What's On in Nottinghamshire

Swimming lessons with Everyone Active

Venue: Your local leisure centre

Address: Nottinghamshire

Website: https://www.everyoneactive.com/courses-lessons/swimming-lessons/

Award-winning swimming lessons at your local Everyone Active leisure centre, for children aged from just 4 months old. Available at Lammas Leisure Centre (Sutton in Ashfield), Kirkby Leisure Centre and...

Coming to England

Venue: Theatre Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/coming-to-england

Floella Benjamin’s award-winning and iconic book Coming to England comes to life in this joyful stage adaptation with music, storytelling and song. Much loved by children and families, Coming to England...

Aladdin

Venue: Palace Theatre Newark

Website: www.palacenewark.com

This year's pantomime promises to whisk you away on a thrilling adventure suitable for the entire family. Prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with dazzling performances, spectacular sets, and...

Christmas in Nottingham - The Wheel of Nottingham

Venue: Old Market Square, Nottingham

Website: www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk

Get the best view of Nottingham this Christmas. The Winter Wonderland Observation Wheel is an amazing experience for the whole family and a treat not to be missed. Towering above Old Market Square, it’s...

Winter Wonderland

Venue: Old Market Square, Nottingham

Website: www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk

Bringing back the ever-popular Ice Rink and Sky Skate Ice Path, festive fun-seekers can indulge in all things Christmas until New Year’s Eve.Family tickets, super off-peak and off-peak reduced price...

Meet Father Christmas at Clumber Park

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park

One by one, each family will be called through to meet Father Christmas, he'll check his list and present each child with a magical coin. You can hand deliver your letter to Father Christmas with time...

Rufford's Mini Christmas Market

Venue: Rufford Abbey Country Park

Website: www.ruffordabbey.co.uk/events

Get into the holiday spirit at Rufford Abbey's Mini Christmas Market, taking place every weekend from 16th November to 22nd December. Open 10am-4pm, this festive market is an ideal destination for seasonal...

Astronomy in the Forest

Venue: Sherwood Pines

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/forest-event/events-sherwood-pines/astronomy-the-forest

NG21 9JL

Aladdin

Venue: Mansfield Palace Theatre

Website: www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre/events

NG18 1NG

Christmas Fayre

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park

Soak up the spirit of Christmas, and cross some presents off your list. Visit Clumber Park this Christmas to browse the stalls selling handmade treasures and festive delights. (Also 7-8 Dec)

North Pole Adventure

Venue: National Forest Adventure Farm

Website: www.adventurefarm.co.uk/our-events/north-pole-adventure

To begin your North Pole Adventure, your child will receive a personalised ticket from Father Christmas himself! At your selected time, you’ll head to check-in and collect your passport and Elf Coins...

Santa's Grotto

Venue: Rufford Abbey Country Park

Website: www.ruffordabbey.co.uk/events

Create unforgettable holiday memories with a visit to Santa’s Grotto, where magic and wonder await.Tickets are £9.95 per child, which includes a special gift from Santa. Time slots are available between...

Snowed In at Newstead

Venue: Newstead Abbey, Nottingham Road

Website: www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk

Snowed In at Newstead features mesmerising installations and displays - telling the story of Byron and his sister Augusta getting snowed in 200 years ago - that will make you feel cosy this Christmas as...

Autism Nights

Venue: Pirates Play

Website: www.piratesplay.co.uk/pirates_classes/autism-nights

Autism Nights on the first Wednesday of every month are specially designed evenings of play for children with Autism, Asperger's and ADHD. With a soothing atmosphere, these nights are a great opportunity...

Curious About Nottingham

Venue: Nottingham City Centre

Website: www.curiousabout.co.uk

Curious About Nottingham is a pair of self-guided walks with a treasure hunt theme – looping around the better-known sights, as well as some of the more unusual and quirky ones, which combined make Nottingham...

Family Adventures at The Lost City Adventure Golf

Venue: The Lost City Adventure Golf

Website: www.lostcityadventuregolf.com/nottingham

Immerse yourself in a world of rainforest enchantment and discover the two indoor adventure golf courses, nestled in the jungle themed paradise. Open from 10am with Early Bird tickets available until 12pm....

Feel Good Activity Bag at Sherwood Pines

Venue: Sherwood Pines

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/sherwood-pines

Try a forest activity bag for children aged 4-13 years old and their adults to use to discover the wellbeing benefits of forests. Includes binoculars to help you spot butterflies and birds, a scavenger...

Kids Club

Venue: Savoy Cinema

Website: www.savoyonline.co.uk

Kid’s club screenings take place on Saturday and Sunday (every day in the school holidays) at 10am. Parents and Children can enjoy a movie at the cinema for the incredible low price of just £2.15 each....

Kitty Cafe Nottingham

Venue: 31-37 Friar Lane

Website: www.kittycafe.co.uk

Become surrounded by adorable friendly felines as you tuck into some yummy cake or a refreshing drink and watch as these adorable cats explore the cafe. This is a family friendly venue, fully wheelchair...

Maid Marion Family Cycle Route

Venue: Sherwood Pines

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/sherwood-pine

Taking just over one hour to complete at a leisurely pace, the Family Cycle route is ideal for those with small children who would tire on the longer trails or newcomers to cycling just wanting a leisurely...

Newark Junior Parkrun

Venue: Sconce and Devon Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/newark-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds), every Sunday at 9am. It's free to join but please register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun. Go along and join...

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes

Venue: Venues: Bingham, Mapperley, West Bridgford or Wollaton

Website: www.perform.org.uk/try

Confidence-building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. To book a...

Razzle Dazzle Pots

Venue: Razzle Dazzle Pots

Website: www.razzledazzlepots.co.uk

Swimming lessons with Everyone Active

Venue: Nottinghamshire

Website: www.everyoneactive.com/courses-lessons/swimming-lessons

Award-winning swimming lessons at your local Everyone Active leisure centre, for children aged from just 4 months old. Available at Lammas Leisure Centre (Sutton in Ashfield), Kirkby Leisure Centre and...

Northern Ballet: A Christmas Carol

Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

Address: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/northern-ballet-a-christmas-carol

Website: As the clock strikes midnight join Ebenezer Scrooge on the journey of a lifetime to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Travel with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future through family firesides, cold winter nights and the promise of a brighter future. A festive feast for the senses.

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: Nottingham Playhouse

Website: www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

Packed with comedy chaos courtesy of Nottingham’s favourite dame, John Elkington, enjoy a show jam-packed with laughter, live music, and spectacular special effects. Expect top tunes, dazzling costumes,...

Jack and the Beanstalks

Venue: Nottingham Playhouse

Website: www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

NG1 5AF

Christmas at Wheelgate and Santa's Grotto

Venue: Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park

Website: www.wheelgatepark.com

Dive into a Winter Wonderland at Wheelgate Park this festive season and create memories to cherishforever! Join the festive fun with a sleigh-load of Christmas activities. As you stroll through the park,...

Gingerbread Christmas

Venue: Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Website: www.wollatonhall.org.uk/gingerbread-christmas

Discover Santa or his helpers at the festive themed ‘Gingerbread Christmas’ with a self-led walk through the lower basement of Wollaton Hall.You will have the opportunity to see Santa or his friends...

The Jingle Bell Express

Venue: Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd

Website: www.gcrn.co.uk

Along the journey you will be treated to interactive seat dances, top tapping original songs and joyful activities that will usher in the Christmas spirit. With twinkling lights, mischievous elves and...

Winterfest

Venue: Thoresby Park

Website: www.thoresby.com/events

A variety of craft and gift stalls perfect for your Christmas shopping plus family entertainment. A fun filled day out for all the family. No tickets needed and free entry. £3 Car parking charge applies....

Meet Father Christmas at Clumber - Sensory and BSL Sessions

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park

On Wednesdays Clumber Park will be offering quieter sessions of their Meet Father Christmas event for individuals with additional needs. Go and enjoy the same magical experience in a calmer and more relaxed...

The Ugly Duckling

Venue: Nottingham Playhouse

Website: www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

Specially created for children ages 3–8, this brand-new version of the charming tale is the perfect introduction to live theatre. Full of music, creative captioning and plenty of opportunities to join...

A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show

Venue: Nottinghamshire County Cricket Ground

Website: www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk

Witness famous characters brought to life in the sky, as you're taken on a heart-warming narrated journey through the immortal tale of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve and his ghostly visitors...

Christmas Breakfast With Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf

Venue: Thoresby Park

Website: www.thoresby.com/events

Enjoy a festive experience with Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf. Experience includes a cooked breakfast and a drink plus entertainment from the children’s favourite character’s. Bookings under 10 guests...

Elf Garden Christmas Trail

Venue: Rufford Abbey Country Park

Website: www.ruffordabbey.co.uk/events

Specially crafted for this magical time of year, the trail invites children and families to explore the formal gardens in search of Santa’s playful elves, who are hiding there.Trail sheets are just £1.50...

Nottingham Harmonic Choir - Messiah

Venue: Theatre Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/the-messiah

The annual performance of Messiah has become an unmissable fixture in the Christmas calendar. From the jubilant ‘Hallelujah’ chorus to the exquisite aria ‘I know that my Redeemer liveth’, Messiah...

Peter Pan

Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

Address: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/peter-pan

Website: This family treat will include all your favourites from Neverland including Tinker Bell, Wendy, John and Michael Darling. With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, Peter Pan will take you on a magical trip to Neverland like never before!

The New Chamber Choir at Christmas

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park

Hear the choir sing in their traditional Victorian dress in keeping with their surroundings of the magnificent Victorian High Church Chapel of Saint Mary the Virgin. The choir will be practicing from 12.30...

Wheelgate Ride and Light Trail, Illuminations Evenings

Venue: Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park

Website: www.wheelgatepark.com

From 5-7.30pm, immerse yourself in stunning light displays and rides that will leave you mesmerised. Lose yourself in the magical atmosphere and enjoy the fairytale wonderland crafted by twinkling bulbs...

Accessible Afternoon - December

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

An afternoon to support children, and families with additional needs and disabilities, designed for SEND visitors who would benefit from a quieter experience.This is an accessible programme for all ages,...

Home Alone in Concert

Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

Address: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/home-alone-in-concert

Website: A true Christmas favourite, Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves.

An Inspired Christmas - Concert

Venue: Theatre Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/an-inspired-christmas

Enjoy mind blowing mashups of Christmas carols, seasons songs, joyous pitch battles and sublime singing. The perfect start to the Christmas countdown. All hosted by John Hess in his best Christmas jumper!...

Christmas Jumper Day

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.savethechildren.org.uk

It’s super-simple to take part on Christmas Jumper Day. All you have to do is sign up, put the date in your calendar then on Thursday 12 December, put on your favourite Christmas jumper, donate £2 to...

Christmas at Lakeside: The Storm Whale

Venue: Lakeside Arts

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Benji Davies’ tender and heart-warming stories of loneliness, love and courage are brought to life as one magical piece of theatre from the team behind Grandad’s Island. Based on the award-winning...

Christmas Breakfast With Ariel, Moana, Spiderman and Captain America

Venue: Thoresby Park

Website: www.thoresby.com/events

Enjoy a festive experience with Ariel, Moana, Spiderman and Captain America. Experience includes a cooked breakfast, fresh juice or a hot drink and entertainment from the children’s favourite characters....

Festive Family Mile

Venue: Sherwood Pines

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/forest-event/events-sherwood-pines

Sherwood Pines is set within 3,300 acres of Nottinghamshire woodland and is packed with activity trails, play areas, bike hire, wild running and mountain biking trails. The Festive Family Mile is open...

Music for Everyone - Christmas is Coming!

Venue: Albert Hall Conference Centre

Website: www.alberthallnottingham.co.uk

A traditional afternoon Christmas concert for all ages, with well known carols and seasonal songs plus a special appearance from Father Christmas!

Polar Express Festive Screening

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

It's Christmas Eve, and you're about to roller-coaster up and down mountains, slip-slide over ice fields, teeter across mile-high bridges and be served hot chocolate by singing waiters more astonishing...

Jack and the Beanstalk – Watch Party

Venue: Online

Website: www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

Join the online premiere of the recorded version of this year's panto.Once you have booked for the Jack and the Beanstalk Watch Party, you will receive an email with your e-ticket attached. This e-ticket...

Christopher's Christmas

Venue: Mansfield Palace Theatre

Website: www.mansfield.gov.uk

From the company who brought you The Lost Present…A Christmas Adventure! comes a new wintery tale for the whole family to share, Christopher’s Christmas. Written especially for children aged 2-7 and...

Nordic Brights 2024

Venue: Victoria Centre

Website: www.victoria-centre.com/events/nordic-brights-2024

Prepare for a magical journey that captures the essence of Norway with an alpine forest, a crackling log ‘fire,’ and an enchanting woodland landscape. Includes new activities and additions making your...

The Ugly Duckling Crafting Workshop

Venue: Nottingham Playhouse

Website: www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

Join artist and maker Rachel Scanlon to create animal puppets with moveable mouths so you can re-imagine the Ugly Duckling with your own characters.Also try your hand at making a 3D Duck to take home....

Christmas Breakfast with Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald and Santa’s Elf

Venue: Thoresby Park

Website: www.thoresby.com/events

Enjoy a festive experience with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Santa’s Elf! Experience includes a cooked breakfast, fresh juice or a hot drink and entertainment from the children’s favourite characters....

Nottingham Harmonic Choir – Family Carol Concert

Venue: Theatre Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/family-carol-concert

The choir and band lead the audience in well-loved Christmas carols and give the audience a chance to relax and listen to a selection of other seasonal music. The children will love the opportunity to...

Small Space Mrs Santa Special

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Enjoy a very special pre-Christmas Small Space Day, including a visit from Mrs Claus all the way from the North Pole! National Space Centre friends at NORAD are getting ready to track Santa as he heads...

The Snowman Live

Venue: Theatre Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/the-snowman-cineconcert

Back by popular demand, don’t miss the magical live screening and live orchestral performance of Raymond Briggs’ classic story The Snowman. This is the perfect event for all the family. Alongside the...

Tinsel Trek

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park

Join experienced walk leaders for a post Christmas trek around the Park and burn off those Christmas calories. The walk will be approximately 6-7miles long and last for around 2 hours. Festive wear encourages...

Taylormania

Venue: Theatre Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/taylormania

An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis a self obsessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers promises...

Winter Lantern Walk

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park

Join the volunteers as they take you on a journey regaling you with stories of Clumber Park. The Lantern walk is £3 per person and very popular, the perfect way to round off your Christmas celebrations....

Cinderella

Venue: Mansfield Palace Theatre

Website: www.mansfield.gov.uk

This year, Westfield Folkhouse presents that best loved of all pantomimes, Cinderella.This traditional family pantomime has something for all ages, including dancing, singing, comedy and audience participation....

Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra Family Prom Concert - Fire and Ice

Venue: Theatre Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/npo-family-prom-concert

The NPO’s Family Prom this year is a battle between those two elemental forces…..Fire and Ice.With music for all the family, there surely is no better way to banish those winter blues than joining...

To Boldly Game

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

A weekend of tabletop games, RPGs and immersive STEM and space themed challenges and fun for fans and families alike. Following the success of their first event they have been building on the fantastic...

Romeo and Juliet

Venue: Theatre Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/varna-international-ballet

Shakespeare’s tale of primal passion and timeless tragedy is brought to life by Prokofiev’s soaring score, set in bustling Renaissance Verona and with an emotionally charged choreography that befits...

Swan Lake

Venue: Theatre Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/varna-international-ballet

The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide...

The Nutcracker

Venue: Theatre Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/varna-international-ballet

This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of...

Chinese Arts and Crafts for Families

Venue: Lakeside Arts

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Welcome the Year of the Snake with arts and crafts that the whole family can enjoy.A fabulous opportunity to try out different Chinese arts and crafts including paper cutting, Chinese knot making, calligraphy...

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Venue: Theatre Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk

Starring X-Factor winner Joe McElderry as the roof-raising Pharaoh, Christina Bianco as Narrator and Adam Filipe as Joseph the smash-hit London Palladium production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s...