It’s time to get your jingle on – the Christmas market is here again…
Everyone knows the most fun you can have in Old Market Square is running through the fountains in your underpants on a hot summer’s day. Sadly, when you’re over 18, that’s the sort of behaviour that can get you arrested. And anyway, with the weather we’ve been having, it’s not big and it’s not clever. As me old Mam would say, “Put a vest on – you’ll catch your death!”
Never fear though, our second favourite time of year is almost upon us as the Nottingham Winter Wonderland returns from Friday November 15 to Tuesday December 31. Just one tram-stop or a short walk from the Nottingham Trent University City campus, get on down for everything festive. It’s the biggest event of its kind in the area, offering something to keep even the grinchiest kill-joy happy and best of all, entry is FREE!
If shopping’s your thing, you just got lucky. The Christmas market is the biggest yet with more than 70 traditional stalls selling everything from artisan foods to handmade jewellery, eco art and retro style, Fair-Trade products, plants and fragrance as well as loads more.
Set high over the proceedings, the all-glass Altitude Bar brings a flavour of chic après to le Vieux Marché. Here, you can chill with a cocktail to sounds spun by the in-house DJ whilst you enjoy panoramic views of the crowds below getting their adrenaline hit from the ever-popular Toboggan Slide, the traditional fairground rides and the biggest ever ice-rink – this year it’s a whopping 1100 square metres with a dedicated children’s area and ice path.
Will those roses in your cheeks be from the hot toddies at the Helter-Skelter Bar or the nip of the ice? We won’t tell if you don’t!
If you prefer your cool sub-zero, you’ll not be disappointed by the Alpine Ice Bar. The UK’s biggest mobile ice bar returns to Notts with ice-sculptures, mountain theming and your drinks served in real ice glasses. Book early to secure your ticket, it’ll not disappoint.
Whatever jingles your bells, you’ll find it all in one place at the Winter Wonderland this festive season.
By Bobby Twidale
All images by Bobby Twidale