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!
13. Christmas stories for the kids
Nottinghamshire-based children's author Adrian Beeden shares the magic of Christmas as he takes the kids on a storytelling sleigh-ride at Mansfield Museum on Saturday (10.30 am, 11.30 am and 12.30 pm). Excitement and mystery await as Beeden, famous for his Alfred Tortoise books, shares festive cheer and fun and lets the youngsters' imagination and creativity run riot. Photo: Submitted
14. Third Christmas lights switch-on in Ashfield
A spectacular trio of Christmas lights switch-ons in Ashfield is completed by a special celebration in Hucknall tomorrow (Thursday) evening (4 pm to 7.30 pm). Entertainment on stage will feature dancers from local groups, the choirs of various local schools and live music from Hucknall Ukulele Group and the Nottingham-based tribute band, Ziggy Pop. There will also be almost 80 stalls, selling an array of gifts, crafts, snacks and hot food, including German sausages and waffles. Photo: Submitted
15. Meet Santa in his grotto
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
16. Carols at the castle
We can't promise the snow in this picture, but we can promise an enchanting night when Bolsover Castle hosts a 'Carols At The Castle' celebration tomorrow (Thursday) from 6.30 pm to 9 pm. In the stunning surroundings of the riding school, carols will be sung by Chesterfield Philharmonic Choir in an event organised to support the English Heritage charity. Photo: Submitted