Festive Christmas Fun Takes Over Nottingham This Week!🎄

Good morning Nottingham! ☀️ The city is bursting with festive magic this week. From Christmas markets and Santa’s Grotto to Beeston’s big light switch-on and festive steam events, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss comedy favourites Jason Manford and Rhod Gilbert for some laughs to balance out all that holiday cheer. Grab a brew, and let’s dive into the week’s events!

In today’s Local Scoop:

• Winter Family Fun Day + Christmas Light Switch On 🎅

• Nottingham City Gaming Fair: Retro Meets Modern 🎮

• Our scrumptious scoops for the week 🍽️

Let’s get to it.

— Local Scoop Nottingham

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK?

Winter Family Fun Day + Christmas Light Switch On 🎅
📅 - Sunday 1st December
⏰ - 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
📍- National Ice Centre
📷 - @nat_ice_centre

Get ready as the National Ice Centre transforms into a Christmas wonderland! From skating lessons and ice hockey to crafts, circus skills, and a sparkling Christmas Light Switch On, there’s something for everyone. It’s the perfect day out to kick off the festive season.

Saturday

• Lark Hill - Christmas Fayre - 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
  Head to Lark Hill Village on Saturday for a morning packed with jewellery, gifts, and craft stalls. Try your luck at the raffle and indulge in some delicious treats while you’re there. No booking is needed – just hop on the tram to the last stop and you’ll find us! Find Out More

• Christmas Market - Bramcote Lane - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  The 124th Nottingham Scout Group’s Christmas Market is back to sprinkle some festive magic in Wollaton! This event is brimming with Christmas gifts, homemade bakes, jewellery, toys, and books. Also, don’t miss the raffle draw at 12:30 PM or the chance to snag a bargain at the White Elephant stall. Find Out More

• Christmas Fair Steam Event - Papplewick Pumping Station - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  Papplewick will come alive with its engines in steam and a festive Christmas Fair. Enjoy live music from Jayne Darling on Saturday and the Bestwood Male Voice Choir on Sunday, plus plenty of trade stalls to browse. Kids will love the new play area, while the underground reservoir tours (extra charge) offer a unique experience. Find Out More

• Santa’s Grotto - Stonebridge City Farm - 10:15 AM - 3:00 PM
  Santa’s coming to the farm! Let your little ones step into his grotto, share their Christmas wishes, and leave with a special gift to take home. Find Out More

• Santa’s Gingerbread Christmas Trail - 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  Take a walk through Wollaton Hall's 'Gingerbread Christmas' and explore the hidden corners of this cool spot. The trail starts at the Lakeside West Entrance and ends with a visit to Santa or his helpers in Santa's Workshop on weekends. A great outing for the whole family! Parking charges apply. Find Out More

• Beeston Christmas Lights Switch On - 12:00 PM - 6:30 PM
  Beeston’s Christmas Lights Switch On is back, and it’s bringing a packed-out day! Explore the Christmas Market, meet Santa in his grotto, and enjoy a special accessible sensory session at Beeston Library. Live entertainment takes over Beeston Square from 4:30 PM, leading up to the big switch-on by the Mayor at 5:30 PM, followed by a fireworks display at 6:30 PM. Find Out More

• Jason Manford: Motorpoint Arena - 6:00 PM
  Comedy favourite Jason Manford is back with his brand-new show, A Manford All Seasons! Promising a perfect blend of sharp observational humour and comic brilliance, this latest tour is already being hailed as “expert observational comedy” by The Guardian and “comic gold” by the Mail on Sunday. Find Out More

• Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit - Royal Concert Hall - 8:00 PM
  When life gives Rhod Gilbert lemons, he turns them into comedy gold! Back with The Giant Grapefruit, Rhod delivers hilariously dark, high-octane humour, sharing his uniquely zesty take on life’s curveballs. Find Out More
  

SCRUMPTIOUS SCOOPS

Taquero: Hockley’s Taco Treasure 🌮
⏰ - Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
⏰ - Friday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
⏰ - Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (they do a roast that’ll put your nan’s to shame).
📍- 6-8 Heathcoat Street, NG1 3AA
📷 - @taquero_restaurant

If tacos, tequila, and mezcal are your love language, Taquero is the place to be. This independent taqueria in Hockley brings a slice of Mexico to Nottingham with authentic loaded tacos, small plates, and bevs bursting with bold flavours. This spot is all about walk-ins and good vibes. Don’t miss their £15 lunch deal – totopos and salsa plus two tacos or small plates. It’s the perfect excuse to fiesta midweek!

Bonzai Sushi: A Slice of Japan in Nottingham 🍣
⏰ - Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
⏰ - Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📍 - 11-13 Carlton Street, NG1 1NL
📷 - @bonzaisushinoodlebar

Fancy authentic Japanese cuisine without the plane ticket? Bonzai Sushi has been a city-centre favourite for years, serving up traditional sushi, sashimi, and Japanese bites that will transport your taste buds straight to Tokyo. With chefs trained in Japan and ingredients imported directly, every dish – from their signature tempura to their artfully rolled sushi – is a masterpiece of flavour and finesse.

ACTIVITY ALLEY

Nottingham City Gaming Fair: Retro Meets Modern 🎮
📅 - Saturday 30th November
⏰ - 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
📍 - Nottingham High School, Forest Road East, NG1 4HH
🎟️ - £2-5 per ticket
📷 - @nottscitygamingfair

Let’s talk about something that truly matters: The Sickle Cell Society is taking centre stage at Nottingham Contemporary, and they’re here to raise awareness about a condition that doesn’t get nearly enough spotlight – sickle cell anaemia.

The Candy Cane Outdoor Trail 🎄
📅 - Saturday 30th November
⏰ - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
📍 - Wollaton Park, NG8 2AE
🎟️ - £2 per trail sheet
📷 - @wollatonhall

Santa’s Elves have been up to mischief, scattering candy canes across the Courtyard and Formal Gardens at Wollaton Hall! Grab an activity sheet (£2) from any shop, café, or inside the Hall, and solve the Christmas codeword while tackling festive puzzles and games. Perfect for little adventurers and families alike. Don’t forget, parking and site entry charges apply.

FRESH EXPERIENCES

Canalhouse Comedy Night - Canalhouse Bar
📅 - Wednesday 27th November
⏰ - 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
📍 - 48-52 Canal Street, NG1 7EH
🎟️ - £2
📷 - @ncf_comedy

Your wallet-friendly comedy fix is here! For just £2 a ticket, enjoy a night packed with up-and-coming comedians and sneak peeks at new material from established acts before anyone else. It's a cheap, cheerful, and utterly hilarious evening that’s perfect for a midweek pick-me-up.

Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience 🍽️
📅 - Friday 29th November
⏰ - 7:00 PM
📍 - Mercure Nottingham Sherwood Hotel, 296 Mansfield Road, NG5 2BT
🎟️ - £49 per person
📷 - @mercurenottinghamsherwoodhotel

Join the hilarious chaos of Basil, Sybil, and Manuel in this immersive tribute to the iconic BBC sitcom! Enjoy a 3-course meal served with side-splitting comedy in this interactive experience, direct from London’s Theatreland. Book before 30th September to snag a free 80’s themed cocktail. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of laughs and fantastic food.

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

Melton Road – A Spacious Family Dream
Price - £950,000
Location - Melton Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham
Bedrooms - 6
Bathrooms - 3
Contact Agent - FHP Living – West Bridgford Office
📷 - @fhpliving

Looking for a home that ticks every box on your dream family wishlist? This fully renovated six-bedroom detached beauty in West Bridgford offers three floors of perfection, blending modern touches with timeless charm. From its stunning open-plan kitchen to a garden that’s perfect for entertaining, it’s got space, style, and substance in spades.

Key Features:

• Six Bedrooms: Room for family, guests, and more!

• Open-Plan Living Kitchen: A dreamy hub for entertaining and everyday life.

• Three Bathrooms: No queues in the morning rush!

• Home Office/Garage: A workspace that’s just steps from home.

• Sought-After Location: Close to top-rated schools and local amenities.

• Move-In Ready: No upward chain – just unpack and settle in.

LIVE MUSIC

Get ready to fill your weekend with great tunes and lively vibes. Here’s your guide to the best live music happening this week

Monday

• 86TVs Live - Rescue Rooms - 6:30 PM

• IDLES DJ Set & Afterparty - Rescue Rooms - 10:30 PM

Tuesday

• Paris Paloma - Rescue Rooms - 6:00 PM

• Been Stellar Live - The Bodega - 7:00 PM

Wednesday

• Michael Kiwanuka - Rough Trade Nottingham - 5:00 PM

• A Musical Open Jam Night - Billy Bootleggers - 7:00 PM

• Nubiyan Twist Live - Rescue Rooms - 7:30 PM

• Fontaines D.C Official DJ Set - Saltbox Bar - 10:00 PM

Thursday

• Baroness & Graveyard - Rock City - 6:00 PM

• The Skinner Brothers Live - The Bodega - 7:00 PM

• Jamie Cullum - Theatre Royal Concert Hall - 7:00 PM

• Live & Loud Piano Night - Manhatta - 8:00 PM

Friday

• Pip Blom Live - The Bodega - 7:00 PM

• London Calling Play The Clash - Metronome - 7:00 PM

• Granny’s Attic - Squire Performing Arts Centre - 7:30 PM

• Sister Sounds Country Pop & Soul Night - Griffins Head, Hucknall - 8:00 PM

Saturday

• The Sugar Tree - Tony’s Bar & Grill Beeston - 7:00 PM

• Mas Y Mas - CommuniTree Nottingham - 7:00 PM
  The Best Bad Influence - Billy Bootleggers - 8:00 PM

• Lisa Marie (Adele Tribute) - The Junction at Underwood - 8:00 PM

• Seattle Thrift Store - The Old Wine Vaults Eastwood - 8:30 PM

• Mullraum Techno Night - Rough Trade Nottingham - 9:00 PM

• A Night Respecting The Legend Captain Barkey - Nottingham Irish Centre - 10:00 PM

Sunday

• Smash into Pieces - Rescue Rooms - 6:30 PM
  Sleaford Mods - Live at The Bodega - 7:00 PM

• It’s a Wonderful Life (Live) - 9 Arboretum Street - 7:30 PM

• Riskee & The Ridicule - The Old Cold Store - 4:00 PM

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

9°C 🌡️ 8°C | 🌫️ Cloudy | <5% | 💨 SSW 6 mph (5 knots)

Saturday

13°C 🌡️ 10°C | 🌫️ Overcast | <5% | 💨 W 5 mph (4 knots)

Sunday

12°C 🌡️ 9°C | 🌫️ Cloudy | <5% | 💨 S 4 mph (3 knots)
Temperature readings taken from the Met Office the night before publication

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Local Scoop Nottingham today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves Nottingham as much as you do.

The Local Scoop Nottingham

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