Season's greetings everybody! We know that around now is the time when lots of us get off work for a bit, and look for new, festive things to do around Notts with people that we care about. With that in mind, here are eight events happening through Christmas and New Year, in Nottingham, which we're certain are worth attending...
Flying High Young Company presents... Aladdin
When: Sun 21 - 23 Tue December
Where: Bonington Theatre, Arnold
How much: £10
Flying High are an acclaimed Nottingham drama school who have acquired lots of accolades, most recently a five star run and 'Best Young Cast' award at the Edinburgh Fringe in the August just gone. That same cast are bringing a dynamic production of Aladdin, to Arnold, until Tuesday, with original songs, vivid costumes, and striking backdrops. This should be a really energetic event with lots of local spirit.
When: Until Tue 23 December
Where: White Post Farm, Newark
How much: From £11.44
White Post Farm, a wildlife park and farm near Newark, are again teaming up with Gloworm Festival to host an enchanting, one kilometer illuminated Christmas light trail. Each year, the attraction proves to be a great choice for families, with colourful installations, Christmas themed model characters, and hot chocolate available to enjoy. Tickets also include access to the farm’s Reptiles of the World Exhibit and its indoor Jungle Barn. We definitely think this one is magical enough to deviate out of the city centre and off the beaten path for.
When: Wed 31 December
Where: The Magic Garden
How much: £27
This well-loved and long-established local comedy club, known for curating some of the best comedy lineups in the country, will see out 2025 at The Magic Garden, for a chic and relaxed evening featuring comedians John Robertson, Paul F Taylor, Sally-Anne Hayward, and Andrew O’Neill. If you so choose you can reserve a table to dine at The Magic Garden, before the performances start at 9.30pm. There’ll also be an afterparty, for those who fancy commencing their 2026 in this unique and atmospheric space.
When: Wed 31 December
Where: Malt Cross
How much: From £25.76
If a singalong sounds a good way of greeting 2026, then you should certainly head to the Malt Cross, at the end of this month, for Crazy Little Sing Called Pub. This nationally-loved event, conceived in Notts, and led by musician Abi Moore, gathers people together in (surprisingly) a pub to sing a pop-rock anthem in perfect harmony, taught from scratch. This new year’s edition will be particularly special, with light appetisers provided courtesy of the Malt Cross, and some extra mass singalongs surrounding the main tune for the evening, with drinking and dancing encouraged.
When: Until Sun 4 January
Where: Theatre Royal
How much: From £18
This will be the Theatre Royal’s family Christmas pantomime for 2025, retelling the age-old story of Cinderella and Prince Charming with a spectacular mix of meticulously created scenery, costumes, and laugh-out-loud comedy. The cast is also set to be particularly first-class, featuring TV and stage actor Neil Hurst as Buttons, acclaimed US actor and impressionist Christina Bianco as The Fairy Godmother, and Craig Revel Horwood of Strictly Come Dancing fame as the Wicked Stepmother.
When: Until Sun 4 January
Where: Newstead Abbey
How much: £16.05
Now that it's the Christmas school holidays, Lord Byron's loved ancestral home is open more often through the week, so there's no better time to bring your friends or family to that loved, atmospheric spot near Ravenshead. For their regular Christmas theme, the Newstead Abbey team have decorated the house with magical 'fairytale' themed installations. There are also evening tours, with added refreshments, for £25.
When: Until Sat 17 Jan 2026
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £19.50
This is the Nottingham Playhouse's pantomime for Christmas 2025. It has a great cast lined up, including Charis Alexandra, Seb Harwood, and acclaimed local panto dame John Elkington. Telling the story of Princess Rose and the evil Maleficent, the staging for this show looks especially colourful and vivid, with special effects and laugh-out-loud comedy guaranteed. The Playhouse team are also a great bunch - check it out!
When: Until Sat 24 January
Where: New Art Exchange
How much: Free
An ongoing exhibition by British artist Simeon Barclay, drawing on his experience working in the manufacturing industry. It showcases a set of multi-media exhibits, spinning image, sculpture, video, and objects, which reference pop culture and explore cultural history, while commenting on other themes like subculture and the artificiality of identity. Barclay has exhibited in all kinds of places, both nationally and internationally, including London, Vienna, New York, and Amsterdam, so this will definitely be a worthwhile visit to leave you very inspired.
Check out our events page for more things to do in Notts.
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