It’s December, and you know what that means… Christmas! If you’re like me, you’ll be soaking in every minute of the festive season to prolong the excitement. And let’s be honest, Christmas has never been quite the same since growing up – it’s less about Santa and more about love and family. So, Christmas activities like Santa’s grotto and feeding the reindeers may appeal to you less these days. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things you can do to feel in the Christmas spirit!
Let’s start with the main attraction in Nottingham at Christmas: the Christmas Market! Pop down to Market Square to see the beautiful Christmas lights and stalls galore, full of delicious food and cute gift shops. My personal favourite food stall is the Yorkshire pudding one, where you can get a basically a Sunday dinner in a Yorkshire pudding wrap. Genius. They also have burgers, falafel and chip stalls, as well as sweet treats like crepes and waffles. So, go on down and get a tasty meal or go to the pop-up bar for a drink and soak up the mini Winter Wonderland that Nottingham has to offer.
Another attraction which is unmissable is the Wollaton Lights. If you don’t know, Wollaton Park is a gorgeous estate that is a quintessential picnic location in summer. However, their winter appeal is their amazing light show. Walk through the display to see all kinds of festive lights and decorations – just make sure to wrap up warm!
Normally, the Christmas Market at Nottingham has an ice-skating rink, but this year it hasn’t appeared. Nonetheless, you can still go ice skating at the national ice centre not far from Market Square. As a plus, it’s indoors so less chilly but still lets you have the experience. Maybe a spot to go after the market?
Another event you could wrap up your Christmassy day with after the Market and ice-skating is a good ol’ pantomime! This year, the Theatre Royal is holding a Robin Hood play from the 11th December to the 9th January. Pantomine’s take me back to school trips as a kid, and bring back that magical Christmas feeling. It even has some famous faces, like Tristan Gemmill (AKA Robert from Coronation street) and Matt Terry from X factor!