Can we officially say it's time to get festive this week in Notts? From carol-singing and Christmas markets to doom-tinged gigs and the return of Divorce - here's our top picks of what's on...
Beer and Carols
When: Mon 8 - Thu 11 December
Where: The Malt Cross
How much: Free (booking required for feast)
Hark! It’s beer and carols time once again. Get on your most festive attire (jumpers encouraged!) and head down to gorgeous Victorian music hall The Malt Cross for an evening of memorable carols, with mince pies and mulled wine on offer in between. This event is free and first come first served, but if you want to make a proper night of it you can book for their festive feast beforehand which guarantees your spot, and includes a Christmas dinner and pudding with all the trimmings.
When: Wednesday 10 December
Where: Motorpoint Arena
How much: From £53.80
American heavy metal visionaries Ice Nine Kills bring their A Work Of Art Tour to Nottingham, joined by special guests Creeper and The Devil Wears Prada. Known for blending metalcore, melody, and punk with cinematic flair, INK have built a devoted community of “Psychos” through their passionate, precision-crafted anthems. Led by Spencer Charnas, the band’s theatrical intensity and razor-sharp hooks on The Silver Scream and The Silver Scream 2 pushed them to new heights. Acclaimed worldwide, they earned Rock Sound’s 2023 Best Live Act Award and were handpicked by Metallica for their M72 World Tour.
The Nutcracker
When: Wed 10 & Sun 14 Dec
Where: Savoy Cinema
How much: £11 - £18
Does anything quite say Christmas like The Nutcracker? Let yourself be enchanted by the divine costumes, graceful dancing and magical storyline of this well-loved classic, as poor Hans-Peter is turned into a nutcracker and his uncle, the magician Herr Drosselmeyer, attempts to defeat the Mouse King. Featuring classic symphonies from Tchaikovsky, this ballet by Peter Wright has charmed audiences since its 1984 premiere, and this month you can sit back and be dazzled from the comfort of the Savoy Cinema’s comfy seats.
Christmas Craft Market
When: Thu 11 December
Where: Adams Building
How much: Free
Join Nottingham College for a student-led Christmas Market, set in the charming cobbled arches of the Grade II-listed Thomas Adams Building in Nottingham city centre’s Lace Market. This festive market is open to everyone and will feature a wonderful selection of prints, ceramics, textiles, and gifts crafted by their art and design students, all at very reasonable prices. The event will also include a tombola, plus hot drinks and cakes, plus an appearance from Father Christmas.
Queermas
When: Thu 11 December
Where: Fisher Gate Point
How much: Free
Hosted by Notts creative hub Fisher Gate Point, art collective Moonbuns and trans-friendly creative workshoppers Pink Menace, this is an alternative Christmas market where you can support both small businesses and the Queer community in Notts. A variety of traders will be there to sell goods perfect for Christmas presents. You can dip in to have a go at collage art, while downstairs you can enjoy a range of music, from folk and soul to ethereal indie rock in a friendly and accessible space.
Peter Kay
When: Thu 11, Fri 12, Fri 19 and Sat 20 December
Where: Motorpoint Arena
How much: From £57
British comedy legend Peter Kay brings his Better Late Than Never tour to Notts this month, with four appearances which are rescheduled from October. This ‘record breaking tour’, which saw Kay become the first performer in the world to hold a residency at London’s 02, has seen unprecedented demand for tickets and in the eyes of most has redefined the sheer scale of popularity that comedy can reach. If you fancy being part of this big moment in UK entertainment, then head along to brighten up your Christmas with some good belly laughs.
All I Want For Christmas Is Doom
When: Fri 12 December
Where: Angel Microbrewery
How much: £12 - £15
While all some folks want for Christmas is Mariah, the antidote may just be heavy riffs and walls of noise. If you’re looking for the latter, get yourself to The Chapel, the atmospheric venue situated above the Angel Microbrewery. On the roster for this event are four acts: Doomsday Sun, Independent Trucking, Nomadic Reign and At War With The Sun. Expect stoner and sludge, with sprinklings of post-rock and prog, that at times will make the audience feel as though they're ‘drowning in sonic tar’. Groovy.
Divorce
When: Sat 13 December
Where: Rock City
How much: £19.56
Divorce is truly special. A quartet with two lead singers: Felix Mackenzie-Barrow and Tiger Cohen-Towell, plus guitarist Adam Peter-Smith and drummer Kasper Sandstrom – all of whom are Notts locals – the country-tinged indie rock quartet have surged up from the grassroots to become one of the country’s most buzzy bands. After some time supporting Mumford and Sons this year in the US, this hometown show, which closes their headline UK tour, is guaranteed to be extra memorable for everyone who attends.
Winterfolk Festive Market
When: Sun 14 December
Where: The Nest
How much: Free (booking required)
If you haven’t yet checked out The Nest – Nottingham’s new ex-warehouse venue which is part of the Notts County Ground, here’s your chance as they transform their space into a cosy indoor festive wonderland, perfect for some bespoke Christmas shopping. Hosted by local maker Hallo Ceramics, take a wander around 40+ stalls from local indie makers of ceramics, prints, woodworks, felting, photography, and painting. There will also be street food and even a live dog portrait artist, so pooches are most welcome!
Don't forget to head to our What's On page to see a full list of events! Got an event you want to shout about? Add it to our guide, or get in touch to discuss advertising with LeftLion
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