Get into the Christmas spirit at Rufford and Sherwood country parks

As the festive season gets underway, Nottinghamshire's famous woodland and country parks take on a magical quality. In this guest blog Debbie Hibbert from the Rufford Tourist Information Centre writes about some of the upcoming seasonal events around Sherwood Forest. With only a few weeks until the Big Day, there are lots of events taking place in Rufford and Sherwood country parks to get you into the festive spirit. Santa will be in residence in his Victorian style grotto at Rufford Country Park every weekend from the 15th November until 21st December and also 22nd and 23rd December. Children can also take part in Santa’s Christmas Trail by buying a trail leaflet and following the clues to discover Santa and his elves’ lost decorations. Upon completion of all the clues they can collect a ‘sweet’ reward. Over in Sherwood Forest, St Nicholas will arrive in his medieval style grotto on Sunday 30th November, providing he can get past the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Hopefully, Robin Hood will be there to save the day. The grotto will be open every weekend until 21st December. Also each weekend from the 29th November, there is a Yuletide Treasure Trail, a self-guided walk around the Major Oak path taking in some mid-winter magic. For a truly magical evening why not visit ‘Sparkling Sherwood’ over the first weekend in December. See the ancient oaks of Sherwood Forest glisten as you wander through the illuminated forest. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are £2.50 per person (01623 823202). Sunday 7th December is Tree Dressing Day in Sherwood Forest and the following Sunday you can take part in the Midwinter Lantern Walk. For those extra special gift ideas visit the Winter Gift Market in Rufford Country Park on 22nd and 23rd November, or for a more personal touch get creative with glazes and paint your own ceramic mug in the Christmas Paint a Pot activity 15th and 16th November. With all these activities to choose from there is no excuse for not getting into the Christmas Spirit! Further details of what's on around Nottinghamshire this Christmas can be found here.