Last updated: 11 November 2024
Experience the best of the holidays in Mansfield! Our guide showcases all the must-see events and activities. For Mansfield experts and wide-eyed newcomers, our guide is your compass to yuletide treasures.
Popular events this season include the Nottingham Christmas Market, where visitors can stroll through festive stalls filled with artisanal crafts and seasonal treats. The Winter Wonderland features a magical ice skating rink, providing fun for all ages. And the enchanting Light Post Farm is something you definitely don’t want to miss, transforming the landscape with its dazzling displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Mansfield Holiday Markets and Shopping
Nottingham Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of international and local traders with live entertainment.
- Description
- Nottingham Christmas Market offers a variety of stalls selling artisan cheeses, plants, homemade chutneys, mead, jewelry, scents, fashion, and more. Enjoy live entertainment, including music and an 'ice disco,' while skating on the ice rink or taking in panoramic views from the observation wheel.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : Nottingham Christmas Market
Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Unique ice skating experience with panoramic views.
- Description
- Nottingham Winter Wonderland features an ice rink, sky skate, ice bar, and various themed bars, along with a Christmas market offering local and international goods, live entertainment, and festive food options.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : Winter Wonderland
Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle
- What to Expect
- Local independent traders selling unique holiday items.
- Description
- The Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle features over 35 independent stallholders offering a variety of local goods, including freshly baked treats, cheeses, gins, arts, crafts, and handmade jewelry. The event also includes live music and family-friendly entertainment.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle
Rufford Abbey Mini Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Seasonal shopping with local vendors.
- Description
- Rufford Abbey Mini Christmas Market offers a delightful shopping experience with a variety of seasonal items and gifts, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
- Where
- Ollerton | More Info : Rufford Abbey Mini Christmas Market
Idlewells Shopping Centre Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local traders and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- Idlewells Shopping Centre hosts a Christmas Market featuring local traders selling festive items, handmade crafts, and seasonal treats.
- Where
- Sutton in Ashfield | More Info : Idlewells Shopping Centre Christmas Market
Buxton Christmas Markets
- What to Expect
- Local artisan food and drink producers with curated gifts.
- Description
- Buxton Christmas Markets offer a variety of artisan food and drink producers, handpicked curated gifts, and local artists' work in a grand setting.
- Where
- Buxton | More Info : Buxton Christmas Markets
Mansfield Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Cinderella Pantomime
- What to Expect
- Diverse cast with extensive stage experience.
- Description
- A classic tale of Aladdin, featuring a talented cast including James Mackenzie as Abanazar, Ben Harlow as Widow Twankey, and Adam Moss as Wishee Washee. The production includes diverse roles and extensive stage experience.
- Where
- Mansfield | More Info : Cinderella Pantomime
Masquerade Christmas Ball
- What to Expect
- Elegant masquerade ball with bespoke decorations and live entertainment.
- Description
- Indulge in lavish surroundings at the Venetian Masquerade Ball, where guests can revel in mystery and intrigue amidst stunning room decorations and themed props.
- Where
- Mansfield | More Info : Masquerade Christmas Ball
Christmas Afternoon Tea @ Wollaton Hall
- What to Expect
- Elegant afternoon tea in a historic Elizabethan mansion.
- Description
- Savor a delightful afternoon tea amidst the grandeur of Wollaton Hall, featuring homemade sandwiches, delicious cakes, and specialty teas.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : Christmas Afternoon Tea @ Wollaton Hall
An inspired Christmas Concert
- What to Expect
- Showcase of talented young singers performing festive music.
- Description
- Join us at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham for an Inspired Christmas Concert, featuring talented young singers from Nottinghamshire schools and choirs. Enjoy mind-blowing mashups of Christmas carols and seasonal songs, along with joyous pitch battles and sublime singing. All hosted by John Hess in his best Christmas jumper, with a wonderful musical welcome in the foyer and entertainment during the interval by DRING and Jude Kirk.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : An inspired Christmas Concert
A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show
- What to Expect
- 45-minute drone light show experience with heart-warming narration and festive celebration.
- Description
- Witness Charles Dickens' timeless Christmas classic come to life in a captivating new animated drone light show, narrated by Matt Lucas. The show features famous characters brought to life in the sky, taking spectators on a heart-warming journey through the immortal tale of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve and his ghostly visitors who lead him to profound transformation. Enjoy magic in the sky and festive favourites in the food village at Trent Bridge stadium.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show
Jack & the Beanstalk
- What to Expect
- Classic pantomime with a legendary dame and audience participation.
- Description
- Join Jack on an epic adventure as he climbs an enormous beanstalk to discover a land above the clouds, where a ferocious giant lurks. Packed with comedy chaos courtesy of Nottingham’s favourite dame, John Elkington, this show features live music, spectacular special effects, and dazzling costumes.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : Jack & the Beanstalk
Peter Pan
- What to Expect
- High-flying adventure with beloved characters and special effects.
- Description
- Join Peter Pan and his beloved friends in a swashbuckling adventure filled with amazing special effects, stunning sets, and beautiful costumes. The cast includes TV fashionista Gok Wan as The Magical Merman, TV personality Denise Welch as Captain Hook, children’s TV favourite Paul Chuckle as Starkey, and comedy ventriloquist Steve Hewlett as Smee. This family treat includes all your favourites from Neverland, including Tinker Bell, Wendy, John, and Michael Darling.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : Peter Pan
Festive Afternoon Tea @ Talbot Suite
- What to Expect
- Elegant afternoon tea experience with a variety of teas and treats.
- Description
- Savor a delightful afternoon tea experience at the Talbot Suite, featuring an exquisite selection of teas and delectable treats in a cozy, elegant setting.
- Where
- Newark | More Info : Festive Afternoon Tea @ Talbot Suite
Carlton Christmas Concert
- What to Expect
- Traditional male voice choir performing holiday classics.
- Description
- The Carlton Christmas Concert features a blend of classic and contemporary music performed by the Merry Carlton Male Voice Choir, creating a harmonious and uplifting atmosphere.
- Where
- Arnold | More Info : Carlton Christmas Concert
Christmas with Carly Paoli and Friends
- What to Expect
- World-class vocal performance with special guest artists.
- Description
- Join Carly Paoli and friends for an unforgettable evening of holiday music and entertainment, featuring a diverse range of festive classics and modern hits.
- Where
- Mansfield | More Info : Christmas with Carly Paoli and Friends
Viennese Christmas Spectacular
- What to Expect
- Classical music concert with a Viennese twist.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas with a Viennese twist at St. Mary's Church, featuring Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 5, and Strauss II's Blue Danube Waltz.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : Viennese Christmas Spectacular
Mansfield Other Holiday Activities
Light Post Farm
- What to Expect
- Immersive animal experiences with diverse species.
- Description
- White Post Farm offers a variety of animal encounters, including giraffe experiences, bird aviaries, and reptile exhibits. Visitors can also explore indoor and outdoor play areas, enjoy tea rooms and lunch barns, and participate in activities like falconry and wallaby walks.
- Where
- Farnsfield | More Info : Light Post Farm
Christmas Experience @ Wheelgate
- What to Expect
- Interactive reindeer experience and festive light displays.
- Description
- Explore Wheelgate Park this festive season with thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations. Meet Rudy the Reindeer and experience the joy of Christmas with Santa's Grotto open all December, except Tuesdays, with a special appearance on Christmas Eve.
- Where
- Newark | More Info : Christmas Experience @ Wheelgate
Candle Making @ The Lace Market
- What to Expect
- Hands-on candle and glass painting workshop with all materials provided.
- Description
- Create your own unique scented candle and glass coaster at Debbie Bryan's workshop in Nottingham's Lace Market. Select your desired color and fragrance, then practice your glass painting skills while your wax sets.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : Candle Making @ The Lace Market
Hardwick Wintertide
- What to Expect
- Interactive displays and handmade decorations in an Elizabethan setting.
- Description
- Hardwick Wintertide is a holiday event at Hardwick Hall featuring handmade decorations, a mischievous Lord of Misrule, and interactive displays. Visitors can explore the mansion, gardens, and Cart Shed while enjoying twinkly lights and festive family fun.
- Where
- Chesterfield | More Info : Hardwick Wintertide
Magical Winter Wonderland @ Twinlakes Park
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday activities and a top-notch family Christmas grotto.
- Description
- Twinlakes Park transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with festive activities, gingerbread decorating, real reindeer, and an immersive Christmas grotto experience.
- Where
- Melton Mowbray | More Info : Magical Winter Wonderland @ Twinlakes Park
Santa's Grotto @ Rufford Abbey
- What to Expect
- Special gift for each child.
- Description
- Meet Santa at Rufford Abbey Country Park, where children can receive a special gift and enjoy a memorable holiday experience with their families. The event offers time slots from 9:15 AM to 4:00 PM on select dates in November and December, with tickets priced at £9.95 per child.
- Where
- Ollerton | More Info : Santa's Grotto @ Rufford Abbey
Santa Train Ride
- What to Expect
- Festive steam train ride with Santa and professional entertainment.
- Description
- Join Santa and his helpers on a festive steam train ride through the Derbyshire countryside. Enjoy professional entertainment, a wonderful age-suitable gift for each child, and a glass of wine and mince pie for adults. Dietary requirements can be catered for, and assistance dogs are allowed. Wheelchair users can be accommodated in a designated accessible space.
- Where
- Derbyshire | More Info : Santa Train Ride
Festive Ice-Skating lessons
- What to Expect
- Skating with festive characters like gingerbread men and reindeer.
- Description
- Join us for festive ice-skating lessons at the National Ice Centre, where you can skate among festive characters and enjoy a fun-filled experience with your family.
- Where
- Nottingham | More Info : Festive Ice-Skating lessons
Christmas Wreath Making
- What to Expect
- Hands-on wreath making with complimentary mulled wine and nibbles.
- Description
- Create your own Christmas wreath using seasonal foliage in a warm and cozy setting, hosted by experienced florists.
- Where
- Mansfield | More Info : Christmas Wreath Making