It’s getting to that time of the year; the lights are up, mulled wine is out, adverts are flooding our screens and ‘Elf’ has already aired on Channel 4. I think it’s time that we all embrace the fact that it’s Chriiiiiiistmaaaaaaaaas! With films like ‘Love Actually’ and ‘The Holiday’ having the dust blown off and being slotted into the DVD player, the pressure is on for this time of the year to become the season of romance.
These fictional situations however, only provide us with unrealistic expectations; men aren’t that clued up to women, we’re students (let’s face it, we’re on a budget, flying across continents is not exactly an option) and no-one looks like Cameron Diaz and Jude Law frolicking around in the snow (plus, it would actually have to snow first). But you don’t just have to have the mistletoe and wine this Christmas to make it a special time with that special someone. Here are my top 5 date ideas this Christmas in Nottingham.
5) Wining and Dining
Who ever said that traditional was boring? Never underestimate the value of just going out for a meal, especially now the Christmas menus are out! A huge variety of restaurants in Nottingham City Centre are offering delicious food and festive drinks, many of which have student discounts as an added bonus. This is particularly suitable for newer couples, as it gives you an opportunity to talk and spend time together where you can really focus on getting to know one another in a more relaxing environment.
4) Mini-Golf and the Flicks
All situated in one building to shelter you from the wintery chill, enjoy a game of crazy golf followed by a movie. The intimate nature of the golf course offers lots of nooks and crannies to sneak a cheeky kiss, plus you can introduce an element of healthy competitiveness into your relationship in attempting to beat your partner. Then there’s the sheer selection of huge movies available over the season, including (but not limited to) ‘The Hunger Games Part 3’, ‘The Imitation Game’ and ‘The Hobbit’. Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to snuggle up and watch the Mockingjay revolution?
3) Royal Concert Hall
If you’ve never been to the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham then you’re really missing out! The stunning architecture of the building alone is enough to keep you interested and then there’s the panto, ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’, running from Sunday 6th December. Nothing screams festive more than a good panto, and you can cuddle up and have a laugh together which, of course, is what Christmas is all about. If it’s musicals that you prefer, then on the 18th December, ‘The Best of the West End at Christmas’ is returning to Nottingham due to popular demand. Here you can see the West End stars perform some of their most iconic songs (no, unfortunately this doesn’t involve the ‘Frozen’ soundtrack).
2) Ice-Skating
You’ve got your gloves, hat and scarf on anyway, all you need to do is trade your boots for some skates and you’ve got yourselves an adorable date. If you can skate then you can glide across the ice hand in hand, and if you can’t then it’s just a great excuse for some PDA. Plus you’ll have a good laugh with each other, even if your bums are a bit sore by the end of it!
1) The Christmas Market
It only happens once a year for a month. What better way to enjoy the Christmas market than hand in hand with someone you care about? The romantic log huts, snowy exterior and coaxing lights are the epitome of the Christmas environment. You can sip mulled wine or treat yourself to a delicious hog roast while you browse the stalls for some terrific gift ideas for the family. It really is one of the most romantic scenes in Nottingham at debatably one of the most romantic times of the year.
So there you have it, my top five Christmas date ideas in Nottingham, a lot of which can be transferred to other cities if you’re heading home to see that special someone. Just remember, feel festive and have some fun!
Sources
http://www.papillonrestaurant.co.uk/wine_dine_7.html
http://www.impactnottingham.com/2013/10/nottingham-experienced-lost-city-adventure-mini-golf/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8050359@N07/7895511982/
http://nottingham.tab.co.uk/2012/12/09/10-things-to-do-this-week-8/
Edited by Nicole Jones