Tinsel-tastic festive events will ensure Nottinghamshire families enjoy thems-ELVES this Christmas

Families across Nottinghamshire can take part in some snow-mazing activities during the school holidays that will have them jingling all the way, between Saturday18 December and Monday 3 January 2022.

Nottinghamshire County Council has highlighted its top picks for the Christmas school holidays. Whether it’s dining with Santa himself at Rufford Abbey, taking part in the Robin Robin Adventure Trail at Sherwood Forest, or enjoying the different Christmas craft activities on offer at Inspire Libraries, there is plenty of festive fun to help families have themselves a merry little Christmas.

Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of the Communities Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said “We know that Christmas is such a magical time of the year for families and so we have planned lots of festive activities for them to enjoy together during the Christmas school holidays.

Our beautiful country parks and green spaces also provide thousands of acres for families to explore the outdoors together over Christmas and New Year. So, whether you’re planning on going to see Santa, taking a winter wonderland walk, or visiting one of our libraries, there are plenty of opportunities to make some magical memories in Nottinghamshire.

If you’re attending one of our events or enjoying the outdoors, don’t forget to share your photos with us on social media, using the tag #ExploreNotts.

I'd also like to encourage all families to continue to stay safe over Christmas and New Year period and protect each other from Covid-19 by following the latest national guidance, which is to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces and to wash hands regularly and thoroughly. I would also like to remind people that meeting outdoors is safer, but appreciate that this isn’t always possible during the colder, winter months. So, if you do meet indoors, please think about ventilation and let in plenty of fresh air.”

Top picks among the featured festive events include:

Dine with Santa at Rufford Abbey

What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by sitting down to eat with the jolly great man in the red suit himself? Suitable for children over the age of two, families can book a delicious breakfast, lunch or tea with Santa at Rufford Abbey.

• Date: Saturday 18 December to Friday 24 December
• Time: Breakfast 8.30am-10.00am, lunch 12.00pm-1.30pm and tea 3.30pm-5.00pm (Note: tea with Santa is on 18 and 19 December only)
• Cost: From £18.95 for one adult and one child

Robin Robin Adventure Trail at Sherwood Forest

Join the great RSPB sneak and celebrate your inner robin by completing the Robin Robin adventure trail. There is no need to book, just pick up your trail pack from the Visitor Centre before you start.

• Date: Now until 10 January 2022
• Time: 11am-3pm 
• Cost: £3 per trail pack

Proclaiming Christmas at Sherwood Forest 

Enjoy a day of performance and activities at Sherwood Forest to kickstart the festive period. The Dukeries Community Band and the Major Oak Pop Choir will be performing at the Visitor Centre, before the Sheriff of Nottingham and Friar Tuck will vie for the title of the Lord of Misrule. There might even be a surprise visit from Santa himself!

• Date: Sunday 19 December
• Time: 11am-3pm
• Cost: Free

Christmas Events at Inspire Libraries

Children can take part in a variety of free festive activities at Carlton, Eastwood, Kirkby, Ollerton, Retford and Stapleford Libraries. There are lots of different events and activities planned, including Christmas storytelling and craft activities, such as tree decoration and badge making.

• Date: Multiple dates available (varies by Library)
• Cost: Free

Families can find full details of these activities and other events taking place across Nottinghamshire during the school holidays on our ‘Top Picks For The Festive Season’ page at: School holidays events and inspiration | Nottinghamshire County Council