Nottingham Christmas Market – Winter Wonderland

If you want to experience the best of the Christmas markets in Nottinghamshire then for sure you will want to visit Nottingham Christmas Market. Known locally as Nottingham Winter Wonderland, it’s one of the most popular winter events in the region and many are excited for its return in 2021.

Nottingham Christmas Market 2021

The Winter Wonderland is a traditional German-style market with all the wonderful Christmas food, mulled wine, handmade gifts and decorations that you would expect to see in a German Christmas market.

In 2021, the format is changing and the Christmas markets will be held in two locations in Nottingham, the original location at the Old Market Square and a new market at Trinity Square.

Nottingham Christmas market dates: 15th November to 31st December 2021 – officially confirmed.
Opening times: 11am (10am on the weekends) to 5:30pm. The bars and Big Wheel close at 11pm.
Location: Old Market Square and Trinity Square.
Reason to visit: Nottingham Market Square is the home of the largest Christmas market in the East Midlands. The Big Wheel is a 32-metre observation wheel.
Specialities: Artisan cheese, chutneys and locally made stews. Outdoor ice skating in Nottingham Market Square.
Tips: Some food stalls will re-open after Christmas for the New Year celebrations.
Hotels near Nottingham Christmas market: The Lace Market Hotel is less than 10-minutes to the Winter Wonderland. Located in one of the trendiest areas of Nottingham, there are many excellent restaurants, bars and shops nearby or eat at the awarding-winning hotel pub.

Winter Wonderland – Old Market Square

Winter Wonderland 2021 is still taking place at the Old Market Square in the centre of Nottingham. This is where you’ll find the festively decorated Christmas chalets stocked with artisan products, traditional Christmas snacks like bratwurst and hot specialty drinks including mulled wine and spiced hot chocolate.

• Après Ski Bar – This is where you’ll find a place to sit and enjoy a mug of mulled wine, hot cider, hot chocolate and other drinks.
• Observation Wheel – You can purchase tickets for the 32 metre high observation wheel at the event.
• Helter Skelter – Children can slide down the traditional, colourful Helter Skelter ride while adults can have a drink at the Helter Skelter Bar.

Winter Village – Trinity Square

New in 2021 is the Winter Village at Trinity Square. Christmas trees line the entrance, igloos and kissing booths are new while you can also find traditional market snacks and drinks.

• Igloos – Take a break from shopping and eating by getting cosy in your own igloo.
• Alpine huts – Decorated huts are interspersed between the Christmas trees and igloos creating a cosy Christmas space.

Hotels near Nottingham Christmas Market

There are a limited number of excellent or value for money hotels near Nottingham Christmas Market. However, we have written a guide to the best hotels to help you find a convenient stay while in Nottingham this winter. We recommend staying in the Lace Market or near the Old Market Square.

If you’re looking to visit other Christmas cities, read our list of the best UK Christmas markets.

Note that Winter Wonderland is closed on Christmas Day.

Things to Do in Nottingham in Winter

Nottingham Winter Wonderland is a popular Christmas event where friends typically meet for after work drinks and families get together to enjoy the Christmas events. One of the most popular experiences for everyone is the outdoor ice skating as well as the ice bar.

• Nottingham Castle – Visit the newly renovated castle to hear the tales of Robin Hood.
• Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem – If the weather isn’t great, head indoors to have a beer at the oldest Inn in England on Brewhouse Yard.
• The Lace Market – Nottingham’s Creative Quarter and hipster district is one of the oldest areas in the city. There are many great restaurants, bars and boutique shops here and you can enjoy street food at Sneinton Market.

Of course, there are many other winter events besides Nottingham Christmas Market. Learn more at Visit Nottinghamshire.

Map of Nottingham Market Square

If you have any questions or comments about visiting the Nottingham Xmas market in 2021 or Nottingham at Christmas more generally, please leave a comment below.

Please note that dates for 2021 have now been confirmed but be sure to follow government health and safety guidelines. Check for updates before booking or making plans.

The event will be spread over two locations for safety reasons but if you’re unsure about safety, you may wish to visit Nottingham at Christmas in 2022.

Reviews assist people who are planning on visiting Nottingham Christmas Market, especially first time travellers. If you would like to leave a review after your visit, you’re welcome to do so in the comment section below. We appreciate you taking the time to do this if you can.

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