Christmas in Nottingham doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re looking for festive fun that won’t break the bank, this guide rounds up the best free and under £5 per child Christmas events in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. From magical lights and festive trails to museums and hidden gems, these are perfect for families on a budget.
I’ve also added in 5 bonus National Trust events that are free for members. They are included in the admission price otherwise.
There are also plenty of library activities taking place across the county if you’re looking for a quick something to do!
1. Nottingham Winter Wonderland – Old Market Square
Dates: 12 November – 31 December
Cost: Free entry
Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland returns to the heart of the city with festive market stalls, Christmas food and drink, and plenty of twinkly lights. Entry to the market is completely free, making it ideal for a budget festive day out. Optional extras such as the ice rink and rides are charged separately.
Perfect for: Festive atmosphere, Christmas shopping, evening strolls.
2. Wollaton Hall Snowflake Outdoor Trail
Dates: 28 November – 4 January
Cost: £2 per trail sheet
This gentle festive trail around the grounds of Wollaton Hall is a lovely low-cost winter activity. Children search for snowflakes along the route while enjoying the seasonal scenery.
Perfect for: Cheap outdoor fun, family walks
3. Victoria Centre – Mog’s Christmas Trail and Story
Dates: 1 December – 5 January 2025
Cost: Free (charity donations encouraged)
Follow Mog around the Victoria Centre on this festive Christmas trail inspired by the much-loved story. A lovely free activity to enjoy while Christmas shopping.
Perfect for: Preschool and primary-aged children, free indoor festive fun.
4. John Lewis – Plus-Plus Christmas Treasure Hunt
Dates: 6 – 24 December 2025
Cost: Free
Take part in the Plus-Plus festive treasure hunt inside John Lewis and keep little ones entertained while you shop.
Perfect for: Free shopping trip activity, rainy-day festive fun.
5. Mansfield Museum – Winter Wonderland
Dates: Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 December 2025
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Mansfield Museum, Leeming Street, Mansfield, NG18 1NG
Cost: Free
Experience a magical Winter Wonderland at Mansfield Museum with festive activities and seasonal fun throughout the week.
Perfect for: Free indoor festive activity, museum lovers, younger children.
6. Framework Knitters Museum – Victorian Christmas
Date: 13 December
Cost: Free entry
Step back in time with a traditional Victorian Christmas at the Framework Knitters Museum. A brilliant educational and festive experience that won’t cost a penny.
Perfect for: Free indoor festive activity, history-loving kids.
7. Beeston Christmas Tree Festival
Dates: 12 – 14 December
Times:
Friday & Saturday: 10am – 4.30pm
Sunday: 12.30pm – 4.30pm
Cost: Free / small donation
Marvel at dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas trees created by local groups and businesses. A lovely calm festive activity right in the heart of Beeston.
Perfect for: Gentle festive activity, seasonal inspiration.
8. Great Stapleford & Sandiacre Elf Hunt
Dates: Now – 31 December (can be done anytime – elves can be seen in the windows)
Cost: £1 per trail sheet (collected from Skinderella)
Follow the festive Elf Hunt trail around Stapleford and Sandiacre and search for hidden elves along the way. A brilliant low-cost activity to enjoy throughout December.
Perfect for: Cheap festive fun, outdoor family walks, younger children, sneaky high street shopping.
9. Trowell Garden Centre – Lemax Christmas Village
Dates: Throughout the festive season
Cost: Free
See the UK’s largest Lemax Christmas Model Village on display at Trowell Garden Centre. A magical miniature world packed with moving parts, lights and festive scenes — totally free to view.
Perfect for: All ages, rainy days, Christmas magic without spending.
10. Rufford Abbey Elf Garden Christmas Trail
Dates: 6 December – 4 January (excluding Christmas Day)
Cost: £3 per child for the trail sheet but you can follow the trail without it. Parking charge is £7 per car for all day parking.
A magical Christmas trail through the beautiful grounds of Rufford Abbey. Children follow the Elf Garden trail and complete festive activities along the way.
National Trust Events
(Included With Admission / Free for Members)
These festive experiences are included with general admission and are free for National Trust members, making them excellent value for families if our are members! Don’t forget admission is free for under 5s.
11. Belton House – Christmas in the Mansion: Textures and Treasures
Dates: 10 December – 4 January, 11am–3.30pm
Cost: Admission applies, free for National Trust members
Explore the beautifully decorated mansion at Belton House as it’s transformed for Christmas with rich textures, seasonal treasures and festive displays.
12. Clumber Park – The Elf on the Shelf® Sculpture Trail
Dates: Saturday 22 November – Sunday 4 January
Cost: Admission applies, free for National Trust members
Follow The Elf on the Shelf® trail through Clumber Park and hunt for festive sculptures along the route. A brilliant way to get outdoors and keep kids entertained over the Christmas holidays.
Perfect for: Outdoor adventures, primary-aged children, Elf fans.
13. Calke Abbey – Christmas at Calke
Dates: Friday 28 November – Tuesday 23 December
Times:
House & Church: 11am – 3.30pm (last entry 3pm)
Tunnels & parkland: Until 6.30pm (last entry 6.15pm)
Festive lights: 4pm – 6.30pm
Cost: Included with admission, free for National Trust members
Experience the magic of Christmas at Calke Abbey with festive house displays, illuminated tunnels and atmospheric light trails through the grounds.
Perfect for: Evening festive walks, atmospheric Christmas experiences.
14. Sudbury Hall – Once Upon a Time at The Children’s Country House
Dates: Friday 21 November – Monday 5 January
Cost: Included with admission, no booking required
Step into a festive fairytale as Sudbury Hall transforms into a magical Pinocchio-themed story for Christmas. A beautiful seasonal experience especially designed for children.
Perfect for: Story lovers, family days out, imaginative play.
15. Kedleston Hall – Advent Trail
Dates: 1 – 24 December
Cost: Included with admission, free for National Trust members
Follow the festive Advent Trail around the Kedleston Hall grounds throughout December and enjoy a gentle seasonal activity for families.
Perfect for: Outdoor festive walks, countdown-to-Christmas fun.
Libraries
Free Christmas Crafts and Activities
Nottinghamshire libraries are hosting a brilliant range of free festive craft sessions, storytelling and Christmas activities for children and families throughout December. Don’t forget to grab some Christmas books for the holidays too!
1. Bingham Library
Stained Glass Paper Craft (Under 12s)
Saturday 13 December 2025 – 9:30am–4:00pm
Festive Rattle, Rhyme & Roll (Under 5s)
Wednesday 17 December 2025 – 10:00am–10:30am
Jolabokaflod – Festive Reading Session (Under 12s)
Wednesday 17 December 2025 – 3:30pm–4:30pm
Festive Rattle, Rhyme & Roll (Under 5s)
Friday 19 December 2025 – 10:00am–10:30am
Hanging Book Snowmen Craft (Under 12s)
Saturday 20 December 2025 – 9:30am–4:00pm
Christmas Story & Craft Time (Under 12s)
Monday 22 December 2025 – 2:00pm–2:30pm
Decorate the Community Christmas Tree (Under 12s)
Throughout December until Monday 23 December 2025 – During opening hours
2. Carlton Library
Make Your Own Reindeer Headband (Under 12s)
Monday 22 December 2025 – 2:00pm–3:00pm
3. Huthwaite Library
Christmas Card Crafting (Under 12s)
Friday 12 December 2025 – 3:30pm–4:30pm
4. Ladybrook Library
Festive Handprints (Under 12s)
Saturday 13 December 2025 – 10:00am–12:00pm
5. Mansfield Woodhouse Library
Christmas Handprint Wreath (Under 12s)
Thursday 11 December 2025 – 3:30pm–5:30pm
6. Ravenshead Library
Elves Amongst the Shelves Scavenger Hunt
Tuesday 2 – Tuesday 23 December 2025 – During opening hours
7. Stapleford Library
Carols in the Library (All Ages)
Tuesday 16 December 2025 – 11:30am–12:30pm
8. West Bridgford Library
Badge-Making Workshop (Under 12s)
Monday 8 & Friday 12 December 2025 – 3:30pm–4:30pm
Pom-pom Baubles Craft (Under 12s)
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 December 2025 – 10:00am–11:00am & 1:00pm–2:00pm
Why These Events Are Perfect for Families on a Budget
✅ All events are free, included with admission, or under £5 per child
✅ Something for everyone – A good mix of outdoor trails, indoor activities and festive displays
✅ Ideal for young children and primary-aged kids
✅ Many work perfectly as add-ons to shopping trips or winter walks
Final Tip
If you’re still looking for low cost and free events local to you then I really recommend checking out your community Facebook groups and ‘Spotted’ pages. Local councils, community groups, societies and churches often organise brilliant low cost fun events for families but don’t have the budget or time to promote them widely.
If you enjoyed this list, sign up to our newsletter (or follow us on social media @offoutnottingham) to get updates on local family-friendly events — and be the first to know when more budget-friendly Christmas fun gets announced across Nottinghamshire!
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