“Last updated: 10 August 2025”
Nottingham Christmas Market 2025 (Winter Wonderland) returns to Old Market Square from 13 November to 31 December 2025—a free-to-enter festive village of traditional wooden chalets, street-food smoke, and glittering lights in the heart of the city. Expect the signature Winter Wonderland experiences Nottingham is known for—think the ice rink with its elevated Sky Skate path, the sub-zero Ice Bar, an observation wheel with skyline views, and cosy alpine-style bars—plus dozens of artisan stalls for gifts you won’t find on the high street. Daily opening hours will be confirmed nearer the time, but the dates are set, so get your travel and must-do bookings lined up early. This guide covers everything you need: dates, how to get there, what to book, where to eat and drink, and the best places to stay for a magical Christmas in Nottingham.
Quick‑Look Essentials
| What | Need‑to‑Know |
|---|---|
| 2025 Dates | 13th Nov – 31st Dec (closed Christmas Day) |
| Times | 10 am – 10 pm daily; bars open later at weekends |
| Main Venues | Old Market Square (Winter Wonderland) + Nottingham Castle Christmas Market, 28th–30th Nov. Get Directions. |
| Headline Attractions | Ice Rink & Sky Skate Path, Observation Wheel, Ice Bar, Sur La Piste & Altitude bars, 60 ft tree, 60+ chalet stalls |
| Advance Booking? | Strongly advised for skating, Ice Bar & weekend evenings |
Market Layout & How to Navigate It
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Old Market Square turns into a alpine village: two‑tier ice rink (ground level + elevated Sky Skate), chalet‑style craft stalls and street‑food huts circling the square, and the glittering centre‑piece tree.
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Observation Wheel rises behind the fountains—ride it at dusk for postcard‑worthy panoramas.
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Sur La Piste & Altitude Bars sit on raised platforms with heated terraces and table service: perfect for après‑skate cocktails or a spiced cider.
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Nottingham Castle hosts a boutique, three‑day artisan market (28th–30th Nov) set against torch‑lit mediaeval walls—ideal if you crave a calmer browsing experience.
Pro tip: Arrive via the Clumber Street entrance before noon to beat the crowds and photograph the stalls while fairy lights are still twinkling in the half‑light.
Hotels Near Nottingham Christmas Market 2025
What’s New for 2025
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Expanded Children’s Ice Rink – A mini rink with penguin skate aids keeps under‑8s safe from the speed demons on the main track.
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Eco‑Cup Deposit Scheme – Pay £1 deposit on hot‑drink cups and reclaim it when you return the cup or swap it for your next mulled wine—40,000 single‑use cups saved last year.
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“Robin Hood Story‑Trail” QR game – Scan codes hidden around the stalls; finish all 10 to unlock a free ride on the vintage carousel (weekdays before 5 pm).
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Late‑Night Shopping Thursdays – Selected stalls and high‑street stores stay open until 11 pm with live acoustic sets on the main stage.
Food & Drink You Can’t Miss
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Load‑Up Yorkshire Puddings spilling over with roast turkey and cranberry.
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Chimney Cakes twirled in cinnamon sugar—pair with a Nutella‑filled centre.
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Nottingham‑brewery Craft Ales on hand‑pull in the Altitude lodge.
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Ice Bar Cocktails served in hand‑carved ice glasses; admission includes two drinks (ages 5+ welcome with mocktail option).
Vegan & Gluten‑Free: Look for the green snowflake badge on stall signs—over a third of traders now meet at least one dietary requirement.
Shopping & Artisan Finds
With 60+ independent traders you can tick off every name on your list: hand‑thrown ceramics, sustainable beeswax wraps, luxe cashmere scarves, and Nottingham lace ornaments are standout buys. Week two (21st–24th Nov) is “Maker’s Takeover” weekend when craftspeople demonstrate glass‑blowing, wood‑turning and chocolate‑tempering live.
Entertainment & Special Events
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Live Music Stage nightly at 6 pm featuring local choirs, jazz trios and brass bands.
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Santa’s Grotto moves inside the National Ice Centre (21st–24th Dec); grotto tickets include a junior skate pass and gift.
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Friday Fireworks (22nd Nov, 6th & 20th Dec) burst above the council house dome—arrive early for front‑row views.
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Silent Disco on Ice every Wednesday from 8 pm (headphones provided).
Practical Info & Insider Hacks
Tickets & Money
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Entry to the market is free. Pre‑book online for skating (£14.50 adults, £11.50 child) and Ice Bar (£19.50–£22.50) to skip queues.
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Contactless accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash for small craft stalls whose Wi‑Fi can falter on peak nights.
Getting There
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Train: Five‑minute walk from Nottingham Station—follow the festive lamppost signs.
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Tram: “Old Market Square” stop drops you beside the wheel.
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Park & Ride: Wilkinson Street or Toton Lane (£4 return, includes tram) keep you out of city‑centre traffic.
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Blue‑Badge Parking: Limited bays on Beastmarket Hill—bookable in advance via the council website.
Accessibility
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Step‑free paths through 90 % of the site; ramps to Sky Skate; dedicated quiet hour 10 – 11 am every Sunday.
Where to Stay: Luxury, Mid‑Range & Budget Picks
Below is a quick‑scan shortlist you can safely book on Booking.com, organised by price‑point so you can jump straight to the level that matches your festive budget.
🎄 Luxury (≈ £170 + per night)
| Property | Why It Feels Luxe |
|---|---|
| Hart’s Hotel & Kitchen | Boutique rooms with Egyptian‑cotton linens, leafy hill‑top setting two minutes from Nottingham Castle, and its own fine‑dining restaurant overseen by 2 AA‑rosette chefs. |
| Lace Market Hotel | Grade‑II listed Georgian townhouse facing St Mary’s Church; art‑filled interiors, cocktail bar, and roomy suites with roll‑top baths. |
| St James Hotel (BW Premier Collection) | Plush, design‑led décor inspired by the city’s heritage, champagne lounge, and optional private parking right beside the castle gates. |
✨ Mid‑Range (≈ £90–£150)
| Property | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Crowne Plaza Nottingham | Central location with on‑site spa pool, secure parking and a breakfast buffet that runs from 6:30 am—ideal for early skating slots. |
| DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham Gateway | Newly refurbished, free parking, 24‑hour gym and those signature warm cookies on check‑in; sits just off the tram line for six‑minute rides into Old Market Square. |
| Hilton Nottingham | 1901 red‑brick landmark opposite the Victoria Centre; guests rate the indoor pool and family rooms, while budget‑savvy shoppers love its steps‑from‑the‑high‑street setting. |
💰 Budget (≈ £35–£85)
| Property | Why It’s a Bargain |
|---|---|
| ibis Nottingham Centre | Simple but spotless rooms, 24‑hr snack bar and unbeatable location on the edge of the Lace Market—walk to the Christmas stalls in under three minutes. |
| Igloo Hybrid Hostel | Eco‑friendly hybrid hostel with both dorms and private rooms; communal kitchen and lounge make it a sociable pick for solo travellers. |
| Trivelles Regency Nottingham | Compact en‑suite doubles with microwaves and kettles, free street parking nearby and handy bus links if you’re arriving via the M1. |
Booking Tips
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Book by September for the best weekend rates—many hotels bundle Winter Wonderland skate passes or mulled‑wine vouchers.
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Check cancellation policies: most properties above offer free cancellation up to 24–48 hrs before arrival on Booking.com.
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Watch for promo codes in the Booking.com app; past years saw 10 % “Black Friday” discounts for stays between 18th Nov – 20th Dec.
Beyond the Market
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Wollaton Hall’s “Light Up Nottingham” trail (4 km of illuminated gardens).
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Newstead Abbey Victorian Christmas with Dickensian actors and candlelit tours.
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Independent Hockley District for vintage shops and specialty coffee—ideal daytime detour.
Itinerary Ideas
| If you have… | Do this |
|---|---|
| Half‑day (afternoon‑evening) | Skate → browse stalls → wheel at sunset → Altitude bar for fondue. |
| Full day with kids | Robin Hood trail → children’s rink → Santa’s Grotto → carousel → fireworks. |
| Romantic weekend | Friday night Ice Bar, boutique hotel stay; Saturday castle market & candlelit abbey tour. |
Final Tips for a Magical Visit
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Book signature experiences first (Sky Skate, Ice Bar) then plan food and browsing around those slots.
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Layer up—rooftop bars get breezy even with heaters.
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Bring a tote bag; sustainability rules mean plastic carrier bags are scarce.
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Check tram strike dates and allow extra time on Saturdays when Forest games overlap.
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Stay late on quieter Mondays for atmospheric strolls when the square empties and the tree reflections dance on wet cobbles—pure Christmas magic.
Ready to Feel the Festive Glow?
With these insider insights you’re set to craft your own merry adventure at Nottingham Christmas Market 2025. Book those skating tickets, charge your phone (so many photo ops!), and prepare for mulled‑wine‑fuelled cheer you’ll remember well into the New Year. See you under the fairy lights!
Nottingham Christmas Market 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When does Nottingham Christmas Market 2025 start and finish?
A1. The 2025 Winter Wonderland is scheduled for 13 November – 31 December 2025, with Christmas Day the only closure.
Q2. Where exactly is the market held?
A2. The main site is Old Market Square (NG1 2DT) in the heart of the city. A boutique artisan market also pops up at Nottingham Castle from 28 – 30 November 2025.
Q3. What time does the market open and close?
A3. Stall hours follow the proven pattern: Sun–Thu 10:00‑20:30, Fri–Sat 10:00‑21:00, while bars and the ice rink often trade until 22:00 or later. Final 2025 times will be confirmed, but these 2024 hours are a reliable guide.
Q4. Is entry to Nottingham Winter Wonderland free?
A4. Yes—admission to the market is completely free; you only pay for optional attractions, food and drink.
Q5. Can I buy attraction tickets on the day?
A5. Walk‑up tickets are sold on‑site, but availability isn’t guaranteed; advance online booking is strongly advised for skating, the Ice Bar and weekend evenings.
Q6. Are dogs allowed at Nottingham Christmas Market?
A6. Pets are discouraged because of the crowds but allowed in outdoor areas; assistance dogs are welcome everywhere (consider a coat if you take them into the Ice Bar).
Q7. Is the market wheelchair accessible?
A7. The square’s decking is pushchair‑ and wheelchair‑friendly, and accessible toilets are provided; the only exception is the Ice Bar, whose stone floor isn’t classed as wheelchair‑friendly.
Q8. What’s the best way to reach the market by public transport?
A8. Take the NET tram to Old Market Square, a 12‑minute walk from Nottingham Station. Seven Park‑&‑Ride sites offer free parking plus tram tickets, and buses stop within a block of the square.
Q9. Is parking available nearby?
A9. Yes—city‑centre multi‑storeys such as Lace Market, Trinity Square and Broad Marsh, plus Blue‑Badge bays on Stanford Street & St Peter’s Gate. Spaces fill quickly on December weekends, so Park‑&‑Ride is often faster.
Q10. Which days get busiest?
A10. Transport Nottingham warns that Saturdays 30 Nov, 7 Dec, 14 Dec and 21 Dec draw the heaviest crowds—arrive before noon or after 18:00 for easier browsing.
Q11. What happens if it rains?
A11. The market and ice rink run in almost all weather; only severe conditions pause rides. Skaters receive alternative sessions or partial refunds if less than 30 minutes of ice time is delivered.
Q12. What food and drink can I expect?
A12. Expect 60‑plus traders selling everything from artisan cheeses and mead to churros, bratwurst, vegan curries and mulled wine, plus cocktails at Sur La Piste and ice‑glass drinks inside the Ice Bar. Gluten‑free and vegan options are flagged on stall signs.
