Christmas in Newark and Sherwood

This Christmas, swap the stress for a festive short break. Whether you're planning a day of shopping, food, family fun or seasonal events, there's plenty to enjoy and even more reason to stay.

Come for the experience, stay for the night, and make the most of Christmas in Newark and Sherwood. Discover some of the district's upcoming events and explore cosy accommodation options below.

Festive events happening soon

Come for the festivities...

Walesby Forest Light up the Night

Get ready to Light up the Night! One of Nottinghamshire’s most anticipated firework events is back! From 5pm, you can enjoy a family-friendly fun fair, food vendors, and live music from The Fillers.

Christmas at Kelham Hall

The Renaissance at Kelham Hall invites guests to make Christmas truly memorable with a magical festive family day out. Families can come together and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere as the Hall and grounds are transformed for Christmas.

Newark Christmas Lights Switch On

The Christmas Lights Switch On is a cherished tradition that brings the town to life with festive cheer. Featuring live music, dance groups, performers, artisan market stalls, food and drink and fairground rides.

Mental Elf Festive Fun Run

Mental Elf Festive Fun Run is returning to Sherwood Pines. What better way to kickstart your festive season than a 5km run (or walk, roll, skip or dance!) through the beautiful forest… all while dressed as an elf.

Seasonal Tablescape Workshop

This Christmas at Norwood Park, take the opportunity to create a beautiful festive tablescape using the highest quality materials including seasonal foliage, berries, dried elements and elegant tapered ivory candles.

The Christmas Orchestra

The Christmas Orchestra makes a special stop at St Mary Magdalene, Newark bringing the Christmas spirit right to your doorstep. The concert is performed live by a 16 piece chamber orchestra, supported with full sound production and lighting show.

Come for the fun...

The Nutcracker

The beloved Christmas classic returns! After last year’s acclaimed tour, Crown Ballet brings back its dazzling production of The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece.

Christmas Murder Mystery

Guests are invited to step into a glitter‑drenched, laugh‑out‑loud festive dining experience at The Renaissance at Kelham Hall with A Death at Christmas Number 1, an interactive Murder Mystery spectacular.

Experience the History of Kelham Hall

Guests are invited to step into a magical Christmas experience with a self‑guided tour of The Renaissance at Kelham Hall and its beautifully decorated grounds.

Noughties Christmas Party Night

The Renaissance at Kelham Hall brings the 2000s back in all their nostalgic, feel‑good glory, featuring live performances from the fantastic Noughty Nineties Band and non‑stop party fun.

A Christmas Carol

In a magical new production that blends illusion, music and spine-tingling storytelling, The Three Inch Fools bring this timeless tale to life at Norwood Park.

The Arrival of Santa

Step into the Christmas spirit at Rufford Abbey Country Park! Join for a magical celebration as Santa is welcomed to the park and kick off the festive season with joy and excitement.

Christmas Brunch at Rufford Mill

Step into the Markham Suite at Rufford Mill for a festive feast to remember, complete with tea, coffee, and juice - the perfect way to start a magical December day.

Jack and the Beanstalk

Prepare to embark on an enchanting journey with this year's GIANT pantomime… Jack and the Beanstalk!

Come for the shopping...

Winter Craft Fair

A mixture of returning favourites and new stallholders are all lined up for this year’s Winter Craft Fair at Southwell Minster.

Southwell Christmas late night shopping

Join for a magical evening of festive fun as Southwell’s town centre comes alive with Christmas cheer. Browse unique gifts from local retailers, enjoy seasonal entertainment, and more.

Poster for an Indoor Christmas Market at Clipstone Headstocks in 2026

Indoor Christmas Market, Clipstone Headstocks

Get into the festive spirit this Christmas with a magical Indoor Christmas Market at Clipstone Headstocks! The market will be filled with twinkling lights, festive music and a wonderful Christmas atmosphere.

Newark Antiques Centre

Two floors filled with wonderful vintage and antique items, including individual dealers offering furniture, home and garden accessories, and more.

Come for the food...

Christmas afternoon tea at Norwood Park

This Christmas at Norwood Park, discover a wonderfully festive Afternoon Tea. Indulge in a two-hour sitting of scrumptious sandwiches, delicate cakes and some quality time over a glass of fizz.

Traditional Christmas Lunch at Kelham Hall

The Renaissance at Kelham Hall invites guests to step away from the Christmas shopping this December and enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch in the elegant surroundings of the hall.

Festive wine tasting at Norwood Park

As the darker evenings draw in and cosy season continues, Norwood Park's indulgent winter wine tasting experience is calling. Discover a carefully curated selection of characterful winter wines, each chosen for their depth, complexity, and luxurious seasonal character.

Win a £100 Newark and Sherwood gift card

Make your visit to Newark and Sherwood even more rewarding with the chance to win a £100 Newark and Sherwood gift card.

Plan a festive weekend break, browsing independent shops for Christmas gifts, enjoying lunch with friends, and exploring our historic market towns.

The gift card can be spent with over 100 local businesses across Newark, Southwell, Ollerton and Edwinstowe, giving you plenty of choice to explore.

From shops and cafés to restaurants, pubs, attractions and services, it's the perfect way to treat yourself while supporting local businesses.

To enter the prize draw, simply complete the form below.

Enter the draw

Stay for the night

Why not turn a festive day out into a longer break?

After a day of shopping and seasonal celebrations, unwind and relax by settling into a cosy hotel, charming inn or boutique accommodation.

Staying overnight provides the perfect opportunity to explore even more of Newark and Sherwood’s heritage, beautiful countryside and thriving food and drink scene, making the district a wonderful place to experience the magic of Christmas.

Cozy modern bedroom with a double bed, warm lighting, and soft furnishings creating a calm, inviting atmosphere.

Hotels

Discover comfy, well‑located hotels in Newark and Sherwood, perfect for exploring, relaxing or visiting for business.

Modern kitchen with exposed brick walls, tall arched windows, and sleek white cabinetry accented by pendant lights and flowers.

Self-catering accommodation

Enjoy flexible, comfortable self‑catering stays in Newark and Sherwood, ideal for exploring, relaxing, and cooking local produce.

Bedroom with wooden furniture, double bed with red patterned bedding, fireplace mantel, rugs on wooden floor, and a wardrobe and bedside tables against neutral walls.

B&Bs and guest houses

Discover welcoming B&Bs and guesthouses, offering comfort, local insight and a charming home‑from‑home stay.

Wooden glamping pods on a grassy site, each with decking and outdoor seating, set among trees along a paved path.

Outdoor and alternative accommodation

Reconnect with nature in Newark and Sherwood with camping, glamping and unique stays in peaceful rural settings.