Nottingham Winter Wonderland 2023 is back - what you need to know about the magical Christmas market

Nottingham’s annual Winter Wonderland is officially open - filled with festive treats and attractions for all the family.

The Christmas market, which started on November 7, will run until December 31 in Old Market Square.

Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: “I am pleased that Winter Wonderland will be back at Old Market Square, once again offering an exciting centrepiece for Christmas in Nottingham for residents and visitors alike. 

“The sky skate and ice rink was a big hit last year, so it’s great to see it return for 2023, as well as the discount for Nottingham city residents.”

NottinghamWorld has pulled together a guide to this year’s event, including everything you will need to plan the perfect visit this winter.

What food and drink is available?

Altitude

An all-glass chalet perched up high, offering panoramic views of the Christmas crowds below. You can order food and drinks from the comfort of your table via your phone.

Sur La Piste

Nottingham’s very own cosy ski chalet bar is packed with festive cheer. Tasty treats on the menu include oozing raclette cheese, hanging kebabs, sliders, seasoned fries or halloumi.

The Ice Bar

This chilly drinks spot is complete with ice sculptures for a unique Christmas experience. Kept at -10 degrees, here you can enjoy a drink from an ice glass, but keep warm with the gloves and coats provided.

The Helter Skelter Bar

Offering something a little different is the Helter Skelter bar, where adults can enjoy a drink and a well-deserved break whilst children race down the traditional slide.

What Rides and Attractions are available?

Ice rink and sky skate

The centrepiece of Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland is the ice rink and sky skate.

Skaters have access to the sky skate ice path, meaning you can take in the atmosphere from above whilst skating around the city centre festivities. 

Observation Wheel

However, for the best view of Nottingham’s Christmas fun a ride on the observation wheel cannot be topped.

Towering above Old Market Square, the wheel provides a bird’s-eye view of the city centre.

Toboggan Slide

The toboggan slide is back by popular demand, with tickets available on-site there is no need to book in advance for this attraction.

What about Live Entertainment?

Live music will be available to entertain crowds each evening with a range of different musicians, from DJs and Jazz to an ‘ice disco’.

Christmas Market

Renowned as one of the best in Europe, at the heart of Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland is a bustling Christmas market.

A wide selection of stalls from across the world includes artisan cheeses, plants, homemade chutneys, mead, jewellery, scents, fashion, retro style, continental food and home accessories.

The market is open between 10am and 6.30pm from Sunday to Thursday and 10am and 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays in November.

In December, the market is open between 10am and 8.30pm from Sunday to Thursday and 10am and 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, concluding on Christmas Eve.

How to book?

Organisers have recommended that guests book tickets in advance of a visit to the Christmas market and its attractions via the Winter Wonderland website here.

Alternatively, availability can be checked on arrival to Winter Wonderland, which is an entirely cashless event.

Family tickets, super off-peak and off-peak reduced price skating tickets are available on Mondays to Thursdays outside of the school holidays, and a special all-attractions family ticket will be available from Boxing Day to New Year’s Eve. 

Nottingham city residents can also receive a 10 per cent discount on super off-peak and off-peak skating bookings.