What's at the Christmas market in Nottingham?

The 2025 Nottingham Christmas market, part of the city's Winter Wonderland in Old Market Square, runs from 12 November to 31 December 2025. It is characterized as a large, festive, free-entry event, with attractions including a 60ft tree and over 60 traditional chalet-style stalls.

What is at Nottingham Christmas Market?

Our independent traders take over Old Market Square and have been carefully chosen in order to offer the best in quality and diversity. We have something for everyone including artisan cheeses, plants, homemade chutneys, mead, jewellery, scents, fashion, retro style, continental food and home accessories.

Can you just turn up to Nottingham Christmas Market?

We do accept walk-ins, however, to guarantee your slot, we highly recommend pre-booking as all attractions are subject to availability.

How much is it to get into Nottingham Christmas Market?

🔑 Important Ticket Information

No concessions apply. 🚫 No £2 walk-in tickets will be available at the gate. 💷 On-the-day entry will only be available at Nottingham Castle's regular admission rate (£15 per adult) + the cost of a ticket to the Christmas Market.

What time do the Christmas Market stalls open in Nottingham?

Nottingham's main Christmas Market, part of the Winter Wonderland in Old Market Square (November 12 - December 31, 2025), typically opens daily around 10 AM, closing at 6 PM (Sun-Thu) and 8 PM (Fri-Sat) for stalls, with bars and attractions running later, and is closed Christmas Day. Specific attractions like the ice rink and bars have varied hours, so check the official site, but expect late-night options until 11 PM or later for some venues.
 

Entire Nottingham Christmas market tour (w drink prices)

Is Nottingham Christmas Market any good?

Nottingham's Winter Wonderland Christmas Market gets mixed reviews: many love the festive atmosphere, variety of food/drinks (especially hot chocolates!), rides like the Ferris Wheel, and ice skating, but a major complaint across many recent reviews is the high cost of food and drink, with some finding it "ridiculously priced," while others find it a good family day out with plenty to see and do, especially if visiting during off-peak times for fewer crowds and better value.
 

How much does Winter Wonderland cost?

Winter Wonderland prices vary by location, time (off-peak vs. peak), and attractions, with Hyde Park, London offering free off-peak entry (from £1 for booking), standard entry from around £5-£7.50, and separate costs for rides like the Ice Rink (£11.50-£17) or Magical Ice Kingdom (£9-£13), while other venues like Norwich have fixed entry fees (e.g., £4-£5 for adults) plus ride tokens, and Stoke offers ride passes from ~£30.
 

How busy is Nottingham Christmas market?

However, please note, the Christmas Market is a high-capacity, busy event, and it may be harder to walk around the stalls.

What's on in Nottingham at Christmas?

• Kate Rusby at Christmas. Nottingham. ...
• Sleeping Beauty at Nottingham Playhouse. Nottingham. ...
• The Stick Man Christmas trail at Sherwood Pines. Mansfield. ...
• Christmas at the Musicals. Nottingham. ...
• Jack and the Beanstalk. Nottingham. ...
• Love Actually - in Concert. ...
• Enchanting Twilight Light Trail at Conkers 2026. ...
• Christmas at Break Escape.

Are Christmas markets worth it?

You can find really cool stuff there, I once bought a wreath made of dried fruit that smells like Christmas for my Dad. People still go to the markets for some Christmas spirit and whimsy. They are a nice way to get into the Christmas spirit and they make for a nice day out with family or friends.

What happens at Old Market Square, Nottingham?

Historically the square forms a meeting place for the people of Nottingham and is also the location for local events, civil protests, royal visits, celebrations, and public mourning. A number of Nottingham's defining moments have taken place in the square.

What date is the Nottingham Christmas market 2025?

The Nottingham Winter Wonderland, including the Christmas Market, starts on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, and runs until December 31, 2025, transforming Old Market Square with stalls, an observation wheel, ice rink, bars, and more. Key attractions like the ice rink and bars usually stay open later, with the market stalls typically closing around Christmas, while bars and rides often extend to New Year's. 

What is sold in a Christmas market?

Christmas markets are popular in Europe during the Advent season. In addition to ornaments, nativity figures, and small gifts, there are booths that specialize in seasonal food and drink.

Is Nottingham Winter Wonderland free entry?

Yes, entry to Nottingham Winter Wonderland is completely free, allowing you to walk through the festive markets and enjoy the atmosphere, but you must pay for specific attractions like the ice rink, observation wheel, Ice Bar, rides, food, and drinks. You can wander around and soak up the Christmas spirit at no cost, but booking tickets online for the attractions in advance is highly recommended to save money and avoid queues.
 

How many hours do you need for winter wonderland?

You generally need 3 to 5 hours for a good experience at Winter Wonderland, but many visitors stay 4 to 6 hours or even longer to enjoy rides, markets, food, and shows like the circus and ice skating, with some people staying the whole day if they book early entry. Your time depends on how much you want to do; a quick walkthrough takes less time, while experiencing major attractions and entertainment can easily fill half a day or more. 

Where is the most beautiful Christmas market?

There's no single "most beautiful," as it depends on preference, but top contenders for beauty often include Gdańsk, Poland (voted best in Europe for its unique charm), Cologne, Germany (iconic cathedral backdrop), Prague (historic Old Town Square), Vienna (Rathausplatz magic), and Bruges, Belgium (fairy-tale canals and light trails). Other favorites feature stunning settings like Winchester, UK (Cathedral close) and Strasbourg, France (oldest market).
 

What is the easiest Christmas market to get to from the UK?

Brussels Christmas market

Voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, Brussels' Winter Wonders is the perfect choice for a festive family getaway or a weekend shopping trip — and it's just 1 hour 53 minutes from London by Eurostar.

Is the Nottingham Xmas market good?

Nottingham's Winter Wonderland Christmas Market gets mixed reviews: many love the festive atmosphere, variety of food/drinks (especially hot chocolates!), rides like the Ferris Wheel, and ice skating, but a major complaint across many recent reviews is the high cost of food and drink, with some finding it "ridiculously priced," while others find it a good family day out with plenty to see and do, especially if visiting during off-peak times for fewer crowds and better value.
 

What time do Nottingham Christmas markets open?

Nottingham's main Christmas Market, part of the Winter Wonderland in Old Market Square (November 12 - December 31, 2025), typically opens daily around 10 AM, closing at 6 PM (Sun-Thu) and 8 PM (Fri-Sat) for stalls, with bars and attractions running later, and is closed Christmas Day. Specific attractions like the ice rink and bars have varied hours, so check the official site, but expect late-night options until 11 PM or later for some venues.
 

How many stalls are at the Nottingham Christmas Market?

For the very first time, the Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle will sparkle for three whole days! Enjoy seasonal shopping, family-friendly activities, and plenty of festive entertainment. With over 90 stalls to discover, exciting performances, and delights for all ages, there truly is something for everyone.

Can you just walk into Winter Wonderland?

Yes, all visitors will need to have an entrance ticket before arriving at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

How to get cheap Winter Wonderland tickets?

To get Winter Wonderland discounts, book online in advance for 20% off, aim for off-peak times (early day/January), look for deals like spending £25 for free entry, use specific codes like GXMAS25 for Glasgow, or check for student/concession rates (over 60s, students) for attractions, and explore package deals for bundled savings, with specifics depending on whether it's the Hyde Park or another city's event. 

What should I wear to Winter Wonderland?

Layering is key

Wrap up warm with your jacket, hat and scarf when you're outdoors, and take them off to reveal your cosy knitwear and layered tee underneath when you're inside and need to cool off.