A two-day Christmas Market will be taking place within the grounds of Nottingham Castle on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November 2023.
The Christmas Market has been curated and organised by It’s in Nottingham – the city’s business improvement district – in partnership with Nottingham City Council and Nottingham Castle, and gives Nottingham-based independent retailers and creatives, both bricks and mortar and online, a unique trading platform which will highlight the city’s fantastic independents.
With over 35 independent stallholders, visitors can expect to see freshly baked goods, sweet treats, cheeses, gins and liqueurs, arts, crafts, and handmade jewellery available from local independent retailers over the two days.
Some of the popular businesses taking part include Bird and Blend Tea, Block Party Bakery, Cropwell Bishop Creamery, Studio Chocolate, Emmy Lupin Studio, Happy Sunday Vintage, Grace Barlow Jewellery, Macaron Marlo, The Bead Shop and The Treat Kitchen.
Festive food and drink will be on offer with traditional roasted chestnuts, pork and stuffing cobs, cheese melts from Big Melt Cheese and crepés from The Pudding Pantry, with MemSaab and Yianni’s Greek providing alternative festive fayre. Castle Rock Brewery will be on hand to provide the Christmas cheer with mulled wine and other refreshments.
Alongside the market stalls, the event will also include a programme of exciting live music from the bandstand, performing acts and family-friendly entertainment, including a vintage carousel, free face painting and arts and crafts.
Entry is just £1 per person (inclusive of VAT and booking fees) and tickets go on sale on Friday 10 November at 10am via the Nottingham Castle website.
Tickets include entry to the castle museum, grounds and market. The selected entry slots will be available to book:
Saturday 25 November
10am-1pm | 1pm-4pm | 4pm-7pm
(Please note the castle museum will close at 6pm on Saturday)
Sunday 26 November
10am-1pm | 1pm-4pm
Booking in advance is recommended as walk-ups on the day (for the £1 entry) will be subject to capacity. Existing Nottingham Castle annual pass holders will be permitted entry.
Councillor Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “After the success of the Ay-UpMarket earlier this year, we’re pleased to be working in partnership with It’s in Nottingham to deliver a festive market at our stunning Nottingham Castle. It’s a great opportunity for people to do their Christmas shopping and support local independent traders whilst enjoying an affordable and family-friendly day out at the castle for just £1 entry. I’m sure this will be a very popular event so visitors are advised to book in advance when tickets go on sale this Friday.”
Chief Executive Officer of It’s in Nottingham, Alex Flint, said: “We’re really excited to bring the Christmas Market to Nottingham Castle – it’s a lovely way to kick off the festive season and a great way to support local independent businesses. This not only creates something affordable for local people to enjoy, but helps to attract more visitors to our wonderful city who will spend money not only at the market but also in shops, restaurants, bars and other places in the city.”
The Christmas Market has been developed by It’s in Nottingham in partnership with Nottingham City Council and Nottingham Castle.