Enjoy a truly magical Christmas in Newark and Sherwood!
It’s Christmas!
Now that we are well and truly into December, we don’t feel guilty for discussing Christmas; in fact, we are positively bursting with the festive spirit.
Have you got all of your shopping done yet? Are you ready for the big day? No matter where you are planning for the festive period, it is never too early to enjoy a Christmas market or two. With magical markets and festive events, Newark, Southwell and Sherwood Forest are the perfect destinations for Christmas!
We have compiled a list of events of festive events that you can explore with your loved ones this December.
10 – 23 December | Newark Castle and Gardens | FREE
From the 10 December, once you’ve finished your Christmas shopping at our fabulous independent retailers, head over to Newark Castle to see an enchanting display of lights! Enjoy the twinkling lights and take full advantage of the festive photo opportunities – follow Newark Castle on Facebook for the latest information.
10 & 12 December | Southwell Racecourse | Prices vary
Are you looking for something thrilling this festive period, don’t worry; Southwell Racecourse has you covered! With Gentleman’s Evening on 10 December and their festive Jumper Raceday on 12, you are guaranteed an action-packed, fun, festive weekend!
Newark Book Festival Winter Wonderland
11 – 12 December | Newark Town Hall and Market Place | Prices vary
Newark Book Festival is back this December for some festive book fun!
With exciting Christmas events across the weekend, including fantastic street theatre and the Book Festival’s brilliant literature corner on Sunday, there is guaranteed bookish fun for all the family.
Every weekend until 19 December | Rufford Abbey Country Park | FREE
Rufford Abbey is beautiful all the time, but there is something so magical about their courtyard all lit up for Christmas! Enjoy the craft and gift stalls and soak up the festive spirit with carols, mulled wine and mince pies!
Every weekend until 19 December and every day between 20 – 24 December | Rufford Abbey Country Park | £18.95 for 1 adult and 1 child
Enjoy this special festive treat with your little ones and have breakfast or lunch with the jolly great man in the red suit!
Newark Christmas Lights Market
12 December | 3.30 pm – 9.30 pm | Newark Royal Market | FREE
This exciting new event in Newark is sure to get you well and truly in the Christmas spirit. Head to Newark Royal Market place as dark is falling to enjoy a fantastic new lights display, over 110 stalls and street food, as well as an exciting Steampunk lights procession!
Don’t forget about the FREE parking in all Council car parks on Sunday!
18 December | All day | Newark Royal Market | FREE
Make the task of last-minute Christmas shopping a treat as Newark plays host to brilliant stalls full of unique gifts for your loved ones. With Christmas music and street entertainment, the event is one not to be missed to get you well and truly in the festive mood.
Proclaiming Christmas at Sherwood Forest
19 December | RSPB Sherwood Forest | FREE
On the last Sunday before Christmas, help RSPB Sherwood Forest usher in the festive week with a day of exciting performances and activities. Enjoy the sounds of a local choir performing at the visitor centre and then join the Sheriff of Nottingham and Friar Tuck as they vie for the title of the Lord of Misrule!
20 December | 7.30 – 10.00 pm | Southwell Minster | Prices vary
Southwell Music Festival returns this December for their stunning, one-night-only Christmas Celebration! Set in the beautiful surroundings of Southwell Minister, visitors can enjoy a programme of seasonal words and choral music, a true celebration of Christmas!
Remember to check our events calendar to plan your festive getaway in the area!