Top 10 Christmas Days Out for You and Your Child
Christmas is a magical time for families, especially those with young children. Nottingham and the surrounding East Midlands region offer a wealth of festive activities and events that are perfect for creating cherished memories during the early years. If you have young children or work in the early years sector you know how important it is to provide them with enriching experiences. This Christmas, consider these top 10 Christmas days out that are not only fun but also educational and memorable…
- Winter Wonderland at Twinlakes Park (1st – 24th December)
- Location: Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
Winter Wonderland at Twinlakes Park is a dream come true for kids. This festive attraction features a Santa’s Grotto, a giant Christmas tree, reindeer, and thrilling rides. Your child can meet Santa and receive a special gift, making it a truly magical experience.
- Wollaton Hall’s Christmas Courtyard (1st December – 1st January)
- Location: Wollaton, Nottingham
The beautiful Wollaton Hall transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. Enjoy the Christmas Courtyard with market stalls, a dazzling light display, festive food and drink and a chance to meet Santa. Don’t forget to explore the stunning deer park surrounding the hall.
- Great Central Railway Santa Specials (25th November – 24th December)
- Location: Loughborough, Leicestershire
All aboard the Santa Specials at the Great Central Railway! Your child will love the vintage steam train ride with Santa, who will personally deliver gifts to each child on board. It’s a nostalgic and festive experience for the whole family.
- Nottingham Winter Wonderland (7th November – 31st December)
– Location: Market Square, Nottingham
Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland offers a festive ice skating rink, a Christmas market, and a Santa’s Grotto. Enjoy the enchanting atmosphere, delicious food, and plenty of fun activities with your little one.
- White Post Farm Santa’s Grotto (From 2nd December)
- Location: Farnsfield, Nottinghamshire
Combine the joy of visiting Santa with a trip to the farm! White Post Farm hosts Santa’s Grotto, where children can meet Father Christmas and receive a gift. You can also explore the farm and say hello to the friendly animals including miniature donkeys!
- Christmas at Sundown Adventureland (18th November – 24th December)
- Location: Retford, Nottinghamshire
Sundown Adventureland is an ideal destination for young children, and during the Christmas season, it becomes even more magical. Experience a festive train ride, meet Santa, and enjoy the enchanting decorations.
- Belvoir Castle’s Enchanted Christmas (18th November 2023 – 2nd January 2024)
- Location: Grantham, Leicestershire
Belvoir Castle is transformed into an Enchanted Christmas wonderland. Explore the beautifully decorated rooms, meet Santa Claus, and enjoy festive entertainment. It’s a truly enchanting experience for children and adults alike.
- Christmas at Conkers (25th November – 24th December)
- Location: Swadlincote, Derbyshire
Conkers is a fantastic family attraction year-round, but during Christmas, it takes on a special charm. Enjoy Christmas crafts, a Winter Wonderland Walk, and meet Santa in his underground grotto.
- Lakeside Arts Christmas Show (Saturday 09 December – Sunday 31 December)
- Location: Highfields Park, Nottingham
For beautiful wintery tales and Christmas shows, Lakeside Arts is a public arts programme and the region’s leading venue for theatre and dance for children and families.
- Rufford Abbey Country Park (25th November – 23rd December)
- Location: Ollerton, Nottinghamshire
Rufford Abbey is a beautiful setting for a Christmas outing. Enjoy the festive market, Christmas lights, and meet Santa in his grotto. Don’t forget to explore the park’s scenic trails and gardens.
In the East Midlands, there is no shortage of delightful Christmas activities and events for you and your child to enjoy during the early years. From meeting Santa Claus to exploring enchanting winter wonderlands, make this holiday season extra special by immersing yourselves in the magic of Christmas in and around Nottingham.
