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!
13. Lighting up Retford town centre with market and switch-on
It's time to light up Retford town centre to launch the Christmas season on Sunday (10 am to 6 pm). A free event will feature a superb Christmas market, made up of more than 150 stalls and pitches, plus live entertainment on a special stage and a craft market in the town hall. Street food and entertainment will add to the seasonal atmosphere, and many shops, bars and restaurants will be open for business. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 5 pm. Photo: Submitted
14. Make your own crafts before meeting Santa at Creswell Crags
Santa will be visiting Creswell Crags at Welbeck again this year, and you can meet him on Saturdays and Sundays from this weekend until December 17 (10 am to 4.30 pm). Simply book your time slot and wait in the crafting room to make your own crafts that you can take home. You will then be called to the grotto, where every child will be given an age-appropriate Christmas present. Photo: Submitted
15. Join G4's Christmas tour at Southwell Minster
Singing troupe G4, former stars of 'The X Factor', have launched their biggest and best Christmas tour to date -- and among the beautiful venues for the 34 shows is Southwell Minster. Jonathan, Lewis, Mike and Duncan visit the minster next Tuesday (7.30 pm to 10.30 pm) as they recall the festive musical experiences of their childhoods. Expect to hear timeless classics such as 'When A Child Is Born', 'Silent Night' and 'All I Want For Christmas'. Photo: Submitted
16. Stir Up Sunday at Sherwood Forest
Stir Up Sunday is an age-old festive tradition that brings the family together to stir the Christmas cake, making wishes as they do. Sherwood Forest's version of Stir Up Sunday is for nature, making bird-seed cakes for birds, who find food harder to come by during the winter. Go along to the visitor centre from 11 am to 3 pm this Sunday and, for just £1, you can mix a tasty ball of fat and seeds, which gives the birds the nutrients they need to stay strong. Photo: Submitted