Chill out for a stress-free Christmas -- 25 things to do in Mansfield area this weekend
By Richard Silverwood
Published 13th Dec 2023, 15:30 BST
How’s it going, this Christmas lark? Bought your presents? Ordered your turkey? Sent your cards? Had your works do?
Or maybe you’re suffering from seasonal stress or festive fatigue and you’re already in need of Christmas counselling! If so, why not chill out for a few days and get out for a bit of light-hearted relaxation?
We’ve compiled a list of 25 ideas for things to do and places to go over the weekend across the Mansfield, Ashfield, Worksop, Retford and wider Nottinghamshire area. Yes, most of them are Yuletide-related but none involve any effort on your part. Just get yourself there!
There’s festive fun for Christmas shoppers in Mansfield and Retford, carol services at Rufford Abbey and Mansfield, the revival of an ancient Christmas tradition at Sherwood Forest and a concert by the acclaimed Northern Musical Theatre Orchestra in Retford.
Santa is still sitting his grotto, waiting for young visitors, at Clumber Park, Creswell Crags, Rufford Abbey and The Tropical Butterfly House at North Anston. You can even have breakfast with him at Rufford, while his elves are inviting you to their workshop at Clumber Park.
It’s still panto time at Mansfield’s Palace Theatre (oh yes it is!), while Newstead Abbey is still basking in the glory of Narnia. Elsewhere, the magic of Christmas is sprinkling stardust at Southwell Minster and Bassetlaw Museum in Retford, where an art exhibition is also ongoing.
Please check the website of your chosen destination for admission prices and opening times. Have a great weekend!
There’s festive fun for Christmas shoppers in Mansfield and Retford, carol services at Rufford Abbey and Mansfield, the revival of an ancient Christmas tradition at Sherwood Forest and a concert by the acclaimed Northern Musical Theatre Orchestra in Retford.
5. Retford's Winter Festival Of Light
It's a big night in Retford tomorrow (Thursday), between 4.30pm and 8 pm, when the town hosts its Winter Festival Of Light, complete with late-night shopping. Lantern-carrying children from local schools will lead a parade along Carolgate to the Market Square, where they will sing carols. Santa will call in, and there will also be a free children's fairground ride, face-painting, stilt-walking ice queens, street food and an appearance by Evie The Elf. Photo: Submitted
Venture down to Rufford Abbey Country Park on selected dates between now and Saturday, December 23 (10.45 am to 4 pm) to meet Santa in his new grotto. Youngsters can have a chat, receive a present and go home dreaming of the magic of Christmas! The price per child is £9.95, which includes the present. Photo: Submitted
7. Beauty, beast and Tracy Beaker in Mansfield's panto
Have you been to see it yet? Iconic TV character Tracy Beaker springs back to life in Mansfield's annual Christmas panto at the Palace Theatre, which continues every day until New Year's Eve. For the actress who played her, Dani Harmer, is the star of 'Beauty And The Beast', which guarantees lots of laughs and festive magic for the whole family. It's the story of Belle, who is imprisoned in an enchanted castle by a prince who has been transformed into a hideous beast, and it's a production that has won awards and five-star reviews elsewhere. Harmer's fellow star is Mansfield comedian Adam Moss as Louis La Plonk. Photo: Submitted
There is sure to be a Christmas twist to the latest vegan market to be staged at Mansfield Market Place this Saturday (10 am to 4 pm). Organised by the Mansfield BID initiative and Rainbow Monkey Events, the free market will feature local vendors offering some mouthwatering vegan delicacies, including hot food and sweet treats, as well as skincare and zero-waste homeware products. Photo: Submitted