Nottingham is arguably one of the best places to celebrate Christmas. Spending the holidays in London is good and all, but don't underestimate how hectic the British capital can be around this time of year. It'd be nice to maintain a nice balance between lively festivities and some peaceful family time, right? Well, Christmas in Nottingham will give you just that! You can shop at the city's Christmas Markets, for example, to get into the holiday spirit, while woodlands are nearby if you want to go camping instead. Don't forget about the city's beautiful landmarks too. They provide an old-world vibe that's truly magical for Christmas.
Celebrate Christmas in Nottingham's Old Landmarks
Imagine celebrating Christmas in a castle! Or at a
Downtown Abbey-like English mansion! It'll take your breath away, won't it? Well, you can do exactly that when you spend the holidays in Nottingham. The city is also known for its many historic landmarks and, luckily, they also host annual Christmas events. Check out Wintertide at Hardwick Hall, for example, which transforms the famous Elizabethan manor into a Christmas wonderland. The very Gothic Cathedral of Nottinghamshire, on the other hand, hosts such magical holiday concerts that you won't help but shed a tear. Going to any or all of these places will give you an authentic English Christmas!
Check Out Nottingham's Christmas Markets
The UK doesn't get enough credit for its holiday fairs. Though there's no denying that other European Christmas markets are truly magical, the ones here in England aren't too far off. Even here in Nottingham, the holiday markets provide lots of fun and festivities. Among the best is the one by Nottingham Castle, which provides some much-needed holiday extravagance in the famous fortress. You can already tell that the scene will be out of this world! Winter Wonderland by the Old Market Square is a must-see too. It features tons of stalls that sell the most fascinating finds.
Have Fun at Winter Wonderland
Speaking of Winter Wonderland, this is truly the place to be for anyone celebrating Christmas in Nottingham. Located at the center of all the different
neighborhoods in Nottingham, it's open to anyone and everyone who needs some holiday cheer for the season. Even if you don't need to buy anything, there's still a lot for you to do here. This Christmas fair has an ice skating rink, an ice bar, an observation wheel, and lots of snack stalls. You can play and eat to your heart's content here, even with your loved ones. And isn't that what the holiday season is all about?
Dance at The Snowflake Ball
Live out your wildest Bridgerton fantasies at the Snowflake Ball! The annual event is as elegant as it sounds, but also more exciting than what you're probably anticipating. Though you don't have to Dress in your best black-tie attire and get lost in the holiday fun here. Don't worry! You won't be required to dance the waltz and other complicated old-world dances. Instead, you can watch the fire eaters and stilt walkers do their thing, do a bit of gambling at the casino tables, or indulge in some amazing cocktails. Sounds divine, doesn't it?
Watch The Burlesque Christmas Cabaret Show
Yes, you read that right! Nottingham actually has an annual Burlesque Christmas Cabaret Show to spice things up every holiday season. If you
moved to Nottingham thinking it would be just boring English country life here, this tantalizing event proves otherwise. Every year, the city's Royal Concert Hall puts on a sexy and glamorous show inspired by the famous Paris cabarets. They even dance the can-can and wear French costumes too! Though such a feature isn't for everyone, the show is still a nice contrast to the other events annually held during Christmas in Nottingham.
Luxuriate at Crowne Plaza Hotel
Don't forget that Nottingham is still a fairly big city. While it's not exactly London, the city remains a complete metropolis with a bit of luxury to offer amidst the lovely
English countryside. For one thing, there's the four-star Crowne Plaza Hotel on Wollaton Street. It's one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Nottingham too. If you truly want to get all classy for the holidays, you can book a room or even just dinner here. For the former, you can also luxuriate in the hotel spa and get the massage of your life. While for the latter, you can indulge in traditional English cuisine paired with sparkling wine.
Go Camping for The Holidays
Speaking of the English countryside, one of the best parts of living or even just celebrating Christmas in Nottingham is that you're near beautiful woodlands. They also provide a fabulous alternative to the usual city holiday events: camping! When you just want to get away from it all and simply spend Christmas with your loved ones, your special someone, or by yourself, this is the way to go. The forest near Nottingham, famous for its Robin Hood legends, is one of the best places to go camping in the UK. What more could you ask for?
If it's your first time celebrating Christmas in Nottingham this year, expect to do a lot. From lively Christmas markets to an elegant annual ball, you'd be surprised at how much there is to do in this city for the holidays.
