Your area is bulging at the seams more than Santa’s sack with events and activities over the weekend. So check out our guide to 20 things to do and places to go across the Mansfield, Ashfield, Worksop, Retford and wider Nottinghamshire area.
As we approach the final week of November, it’s all about the big Christmas lights switch-ons in our towns, with Mansfield, Sutton, Worksop and Retford all set to launch their festive celebrations. Rap legend Tinchy Stryder presses the button in Mansfield.
Christmas markets are everywhere you look – from Clumber Park to Sutton Library. As are Santa’s Grottos – from Rufford Abbey to Robin Hood’s Wheelgate Park. There are plenty of chances too for the kids to meet Santa himself. You can even have breakfast with him!
Panto season has kicked into gear, with the launch of the annual shindig at Mansfield’s Palace Theatre, starring Dani Harmer, aka Tracy Beaker, no less! And the big names don’t stop there as the singing troupe, G4, one-time stars of ‘The X Factor’, arrive at Southwell Minster for a Christmas show.
With Newstead Abbey turning into Narnia, Rufford hosting a festive afternoon tea and Retford’s Majestic Theatre rockin’ all over the world, there’s every excuse to get out and about over the next few days.
Before you set off, please check the websites of your chosen destination for admission prices and opening times. Have a great weekend!
5. Narnia is recreated at Newstead Abbey
The fantasy town of Narnia is recreated at Newstead Abbey for a series of Christmas events, beginning on Saturday and running until New Year's Day. 'Narnia At Newstead' includes magical installations and a self-led walk through the historic house, while a family-friendly tour through the abbey's festive scenes can also be booked. You can also indulge in afternoon tea, enjoy a Christmas dinner and go on an after-dark tour. Photo: Submitted
6. Christmas market at Clumber Park
Explore the stalls and have fun on the fairground rides at a Christmas market being held at Clumber Park this Saturday and Sunday and also over the weekend of December 2 and 3 (10 am to 4 pm). The market, which is free to attend, will be situated throughout the Lincoln Stables, the Turning Yard and the Laundry Yard and on the Parsonage Lawn. Pick up a festive bargain. Photo: Submitted
7. All-day festive fun to switch on Worksop's lights
A packed day of festive fun is guaranteed in Worksop on Saturday (12 midday to 6.30 pm) for a free family event to mark the switching on of Worksop's Christmas lights. You can visit Santa in the Lion Hotel, watch street entertainment, do some Christmas shopping from a range of stalls, tuck in to delicious festive food, take part in a lantern-making workshop and join an elf trail. There's live entertainment from Elton John tribute band, Eltonesque, and also a fireworks display as the lights go on. Photo: Submitted
8. Festive music and carols for shoppers
If you're Christmas shopping in Mansfield town centre on Saturday afternoon (2.30 to 3.30), don't miss a special concert by the youngsters of the Inspire Music Junior Orchestra. Inspire is the company that runs cultural and learning services, including libraries, for the county council, and the orchestra, made up of 30 young musicians, is based at the Nottinghamshire Music Education Hub. Go along and enjoy their festive songs and carols in the Butter Cross area of Westgate. Photo: Submitted