What's On This Weekend in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 22 - 24 December 2023

If you’re looking for things to do this Christmas Eve weekend, we’ve rounded up some of the top things to do in Notts, complete with times and prices.

Catch a Christmas film, go to the races, enjoy a festive concert and support some amazing charities in the process! Keep reading to plan your perfect Christmas Eve weekend.

And while you’re out and about, don’t forget - if you are out having a great time in Nottingham or Nottinghamshire, you can use #LoveNotts to share the love, or tag us using @visitnotts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We’re also on TikTok under @visitnottinghamshire!

There are many more things to do and explore on our full What’s On calendar such as interesting exhibitions, tours and fun outdoor activities. Have a browse today and find the perfect activity or experience to enjoy this weekend.

---

1. Christmas Films at Broadway

​​​​Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th December | Broadway | Various times | Under 25s: £5, Full: £10, Concessions: from £6

This weekend, Broadway are screening some of your favourite Christmas films! Bring the family or a group of friends and cosy up in their comfy seats as you re-live the magic of Elf, The Muppets Christmas Carol & more!

Elf: Raised as an elf, Buddy sets off to find his true place in the world – in New York City!

The Muppet Christmas Carol: With a terrific central performance from Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge and a cavalcade of much-loved musical numbers, this raucous retelling of the Charles Dickens story is a Christmas classic not to be missed.

It's A Wonderful Life: A Christmas cinema classic which never fails to bring a tear to the eye. A guardian angel saves George Bailey by showing him what his beloved hometown of Bedford Falls would be like without him.

The Snowman + The Snowman and the Snowdog: Prepare to walk in the air for an unmissable animated double bill journey to the North Pole. The Snowman follows a young boy’s magical flight to the North Pole after building a Snowman. The Snowman and the Snowdog is the 2012 sequel, released in celebration of the 30th anniversary of The Snowman

---

2. Christmas Cheer

Friday 22nd December | Nottingham Arts Theatre | 6pm | From £10 - £12

Stop by Nottingham Arts Theatre, and you’ll love a concert of seasonal entertainment featuring a host of songs, poems, sketches, mince pies and mulled wine to get you in the festive spirit.

We can’t think of a better way to spend the last Friday night ahead of Christmas Day!

And it’s all for a good cause. All proceeds from this production go to support the work of Nottingham Arts Theatre, a registered charity. They run a varied programme of events throughout the year, including plays, musicals, pantomime and concerts with a large number of amateur and professional visiting companies.

The venue contains a proscenium arch auditorium with an orchestra pit, a 50-seat studio theatre and a bar serving a plethora of beverages and snacks.

---

3. Discos for Grown Up's Christmas Party

Friday 22nd December | The Belgrave Rooms | 7.15pm - 11.30pm | Tickets: £17.89

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit and groove the night away at a special Disco for Grown-Ups Christmas party!

The event promises a musical journey through the decades, featuring the usual disco, soul, and pop hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, alongside a sprinkle of beloved holiday classics to infuse that extra Christmas cheer.

You are encouraged to don your most dazzling attire and join in the merriment with a glittery boogie at this unforgettable Christmas disco party. This gathering is particularly well-suited for office Christmas parties, where guests are encouraged to adhere to the dress code of glitter and Christmas jumpers to get into the holiday spirit.

In a delightful twist, you can also look forward to a snowy surprise during the event.

---

4. Festive Friday Raceday

Friday 22nd December | Southwell Racecourse | 11am - onwards | From £13+

Start the festive season with a bang!

As Christmas fast approaches, what better way to get in the festive spirit by watching top all-weather horse racing with a hot glass of mulled wine in hand?

Whether you're planning your office Christmas party, getting the girls together or looking to spend some quality time with the family… Southwell Racecourse has got your Christmas Party all-wrapped up! Join them in the prestigious Season's restaurants, where there will be Christmas dressed tables, a festive inspired 3-course menu, expertly prepared by experienced chefs and more!

Children 17-and-under go free to the races when accompanied by an adult (some exclusions apply for Festival fixtures and Live After Racing events). Children do not require a ticket in advance and a free ticket will be issued on the day. Concessions discounts are only available on the day.

---

5. Great Santa Skate

Friday 22nd December | National Ice Centre | 4pm - 6pm | Tickets: £15

The first-ever Great Santa Skate at the National Ice Centre will see hundreds of skating Santas take to the ice to help make Christmas special for children living in poverty. It's the perfect family-friendly event.

Join them this Friday and the National Ice Centre will donate £5 from every ticket for the Great Santa Skate to Mission Christmas, the Cash for Kids charity which aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children.

The event is set to be a festive experience to remember with the chance to skate to all the greatest Christmas hits, stop off for festive treats at the rink side cafe, or add on a visit to Santa in his magical grotto (pre-booking advised!).

Tickets are £15 each for the Great Santa Skate, which includes a full Santa outfit to get into character for the skating session. Under 5s skate for free and are encouraged to bring their own Santa hat or festive outfit to join in the fun.

To see the full list of Christmas activities at the National Ice Centre, click here!

---

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