We have compiled a list of no fewer than 25 ideas for things to do and places to go over the next few days in the Mansfield, Ashfield, Worksop, Retford and wider Nottinghamshire area.
The panto season is in full swing at Mansfield’s Palace Theatre and Worksop’s Acorn Theatre, while Christmas concerts with carols are sure to stir the festive soul at Rufford Abbey, St Lawrence’s Church in Mansfield and the Patchings Art Centre in Calverton.
There’s festive entertainment for shoppers in Mansfield town centre and a Christmas party for under-fives, as well as a festive storytelling session with local author Adrian Beeden, at Mansfield Museum.
Ashfield stages its final Christmas lights switch-on, this time in Hucknall, while Retford stages a Santa Fun Run for charity, as well as a Christmas rock ‘n’ roll show at the Majestic Theatre. And Worksop stages a special show that pays homage to the jazz giants of the tenor saxophone.
Elsewhere, Christmas has well and truly arrived at venues such as Sherwood Forest, Clumber Park, Newstead Abbey, Hardwick Hall, The Harley Gallery, Creswell Crags, Southwell Racecourse and Bolsover Castle, with a veritable feast of events to whet the festive appetite.
Before you set off for your chosen destination, be sure to check its website for opening times and admission prices. Have a great weekend!
9. Santa Fun Run for charity in Retford
Looks like Santa is all set to break open the gates and set off on his annual fun run in Retford! The event, which has been organised by the town's Rotary Cub, will raise money for Bassetlaw Food Bank, Bassetlaw Hospice and other local charities. People of all ages and abilities can tackle courses of two kilometres or four kilometres in the Santa Fun Run, which starts from the Market Square at 10 am on Sunday. Photo: Submitted
10. See Hardwick Hall in a new, festive light
Discover the Elizabethan country house, Hardwick Hall, as you've never seen it before at a Wintertide event taking place every day throughout December (9.30 am to 4.30 pm). Tour by lantern light and tiptoe around the decadent tapestries and portraits that don the 400-year-old walls. Marvel at bespoke festive displays, installations and decorations, journey through the gardens, create your own family lantern and enjoy some Christmas drinks and light bites. Photo: Submitted
11. 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 is in full swing at Worksop's Acorn Theatre 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 (7 pm) this week, with 2 pm matinee performances also on Saturday and Sunday. Photo: Submitted
12. Unseen treasures at The Harley Gallery
If you fancy taking a breather from the crazy build-up to Christmas, why not visit The Harley Gallery at Welbeck to catch up with its ongoing exhibition, 'Unseen Treasures Of The Portland Collection', which runs until March 25? The museum is filled to the brim with fascinating art and objects that make up the world-class collection. Star items include a pearl ear-ring worn by King Charles I at his execution, while some Tudor and Jacobean portraits have never been shown in public before. Photo: Bridgeman Images