Winter Wonderlands

In mid November Nottingham, like many places in the UK, had its first snow of the season. We’d been expecting it but the amount certainly took people by surprise, myself included. It was perfect snow for going on a walk, compact and not slippery or icy. Since snow always helps get me in the Christmas mood I thought I’d share some photos of the snow, plus some of the Christmas markets/events I’ve attended so far this year.

There is of course Nottingham Winter Wonderland with its stalls, ice rink and ice bar right in the city centre in Old Market Square.

A local garden centre had a fun display of Christmas decorations. Of course, these are all things that are for sale in the shop but it was a well done little display nevertheless.

Last Saturday I also went to the Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle. This was my first year attending the market here which was first held last year (when I was at another Christmas event). You had to book tickets in advance for £1.10 with timed entry slots (I booked a few weeks ahead and already lots of slots were taken so I ended up going for the 10am slot on the Saturday which is when it opened and there was quite a queue of people). There were some walk in slots available on the day but they were a staggering £15 and no guarantee you could get in so definitely plan in advance.

The atmosphere was quite nice and festive and I did stay and watch some of the choirs singing in the bandstand – the Carlton Male Voice Choir (above) and Our Dementia Choir started by Nottingham actress Vicky McClure. The stalls weren’t particularly photogenic but there were a decent amount though I didn’t end up purchasing anything other than a delicious hot chocolate at the Pudding Pantry stall.

Tickets also allowed you entry into to the castle itself so I went for a wander through the art galleries which were pretty much empty. It’s a nice venue for a Christmas Market but I’m not sure that it’s somewhere I’d go every year.