Our guide to things to do and places to go over the weekend very much has a festive theme, with activities ranging from lantern-making to face-painting and venues ranging from the theatre to an ice bar.
Christmas kicks off in style at Sutton, where the town stages its lights switch-on with a major event that features a host of attractions.
Warsop also gets in the yuletide mood with a family event laced with live music, street entertainment and a giant snow globe.
Santa will be at both events, and you can also meet him in his grotto at the Four Seasons Shopping Centre in Mansfield.
Shows at the town’s Palace Theatre include a ‘Christmas Memories’ special and music from the likes of Prince, Bon Jovi and Eagles.
And topping the bill is veteran comedian Bobby Davro, who is sure to brighten up your weekend with a a gig at the John Fretwell Complex to raise money for children’s Christmas toys at King’s Mill Hospital.
Please check the individual websites of each venue for admission prices and opening times.
Have a great weekend!
5. Pre-Christmas clothes swap shop
In the build-up to Christmas, money can get tight, especially with the cost of living crisis beginning to bite too. Mansfield Museum has come up with one way of helping out by setting up a re-used clothes swap shop on various dates (10 am to 3 pm) between now and the end of the year. Receive a token for each unwanted item you take along and then use your tokens to exchange for something new to you. Call the museum on 01623 463088 for the dates. Photo: Submitted
6. Lantern-making workshops
Families are invited to go along to The Workhouse and Infirmary museum in Southwell this Saturday and the following Saturday for free lantern-making workshops. Create your own lantern from scratch, using recycled materials, under the guidance of talented artist Mel Rye, and then take part in as lantern procession around the site. The workshops are suitable for children aged three to 11, but pre-booking is essential. Photo: Submitted
7. Meet Santa in his grotto
Mansfield District Council is pulling out all the stops to 'bring Christmas' to the town. Watch this space next week for details of the annual Christmas Market and 'The Big Switch-On' stage show. But for now, you can get into the spirit of things by taking the kids to meet Santa in his grotto at the Four Seasons shopping centre. Have a selfie taken with him and receive a festive gift. Photo: Submitted
8. Chill-ing experience at ice bar
We've all experienced most things Christmassy over the years. But have you ever visited an ice bar? Now is your chance because, as part of the 'Winter Wonderland' scene on the Old Market Square in Nottingham, an impressive, alpine ice bar is inviting you in for a truly chill-ing experience! Relax with a drink from one of its ice glasses, surrounded by ice sculptures. Photo: Submitted