibits, guinea pig cuddling sessions, and Christmas crafts.
- Where
- Bakewell | More Info : Christmas at Chatsworth
Christmas Market at Chatsworth
- What to Expect
- Extensive variety of local and British-made gifts and food.
- Description
- The Chatsworth Christmas market offers over 100 stalls selling a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations, live music, and seasonal food and drink. Explore exclusive ranges in the Stables shop, featuring home, garden, and fashion gifts from local and British makers. Enjoy mulled wine or German beer at outdoor bars and sample gourmet food options.
- Where
- Bakewell | More Info : Christmas Market at Chatsworth
Rufford Abbey's Mini Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Seasonal shopping with local vendors.
- Description
- Rufford Abbey's Mini Christmas Market offers a delightful shopping experience with a variety of gifts and seasonal items, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all to enjoy.
- Where
- Ollerton | More Info : Rufford Abbey's Mini Christmas Market
Nottingham Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of ice skating, festive food, and holiday shopping.
- Description
- Nottingham Winter Wonderland is a vibrant Christmas event in Old Market Square, featuring an ice rink, sky skate, ice bar, and various festive food and drink options. The market offers a range of stalls selling handmade gifts, local delicacies, and unique souvenirs. Live entertainment and attractions like the observation wheel and toboggan slide add to the event's charm.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : Nottingham Christmas Market
Christmas Market at Idlewells Shopping Centre
- What to Expect
- Local traders selling unique gifts and seasonal treats.
- Description
- Idlewells Shopping Centre hosts a vibrant Christmas Market featuring local traders offering a variety of gifts, seasonal treats, and unique items.
- Where
- Sutton in Ashfield | More Info : Christmas Market at Idlewells Shopping Centre
Kirkby in Ashfield Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Storytime with Father Christmas at Chatsworth
- What to Expect
- Autism-friendly sessions available for a more relaxed experience.
- Description
- At Chatsworth, join Father Christmas for a special storytime session, where children will listen to the tale of the first Christmas, help make reindeer food, and receive a small gift to take home. The event includes entry to the farmyard and playground, as well as a craft activity with the elves.
- Where
- Bakewell | More Info : Storytime with Father Christmas at Chatsworth
Winter Ball at Chatsworth
- What to Expect
- Elegant four-course dinner with live entertainment.
- Description
- The Winter Ball at Chatsworth is a sophisticated Christmas celebration featuring a four-course dinner, live entertainment, and a tour of the North Wing of the house decorated for Christmas.
- Where
- Bakewell | More Info : Winter Ball at Chatsworth
Winter Silent Disco at Chatsworth
- What to Expect
- 80s music and Christmas classics in a festive setting.
- Description
- Dance the night away to 80s music and Christmas classics with state-of-the-art headphones at Chatsworth Carriage House, where a bottle and cocktail bar, along with non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, and sweet treats, will be available.
- Where
- Bakewell | More Info : Winter Silent Disco at Chatsworth
Christmas Concert at Bonington Theatre
- What to Expect
- André Rieu’s concert featuring his orchestra and special guest artists.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season with André Rieu’s dazzling Christmas Concert, Gold and Silver, exclusively in cinemas. This event brings joy, warmth, and sparkle to the big screen with André Rieu joined by his beloved Johann Strauss Orchestra and special guest artists.
- Where
- Arnold | More Info : Christmas Concert at Bonington Theatre
Movies and Memories: 'It's A Wonderful Life'
- What to Expect
- Live radio play adaptation of a beloved film.
- Description
- A theatrical adaptation of the 1946 Christmas classic, 'It's A Wonderful Life,' exploring its journey from Hollywood failure to feel-good film success, based on the original screenplay by Frank Capra and source material 'The Greatest Gift' by Philip Van Doren.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : Movies and Memories: 'It's A Wonderful Life'
Peter Pan Christmas Show
- What to Expect
- High-flying adventure with TV personalities and special effects.
- Description
- Join Peter Pan and his beloved characters in a high-flying swashbuckling adventure filled with amazing special effects, stunning sets, and beautiful costumes. Gok Wan leads the cast as The Magical Merman, alongside Denise Welch as Captain Hook, Paul Chuckle as Starkey, and Steve Hewlett as Smee. The show includes all your favourites from Neverland, including Tinker Bell, Wendy, John, and Michael Darling.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : Peter Pan Christmas Show
Mouse and the Deep, Dark Wood
- What to Expect
- Interactive storytelling with memorable woodland characters.
- Description
- Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood as he searches for hazelnuts and encounters cunning creatures. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from becoming dinner? This musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's classic picture book features songs, laughs, and monstrous fun for children aged 3 and up.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : Mouse and the Deep, Dark Wood
Festive Afternoon Tea at Rufford Mill
- What to Expect
- Elegant afternoon tea in a historic setting.
- Description
- Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea experience at the Talbot Suite in Rufford Mill, featuring a selection of delicious treats and warm hospitality.
- Where
- Newark | More Info : Festive Afternoon Tea at Rufford Mill
Kirkby in Ashfield Other Holiday Activities
Creating Christmas: Behind the Scenes Tour at Chatsworth
- What to Expect
- Behind-the-scenes insights into Chatsworth's festive preparations.
- Description
- Join Susie Stokoe, Creative Director of Christmas at Chatsworth, for a guided tour of key rooms in the house. Learn about the creative direction and development of this year’s Christmas exhibition and illuminated walk, including insights into collaborating with Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho to create the narrative of Henry and the Chatsworth Lion’s Christmas Feast. The tour includes a hot drink and time to ask questions, with entry to A Christmas Feast at Chatsworth House and the garden light display.
- Where
- Bakewell | More Info : Creating Christmas: Behind the Scenes Tour at Chatsworth
Hand Poured Candle Workshop at Chatsworth
- What to Expect
- Hands-on candle making with expert guidance.
- Description
- Create a set of handmade wax melts and candles to take home this Christmas. This candle making workshop in the garden art studio offers a hands-on experience to explore the art of candle making. Participants will craft a full set of soy wax melts, design a rolled and appliqué wax-decorated beeswax candle, and pour a unique scented votive candle. The workshop includes tea, coffee, and entry to Christmas at Chatsworth House and Garden after the session.
- Where
- Bakewell | More Info : Hand Poured Candle Workshop at Chatsworth
Seasonal Paper Centrepiece Workshop at Chatsworth
- What to Expect
- Hands-on paper crafting with eco-friendly materials.
- Description
- Craft a beautiful paper centrepiece under the guidance of paper artist Kim Bevan, using eco-friendly materials like recycled paper, card, and wire. This workshop includes a locally sourced graze box lunch and complimentary tickets to the Chatsworth Garden to enjoy the Christmas light display.
- Where
- Bakewell | More Info : Seasonal Paper Centrepiece Workshop at Chatsworth
Christmas Papercut Scene Workshop at Chatsworth
- What to Expect
- Unique paper cutting techniques to create a one-off artwork.
- Description
- Create a 3D paper cut Christmas scene using scalpels, scissors, glue, paper, and pencils. Learn to construct a tunnel book structure and create imagery throughout the pages using paper cutting techniques. All materials are provided, and you will be taught by experienced paper artist Kim Bevan.
- Where
- Bakewell | More Info : Christmas Papercut Scene Workshop at Chatsworth
Twilight Dinner at Chatsworth
- What to Expect
- Candlelit dinner with live jazz music and expertly paired wines.
- Description
- Celebrate the winter solstice with a Twilight Dinner at Chatsworth, combining history, art, live jazz music, and gourmet dining. Begin the evening with champagne in the candlelit Sculpture Gallery, followed by an intimate gathering at the Cavendish Restaurant for a three-course gourmet dinner.
- Where
- Bakewell | More Info : Twilight Dinner at Chatsworth
Santa's Grotto at Rufford Abbey
- What to Expect
- Special gift from Santa included in child's ticket.
- Description
- Visit Santa's Grotto at Rufford Abbey Country Park, where children can meet Santa and receive a special gift. Time slots are available between 9:15 AM and 4:00 PM on select dates in November and December. Two adults can accompany each child at no extra cost, and seating is available with warm refreshments.
- Where
- Ollerton | More Info : Santa's Grotto at Rufford Abbey
Festive Bingo Party
- What to Expect
- Interactive bingo games with hilarious prizes and live music.
- Description
- Join Park Plaza Nottingham for a unique bingo party night featuring a sparkling drinks reception, a two-course festive dinner, and hilarious bingo games with exciting prizes. The evening culminates with music from our resident DJ until the early hours.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : Festive Bingo Party
Magical Winter Wonderland at Twinlakes Park
- What to Expect
- Unique golden ticket for each child to choose a gift from Santa's toyshop.
- Description
- Twinlakes Park transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with thrilling rides, captivating attractions, and a top-notch family Christmas grotto. Enjoy gingerbread decorating, Christmas hunts, and real reindeer, along with 125,000 sq feet of heated indoor adventure zones and spectacular light displays.
- Where
- Melton Mowbray | More Info : Magical Winter Wonderland at Twinlakes Park
Hardwick Elizabethan Christmas
- What to Expect
- Elizabethan-themed holiday celebration with interactive displays and handmade decorations.
- Description
- Hardwick Elizabethan Christmas features handmade decorations, interactive displays, and festive family fun, including a mulled wine experience and lantern tours.
- Where
- Chesterfield | More Info : Hardwick Elizabethan Christmas
Norwood Park Afternoon Tea
- What to Expect
- Traditional Afternoon Tea with vegan and vegetarian options.
- Description
- Indulge in a delightful two-hour Afternoon Tea at Norwood Park, featuring scrumptious sandwiches, delicate cakes, and a selection of teas and coffees. Enjoy the beautifully decorated surroundings and quality time with friends and family.
- Where
- Southwell | More Info : Norwood Park Afternoon Tea