Christmas at Wollaton makes a spectacular return for 2023

Christmas at Wollaton is officially back for 2023! It was opened by the chart-topping legend Donny Osmond, who switched on the Christmas at Wollaton lights trail ahead of his highly-anticipated Motorpoint Arena show on Saturday 2nd December 2023.

This year, Christmas at Wollaton runs from December 1st to December 31st 2023. Tickets can be purchased on the Christmas at Wollaton website with discounts on selected time slots for Nottingham city residents.

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Donny Osmond opens Christmas at Wollaton

The American entertainer joined Nottinghamshire’s one and only lights trail on the 1st of December 2023 to declare Christmas at Wollaton open to the public. It comes as part of his 12-date UK tour, bringing his popular Las Vegas show to Britain to celebrate 50 successful years in the entertainment industry. Donny Osmond has sold over 100 million records and also achieved three UK No.1s, nine UK Top 10s and 13 UK Top 40s. We were able to ask him a few questions at the opening event.

How does it feel to be a part of the Christmas celebration at Wollaton Hall?

'Well it's now in it's fourth year, and it's an honour to be the person selected. I didn't think I'd be able to do it because I'm on tour but it worked out perfectly with my night off here in Nottingham! They said 'can you do it?' and I said 'I'm available, let's do it!'. Because when you're on tour, your schedule is just so hectic... but it worked out perfectly'.

Are you going to get a chance to see much of the area ahead of your show at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Saturday?

'Typically I just don't get out, because you focus on the show and staying strong for the tour and everything like that, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity. It's nice to get out and actually see and visit the culture of the city. I've played Nottingham many times in the past but I've just never had the chance to get out and do things like this'.

The 2023 trail & what you can expect

Christmas at Wollaton has become a firm favourite for locals and tourists alike since it debuted in 2020. It has soon become one of the jewels in the crown of Nottingham’s festive events. This year’s trail follows a new route, as well as introducing never-before-seen interactive elements which will be enjoyed by adults and their little ones alike! You will get the chance to explore the 'Field of Flames', as well as launch your own laser beams at 'The Light Launchers'. One of our favourite activities was the musical stones, which not only lit up but played some notes as you stepped on them. Imagine a light trail version of a giant floor piano! 

Of course the fan favourite 'Wollaton Deer Lights' are displayed prominently. This picture perfect moment of course pays homage to the deer who roam the grounds of Wollaton Hall. In fact, as the light was just setting on our visit, we could see some of the deer from the trail! This year they even have a small T-Rex, which we're sure is a reference to Titus the T-Rex skeleton they were exhibiting recently.

As you continue through the trail, you will enjoy a variety of sounds and lights. Including some beautiful and lively music, the choreographed lights will light you up with festive spirit. You will step through colours of all hues, including lasers, and projections, which make you feel a little bit magical. 

The trail finishes with the main event - the light display at Wollaton Hall itself. Stand by the fire pit and get comfy as you'll want to watch the display a couple of times at least! The projections and the lights work in perfect harmony, dancing around the facade of the stunning Hall in time with a fantastic soundtrack. With different styles and colours engulfing the manor house, you will see it like you have never seen it before. Each time you watch the display you will notice some different element, moving part or small detail. You can also get some fantastic photos here with the iconic picture frame border. Simply stand behind it and get a photo of your loved ones, with the Hall lit up behind them.

Our top tips

Festive food and refreshments are also be available to purchase, including Christmas cocktails and soft drinks, before or after heading on your immersive adventure. We recommend grabbing a hot drink first so you can enjoy the walk a warming treat!

Car parking is available and priced separate to the light trail, but as this can fill up quite quickly, we recommend travelling by bus or tram if you can. You can easily catch these from all over Notts, including Nottingham City Centre. If you travel by tram, you can also stop off at Highfields Park or Lakeside Arts to make it a full day out.

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This blog was written by Katherine Taylor, Marketing Executive at Visit Nottinghamshire.