Shoppers flock to Mansfield Christmas market to support local traders

Mansfield Business Improvement District (BID) is hosting the festive market until Wednesday, December 21.

The market opened with a record number of visitors to the town on the first weekend.

Saturday, November 26 saw more than 25,000 visitors to the town.

And Sunday, November 27 – the big Christmas lights switch organised by Mansfield council, Mansfield BID and partners – saw more than 28,000 in attendance.

Sue Rogers of Mansfield BID said: “We are pleased to facilitate the Christmas chalets once again on West Gate.

“There are a range of lovely gifts to purchase for Christmas, including jewellery, bath bombs, decorations, animal ornaments, wall carvings.

“And giant gnomes, delicious fudge, nougat, toffee, Turkish delight, nuts and olives.

“Hot and cold food and drinks are also available, from German sausages, pulled pork, bacon rolls, afternoon tea treats, crepes, donuts and hot chocolate with Baileys or a mulled wine.

“This Christmas market had been supported by Smyths Toys on the retail park as they have provided lots of toys, packs of Lego and Pokémon posters for us to give way this year.

“So every child visiting the BID chalet or gazebo has been given something.

“Mansfield BID has delivered lots of events this year with support from local businesses and we look to do even more in 2023.”

Rachel Richards, Toffee Hut owner, praised the ‘festive footfall’ and said it had been great to see the support for businesses in town.

Rachel, who hired a stall for a week, said: “We very rarely see this side of Mansfield – it seems quite busy down here, especially on the night of the big light switch on.

“It is great to see.”

Residents can visit Mansfield BID on Facebook to find out what is happening at the Christmas market for the rest of the month.

Check out some of these festive photos of West Gate’s winter wonderland.