The best ways to celebrate Christmas and NYE in Nottingham 2025

The air’s getting chillier and Christmas festivities are fast approaching, with many people already beginning to plan their holiday outings and seasonal family festivities. A Christmas and New Year’s Eve spent in Nottingham should be at the top of your wishlist this year, with our collection of fun Christmas events in Nottingham sure to help you organise the perfect festive get-together. Whether you’re spending it with friends, family, colleagues, or perhaps that special someone, our list of Nottingham Christmas events has something for everyone.

Stroll through the magical Christmas scenes in Nottingham

Get ready to deck the halls and embrace the festive spirit in Nottingham at Winter Wonderland, returning to Old Market Square this November. Wander through the sparkling lights, admire the stunningly-decorated 60 ft Christmas tree, and enjoy beautiful views of the city from atop the giant observation wheel.

Gather your friends and family to explore the Nottingham Christmas Market, where local and international traders offer hand-crafted gifts, festive treats, and warm mulled wine by the ladlefull. After browsing the stalls, lace up your skates for a glide around the elevated ice rink before indulging in a drink or two at the rink-side Ice Bar.

Indulge in a festive lunch at Bramleys Restaurant

For those in the mood for a festive, flavour-filled feast, why not treat yourself to a seasonal lunch at Bramleys Restaurant in the Orchard Hotel? Enjoy the cosy Christmas décor and a delicious two or three-course meal, available throughout the month of December. This standout Christmas event in Nottingham is the perfect opportunity to spend some time with loved ones amidst the seasonal hustle and bustle.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with Paul Martyn

Ring in 2026 with elegance and sophistication at The Orchard Hotel in Nottingham. Begin your evening with complimentary arrival drinks and canapés before being served an exclusive, six-course meal. As midnight approaches, Nottingham’s renowned saxophonist, DJ, and singer Paul Martyn will set the soundtrack for an intimate and stylish celebration, with tickets starting at just £99 per person for the evening. For those wanting to extend the festivities, discover our celebrate and stay package that includes a double room at The Orchard Hotel and breakfast the following morning, starting at £320 for two people.

Cosy Christmas vibes at Spokes Café

Bundle up warm and pay a visit to Spokes Café, where relaxed and cosy winter ambience overlooks serene lakeside views. Ideal for smaller catchups and intimate celebrations, the café offers private dining experiences tailored for small groups, allowing for excellent food and attentive service within a welcoming atmosphere. Located on the leafy, picturesque University of Nottingham campus, this is one of the best locations to plan your Christmas events in Nottingham.

Festive fun for families

Santa’s Tea Party at Bramleys Restaurant

Make your Christmas in Nottingham truly unforgettable for your family with Santa’s Tea Party at Bramleys Restaurant. This seasonal afternoon tea comes with an extra-special guest your children are sure to love – Santa Claus himself! Take family photos by the Christmas tree and enjoy a delicious festive spread after meeting Mr Claus. Each child will receive a special gift straight from the North Pole, making this a cherished memory for years to come.

Winter Wonderland family fun

If you’re looking for Christmas events in Nottingham packed full of excitement why not head to Winter Wonderland, where the kids can ride the Toboggan Slide and explore the festive attractions. It’s the perfect spot for a fun filled family day out where you can soak up the festivities together.

Magical evenings at Wollaton Winter Light Trail

Families can enjoy a festive evening at the Wollaton Winter Light Trail, where the historic grounds are transformed into a magical wonderland of light, sound, and seasonal storytelling. The trail features illuminated displays, interactive elements, and immersive soundscapes that captivate visitors of all ages, offering a memorable experience for families, groups, or friends. For a complete festive outing it pairs wonderfully with a meal at Bramleys Restaurant, either before or after your visit.

Festive shows and pantomimes

The Littlest Yak: A heartwarming holiday adventure

Gertie is the littlest yak with the curliest wool and grippiest hooves, but she doesn’t want to stay small – she wants to grow up big and strong like the older yaks! This charming adaptation of the award-winning book brings the story to life with puppets, catchy tunes, and a heartwarming message about being yourself. The show is perfect for families and pairs well with Santa’s Afternoon Tea at Bramleys on Sunday 14th December for a full festive outing.

Cinderella: A magical pantomime for the whole family

Enjoy the spectacular family pantomime of Cinderella with Craig Revel Horwood as the Wicked Stepmother, Neil Hurst as Buttons, and Christina Bianco as the Fairy Godmother. Packed with laughter, stunning sets, beautiful costumes, and lively music, this pantomime offers a magical experience for all ages. Follow Cinderella on her journey to the ball, with a talented cast bringing festive fun and plenty of audience participation.

The Christmas Orchestra: A festive musical journey

The Christmas Orchestra returns with a festive concert performed by a 16-piece chamber orchestra, supported by full sound production and lighting. The program includes music from beloved Christmas films and classics such as Home Alone, The Nutcracker, Polar Express, and Elf. This uplifting performance is designed for audiences of all ages and is perfect for a festive family day out, creating a shared celebration of the festive season through music and seasonal cheer.

End-of-year celebrations for businesses

Host your company Christmas party at Nottingham Venues

Looking to host a spectacular Christmas event in Nottingham for your business? Nottingham Venues offers a range of full-service corporate options for the festive period, such as a private Christmas party night where you and your team will enjoy exclusivity, a delicious festive menu, and a dedicated events team on hand to ensure the night runs smoothly.

Indulge in festive meals with your team

Celebrate Christmas in Nottingham with your colleagues at Jubilee Hotel & Conferences or The Orchard Hotel, where festive lunches and dinners are available throughout December. Choose between cosy spots like Spokes Café with its stunning lakeside views, or the modern setting of Bramleys Restaurant for a festive feast.

For something extra special, explore dining options at our Campus Venues, including fine dining at Trent Building or relaxed buffet options.

Always a place to stay at Nottingham Venues

After a day of festive activities, finding the perfect place to relax is key. Here at Nottingham Venues, we offer a range of stylish accommodations, from the modern and eco-friendly Orchard Hotel, to Jubilee Hotel & Conferences, ideal for families and businesses alike. Extend your Christmas experience in Nottingham with an overnight stay and enjoy all that Nottingham has to offer at your doorstep.

No matter how you choose to celebrate this season, discover magical Christmas events in Nottingham this year. From festive feasts and elegant dining to family fun and unforgettable parties, your Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations will be truly special. 

Find out more about what’s on at Nottingham Venues over the festive season, or contact a member of our team to enquire about one of our venues or events.