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!
21. Paying homage to jazz giants
Tony Kofu, the internationally acclaimed, Nottingham-born award-winning saxophonist, leads a special show at Worksop Library next Tuesday (7.30 pm) that pays homage to the jazz giants of the tenor saxophone, including Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter. 'Toni Kofu's Tenor Legacy' will feature evocative renditions of classic tunes from the legendary Blue Note label, with Tony's take on their historical context. Photo: Submitted
22. Make your own crafts before meeting Santa
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
23. Skate on ice with festive characters
There's something magical about ice-skating at Christmas, so the National Ice Centre in Nottingham has lined up a full festive programme of events. It continues this Saturday (10.30 am to 12.30 pm) when youngsters get the chance to skate with festive characters, including elves, snowmen, reindeer and gingerbread men. They can also meet Santa in his grotto and receive a special Christmas gift. Photo: Submitted
24. Festive storytelling with Santa at Bolsover Castle
Join Father Christmas at Bolsover Castle for a memorable way to start the festive season. He is taking time out from his busy schedule to relate some of his favourite seasonal tales around the Christmas tree in group storytelling sessions for children. He will then hand out presents to unwrap.The sessions run every Saturday and Sunday (10.30 am to 3.20 pm) until December 23. Photo: Submitted