Christmas in Nottingham 2025

Nottingham transforms into a twinkling wonderland each Christmas, and 2025 is no exception. From the return of the famous Nottingham Winter Wonderland market to dazzling light trails, the city is bursting with holiday cheer. In this guide, we’ll highlight the Nottingham Christmas events 2025 you won’t want to miss, and show you why Alea Nottingham casino is the ultimate spot for your Christmas party – whether it’s a corporate staff Christmas party Nottingham style, a festive private gathering, or an indulgent Christmas dinner at Marco Pierre White’s restaurant. So grab a mulled wine, get cosy, and let’s explore the magic of Nottingham at Christmas!

What’s On in Nottingham This Christmas

Nottingham comes alive during the holidays with events for all ages. Here’s a festive roundup of city-wide events (with dates, locations, and ticket info) to fill your calendar:

Winter Wonderland – Old Market Square (FREE entry; 12th Nov–31st Dec): The heart of the city’s Christmas celebrations, Old Market Square has once again been transformed into a Winter Wonderland Christmas Market. Explore over 60 traditional chalet stalls offering gifts and treats, glide on the Sky Skate ice path that loops above the market for views of the lights, or take a spin on the giant Observation Wheel overlooking Nottingham’s festive skyline. The famous Ice Bar is back too, alongside the cosy alpine ski lodge bar Sur La Piste, an ice rink, a toboggan slide and more – all wrapped up in sparkling décor. (Entry is free; pay-as-you-go for rides/attractions.)

Ice Bar (Winter Wonderland) – Open 12th Nov–31st Dec within Winter Wonderland, this sub-zero attraction lets you chill (literally) with a drink served in a glass made entirely of ice. Each year brings a brand-new theme (2025’s theme is a surprise hit!), complete with intricate ice sculptures. Tickets start around £19.50 per person and include a time-slot entry and usually a drink. Pre-booking is highly recommended for this popular icy experience – it’s a cool memory you’ll be talking about all winter.

Wollaton Winter Light Trail – 26th Nov–31st Dec at Wollaton Hall & Deer Park: An immersive after-dark light trail through the historic Wollaton Park grounds. This year a brand-new trail debuts, featuring dazzling large-scale light installations, interactive displays and magical soundscapes weaving through the gardens. Warm up with festive food/drink stalls and fire pits for toasting marshmallows along the route. Tickets are required (priced in tiers, roughly £17–£25 for adults). The enchanting atmosphere makes it worth the trip – an ideal evening out for couples or anyone seeking some Christmas sparkle.

Nottingham Castle Christmas Market – 28th–30th Nov at Nottingham Castle grounds: A special three-day Christmas market set against the backdrop of the Castle. Browse over 90 stalls from local makers and artisans – perfect for unique gifts and tasty festive treats. There’s plenty of free fun too: live music and performances, and even a vintage carousel on site. The grounds will be filled with seasonal food & drink stalls (mulled wine or hot chocolate, anyone?) and picturesque photo spots. Tickets are very affordable at £2 for adults if booked online – a small price for a big dose of Christmas cheer.

National Ice Centre – Christmas Light Switch-On – Sunday 23rd Nov at National Ice Centre (Motorpoint Arena): Join a fun-filled day at Nottingham’s ice arena, capped off with the official Christmas lights switch-on inside the rink. Throughout the day, the NIC offers on-ice and off-ice activities – you can try out skating sessions (including festive skate events), enjoy free crafts and games, and even sample mini sports lessons. It’s a great way to get into the spirit: imagine skating under twinkling lights, sipping hot cocoa, and then counting down as the arena’s holiday lights are illuminated. (Location: Bolero Square, Lace Market; some activities may require skate hire fee, but entry to the fun day and light switch-on is typically free for spectators.)

Newstead Abbey – “Fairytale Christmas” (near Nottingham) – 22nd Nov–4th Jan at Newstead Abbey & Gardens: Step into a storybook Christmas at the former home of Lord Byron. Fairytale Christmas at Newstead features the Abbey’s grand rooms decorated with mesmerising fairy-tale themed displays and installations. Visitors take a self-guided tour through the historic house, which is open on weekends and school holidays for the season. On late-November weekends, a charming Christmas craft fair pops up in the medieval cloisters, with local crafts and gifts for sale. Tickets: House admission is £15 per adult (parking/site fee applies). Enjoy a stroll in the winter gardens and maybe book a festive afternoon tea at the café for a truly elegant outing.

Rufford Abbey – “Magical Christmas” (nearby in Notts) – 15 Nov–4 Jan at Rufford Abbey Country Park: A season of seasonal events across this beautiful country park. Rufford’s Magical Christmas kicks off with an Arrival of Santa weekend parade on 15–16 Nov (free entry event – just pay for parking) to launch the festivities. Throughout late Nov and Dec, the park offers something for everyone: a Mini Christmas Market on weekends with crafts and goodies, an Elf Garden Trail for kids to explore, Santa’s Grotto on select dates for the little ones, and even special events like festive brunches and carols by candlelight. Most outdoor activities are free to enjoy (some require a small fee or booking, e.g. grotto tickets around £10). Wrap up warm, roam the illuminated abbey ruins and gardens, and soak in the holiday atmosphere. It’s a magical Christmas experience where history meets holiday fun.

Private Christmas Parties & Venue Hire

Looking for an exclusive space to host your Christmas bash? Alea Nottingham offers several stylish private hire options perfect for any group size, from small dinners to big office parties:

The Event Suite: A spacious, versatile function suite accommodating 180–200 seated guests (or up to 250 standing). It boasts a private bar, stage, full AV and DJ sound system – everything you need for presentations, live music or a boogie. Plus, with a 6am late license, your Christmas party can continue into the wee hours!

Esquina: An upscale bar and lounge area ideal for medium-sized parties (80–100 seated). Esquina comes with its own private bar and built-in AV/DJ system, and also enjoys a 6am license. It’s perfect for those semi-private casino Christmas party Nottingham vibes – you get the lively atmosphere but your own dedicated space.

Marco Pierre White Private Dining Room: For a more intimate festive dining experience, the MPW Steakhouse at Alea has a beautiful private dining room for up to 22 seated guests. It’s fully decorated for Christmas, creating a cosy yet elegant setting. A large TV is available (for screening photos, slideshows or even a Christmas movie), making it great for gatherings or VIP client dinners. Enjoy Marco Pierre White’s renowned cuisine in total privacy – an ideal option for a private Christmas dinner Nottingham style with added luxury.

Festive Dining & Drinks Packages

No Christmas celebration is complete without feasting and toasting. Alea Nottingham’s team and Marco Pierre White Steakhouse have curated festive dining Nottingham menus and premium drinks packages to make party planning a breeze:

• Marco Pierre White Christmas Menu: Leave the cooking to the pros and indulge in a sumptuous Christmas meal. On Christmas Day, the Marco Pierre White restaurant at Alea is offering a special Christmas Day menu at £85.00 per adult. Expect a gourmet Christmas dinner Nottingham foodies will love – think traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, indulgent desserts, and perhaps a few signature MPW twists. Tables will be lavishly decorated, and the atmosphere will be merry and bright. (Be sure to book early for Christmas Day as spots fill up fast!)

• Premium Drinks Packages: To add extra sparkle to your night, Alea has bottle package deals named after the four card suits – perfect for groups who want to celebrate in style. Options include:
  Diamond Package (£180) – 1 bottle of Laurent-Perrier Champagne and 1 bottle of Laurent-Perrier Rosé (pop the bubbly!)
  Spades Package (£207) – 2 bottles of Prosecco, 2 bottles of house wine, 10 bottles of beer, plus 2 bottles of mineral water (something for everyone)
  Hearts Package (£231) – 2 bottles of house red wine, 1 bottle of house white, 10 beers, and 2 bottles of water (a heart-warming selection of drinks)
  Clubs Package (£160) – 2 bottles of Prosecco and 10 beers (perfect for a cheers with your club of friends!)

These packages add great value and keep the drinks flowing all night. Of course, the bars at Alea also serve a full range of wines, spirits, festive cocktails, and more – so nobody goes thirsty at this party.

DJ Festive Party Nights

If your idea of Christmas is less “Silent Night” and more “dance all night”, Alea’s DJ Festive Parties are calling your name! Running on weekends from 5th Dec till 20th Dec (every Saturday and Sunday night in the lead-up to Christmas), these parties are all about high-energy festive fun and flair:

• Delicious Dining: Kick off the evening with a 3-course festive feast, featuring seasonal dishes served with flair. It’s the perfect fuel for a night of revelry.

• Live Entertainment: As you dine, enjoy live performances – think singers or maybe a bit of cabaret – bringing unforgettable holiday entertainment to lift your spirits.

• Interactive DJ & Dancing: After dinner, hit the dance floor! Our DJ will be spinning all the classics and party anthems to keep the floor packed. Have a song request or a special shout-out for your Christmas party Nottingham crew? Let the DJ know – it’s an interactive experience and all about having a blast.

• Learn to Play Roulette: Ever fancied trying your luck at the casino tables? During the party, you can join a fun mini masterclass to learn how to play roulette. No pressure, no real gambling – just a quick, entertaining lesson from the croupiers so you can shout "red or black!" with confidence. It’s a unique addition you won’t find at your average party venue, and it really makes for a casino Christmas party Nottingham will remember.

• Magic Mirror Photo Booth: Grab your friends, don a silly prop or some giant sunglasses, and snap away at the magic mirror photo booth! This interactive selfie mirror lets you pose and get instant prints – a perfect memento of your night. Strike a pose, make a funny face, and say cheese! (Or perhaps “Brie-mingham”… okay, that’s very cheesy – but hey, it’s Christmas.)

In short, the DJ Festive Party Nights at Alea combine gourmet food, music, dancing, casino fun and even photography into one glittering package. It’s ideal for office parties or friends looking for a ready-made night out – just book your tickets, dress to impress, and leave the rest to Alea.

Cabaret Christmas Parties with Hollie Burns

For a show-stopping celebration, Alea Nottingham presents the Cabaret Christmas Party featuring the fabulous Hollie Burns. Available on select nights (Fridays and Saturdays throughout the festive season), this experience is a cut above the usual dinner-and-disco:

• Dinner, Fizz & Show: Tickets (priced at £55 per person on Fridays and £60 per person on Saturdays) include a welcome glass of bubbly on arrival to get you in the spirit. Then take your seats for a delectable 3-course festive dinner prepared by our chefs. As you dine, soak up the atmosphere – Hollie Burns, a sensational singer and entertainer, will perform cabaret numbers and engage the crowd with her powerhouse vocals and cheeky charm.

• Games & Prizes: These cabaret nights aren’t just dinner shows; they’re interactive parties! Hollie (and the event host/DJ) will get everyone involved with hilarious party games and challenges throughout the evening, with fun prizes to be won. Don’t be shy – whether it’s a sing-off, dance battle or Christmas trivia, it’s all in good fun and guaranteed laughs.

• Dancefloor & Late Bar: After the show and games, the night continues with an interactive DJ set. Dance off that Christmas pudding to all your favourite tunes – from cheesy holiday hits to club classics. The casino stays open until 6am, so night owls can keep the festivities going even after the official event ends. It’s truly an all-in-one package: dinner, show, entertainment and dancing. If you want a memorable Christmas party in Nottingham without any planning hassle, Hollie Burns and the Alea team have you covered.

New Year’s Eve Extravaganzas at Alea

The holiday fun doesn’t stop at Christmas – Alea Nottingham has spectacular plans to ring in the New Year as well. Say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026 with one of our two NYE celebration options:

Hogmanay Hoot with Karen Dunbar (31st Dec)

Get ready for a Scottish-flavoured New Year’s Eve party hosted by the one-and-only Karen Dunbar (of Chewin’ the Fat fame). This ticketed event (£50 per person) kicks off around 7:30pm on New Year’s Eve and offers a full evening of laughs, music and tradition. Enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival – a sparkling welcome to set the mood. Then feast on a traditional New Year’s buffet packed with hearty festive favourites (think stovies, roast meats, perhaps a haggis twist – a true Hogmanay spread!). Karen Dunbar will take to the decks for a live DJ set, spinning party tunes and likely injecting some of her famous comedy throughout the night. There will be lively party games with prizes, so expect a bit of friendly competition and loads of laughter. As midnight approaches, you’ll join the countdown and experience the Scottish Hogmanay tradition of a piper at the bells – a live bagpiper will herald the stroke of midnight with Auld Lang Syne on the pipes, giving everyone goosebumps. This is a one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve party Nottingham won’t soon forget – you’ll basically be celebrating New Year’s twice (English style and Scottish style)! Tickets are limited, so grab yours early via Eventbrite to secure your spot.

New Year’s Eve “Step Right Up to the Circus” (31st Dec)

If you prefer a more casual but totally epic party, Alea’s main casino floor is turning into a Circus-themed New Year’s Eve extravaganza – and everyone’s invited! Free entry for all; just come dressed to impress and ready for an evening of carnival magic. The venue will be decked out in true circus style: think dazzling performers roaming around – from hoop aerialists twirling above, to glamorous Vegas showgirls, jugglers, maybe even stilt-walkers – creating an electric atmosphere of wonder. There’ll be live entertainment all night, with music, dancing and surprises in every corner. To make your night extra special, you can reserve a private booth for your group for just £10 per person – this includes a welcome drink and your own seating area to enjoy the show (a great value for NYE!). Of course, all our Drinks Packages (Diamonds, Spades, Hearts, Clubs) will be available to pre-order, so you can have your champagne or cocktails ready at your table. As midnight nears, gather around for a spectacular countdown – with confetti cannons, cheers, and probably a circus-style twist to “Auld Lang Syne.” It’s going to be an unforgettable night of dazzling performances, flowing drinks and an electric atmosphere – the perfect way to start the new year. And since entry is free, feel free to bring all your friends – everyone’s welcome to join the party!

In summary, Nottingham is overflowing with festive events this year – from charming Christmas markets and ice skating under the stars, to illuminated trails and fun days. And right at the centre of the celebration is Alea Nottingham, ready to be your home for the holidays. With its range of party packages, private venues, festive dining options and entertainment, Alea makes organizing the perfect Christmas party Nottingham easy and oh-so-fun. It’s a one-stop venue where you can eat, drink, play and be merry all under one roof – and keep the party going until dawn if you wish!