A big Christmas lights switch-on ceremony has also been held in Sutton, and with Kirkby taking its turn tomorrow (Thursday), the whole of Ashfield is also bathed in festive spirit.
It all means an exciting weekend, jam-packed with things to do and places to go, not only across Mansfield and Ashfield but also Worksop and Retford and the wider Nottinghamshire area. So please get stuck into our guide below, which features 21 event ideas for the next few days.
The panto season is well under way, with ‘Beauty And The Beast’ continuing at Mansfield’s Palace Theatre and ‘Dick Whittington’ launching at Worksop’s Acorn Theatre. Retford’s Majestic Theatre is not to be outdone either, courtesy of a top-notch Elvis tribute show and a blast of retro rock with hits by the likes of Queen, Fleetwood Mac, U2 and Def Leppard.
If you’re looking for bargain presents, Christmas markets pop up all over the place – from Mansfield Museum and Papplewick Pumping Station to Clumber Park, where the kids also get the chance to meet Santa himself.
Rufford Park hosts Santa’s grotto, as well as a special ‘Carols By Candlelight’ service, while the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre hosts a Christmas wreath-making workshop.
Shoppers in Mansfield town centre are treated to some festive music. And if you fancy treading a bit further afield, there are wonderful Christmas events to sample at the Tropical Butterfly House in North Anston, Wollaton Hall in Nottingham and the National Ice Centre in Nottingham city centre.
Before you set off for your chosen destination, please check its website for opening times and admission prices. Have a great weekend!

5. 'Carols By Candlelight' concert at Rufford Abbey
Sit back and relax while the Carlton Male Voice Choir sings all the Christmas classics at a 'Carols By Candlelight' concert at Rufford Abbey. You can unwind from all the craziness of the pre-Christmas season with an afternoon of carols, mulled wine and mince pies in the Talbot Suite of the historic abbey. The concert takes place on Sunday (2pm to 4 pm) and also on the Sundays of December 10 and 17. Photo: DenPhotography

6. Get steamed up about festive market
A Christmas market is the highlight of the last steaming weekend of 2023 at Papplewick Pumping Station, Britain's finest Victorian waterworks. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the station as you explore dozens of markets stalls and discover unique gifts, crafts and treats from local artisans this Saturday and Sunday (10 am to 6 pm).The event includes a Santa's grotto, plus music from singer Jayne Darling on Saturday and from Bestwood Male Voice Choir on Sunday. Photo: Submitted

7. Smiles of joy as kids meet Santa
The joy on this little girl's face will be replicated several times over as the historic Parsonage at Clumber Park hosts 'Meet Father Christmas' sessions in Santa's cosy grotto every day until Christmas Eve. Take a family selfie with Santa, who will present every child with a special gift after checking his list of names. You are advised to book a time slot beforehand. Photo: Submitted

8. Oh yes it is! Panto time at Worksop's theatre
It's being billed as the purr-fect panto that is paved with gold! Yes, panto season kicks off at Worksop's Acorn Theatre on Sunday with 'Dick Whittington', presented by The Young Theatre Company. Get ready for rats, cats and watery splats when Dick and his furry friend, Tommy The Tik Tok Tomcat, arrive in London and find the city infested with rotten rodents! The show runs every evening next week, Monday to Saturday (7 pm), with 2 pm matinee performances also on the Saturday and Sunday, December 10. Photo: Submitted