Nottingham Winter Wonderland 2025 Guide
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire • 12 Nov – 31 Dec 2025 • England
Old Market Square becomes a festive village with a 200m ice rink, Sur La Piste alpine bar, observation wheel, ice bar and over 60 market stalls.
Why visit in 2025?
- Sky Skate ice path wrapping around the rooftop bar
- Toboggan slide and family rides for younger visitors
- Ice bar experience with sculpted ice glasses and photo ops
At a glance
Location
Old Market Square, Nottingham, NG1 2DT
Opening hours (2025)
- Daily: 11am – 11pm
- Food & drink venues open late
- Ice rink sessions from 10am
Costs
Free to explore. Ice skating, Sky Skate, observation wheel, ice bar and rides require tickets.
Contact
Why Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland is special
Nottingham transforms its Old Market Square into a multi-level festive playground complete with the UK’s largest open-air ice rink. The Sky Skate ice path loops around the perimeter and links to the ground-level rink below, while the 60m observation wheel offers skyline views. Around 70 alpine chalets line the square and spill down Long Row and Smithy Row, with gifts, artisan food, gin bars and festive street food.
The Ice Bar returns in 2025 with sculpted photo spots, while the ski lodge-themed Sur La Piste bar hosts DJs, karaoke nights and après-ski cocktails. Families gravitate to the toboggan slide, Helter Skelter and Santa’s Magical Cabin. It’s one of the UK’s most action-packed festive experiences.
Getting there
By train
Nottingham station is a 10-minute walk from Old Market Square. East Midlands Railway runs direct services from London St Pancras, Sheffield, Derby, Leicester and Lincoln.
By coach
National Express serves Station Street, a short walk away. Local trams (NET) stop at Old Market Square and can be reached from Park & Ride sites at Forest, Phoenix Park and Clifton South.
Driving & parking
Use the Broadmarsh, Lace Market, Victoria Centre or Trinity Square car parks. Park & Ride at Toton Lane or Hucknall for tram access into the city.
Accessibility
Accessible toilets are located in Old Market Square and the surrounding shopping centres. The upper viewing decks include lift access, and assistance is available for ice rink sessions—check ahead for dedicated SEN slots.
Need-to-know details
- Tell me something unusual: The Sky Skate trail wraps around the perimeter of the market, letting skaters glide above the chalet rooftops.
- Year established: 2002.
- Typical attendance: Around 500,000 visitors each year.
- Official opening: Led by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham with live music and fireworks.
- Entry cost: Free – pay only for rides and premium experiences.
Top things to do
- Ice skating: Book the combined Sky Skate and ground-level rink for two perspectives.
- Observation wheel: Take a spin at sunset for illuminated views of Old Market Square and Nottingham Castle.
- Sur La Piste bar: Enjoy mulled wine, cocktails and live DJs in the alpine lodge.
- Gift shopping: Support local makers with Nottingham lace-inspired décor, artisan cheeses and chocolatiers.
Make a weekend of it
Explore Nottingham’s heritage: tour Nottingham Castle and the Lace Market, descend into the City of Caves, or visit Wollaton Hall (film set for Wayne Manor). Craft beer fans can hop between Hockley’s microbreweries, while families might add a day at the National Ice Centre or Nottingham Contemporary.
Plan your trip
Accommodation
Book hotels or guesthouses as early as possible—weekend dates around the market book up quickly. Consider nearby villages for boutique stays.
Travel
Rail is often the most convenient way to arrive. If driving, look for park and ride services to avoid city-centre congestion.
Accessibility
Most markets provide accessible routes, but cobbles and temporary surfaces can be uneven—check the organiser accessibility guide linked below.
Weather Ready
Pack layers, waterproof footwear and gloves (touchscreen-friendly for photos). Early sessions are quieter; evenings bring the best atmosphere.