Why Nottingham’s Christmas market is a must-visit this year

We continue our look at some of the UK’s finest Christmas markets with a look at Nottingham. The market and winter wonder attractions run from Thursday 20th November to Sunday 4th January, so there’s plenty of time to head there and drink in the festive atmosphere.

Like all of the Christmas events we’ve feature on the blog, this is another perfect example of communities and families getting together in the spirit of the season. The organisers kindly told us that over 2.9 million people visited the market and all of its attached events in 2013, which is an incredible footfall on par with the likes of London’s Hyde Park festivities.

We did our maths again and based on the average Liftshare cost to Nottingham – which is £3.34 – we worked out that each of those people would have saved a combined total of £9.8 million had they lift-shared to the market with just one passenger. That’s a lot of cash for extra presents and a lot less carbon on the roads.

But enough about us, let’s have a look at this year’s Nottingham Winter Wonderland and why you should lift-share your way there this year.

Bars, band-stands and good times

First of all, the market place is a glittering paradise of twinkling lights, quaint log chalets and other wintery effects that perfectly capture the seasonal vibe, and give friends and loved ones a place to hang out over food and bargain-grabbing at the stalls.

Nottingham’s market is themed on “Old England” this year, and includes a big ice rink that families can enjoy together, as well as a bandstand pumping out rousing Christmas songs, along with a nativity scene and fairground rides. Word has it there will be literally hundreds of decorated trees dotted around the market and enough fake snow to give you chills until the real thing starts to fall.

There’s also not one but two winter bars on offer, starting with the Victorian-themed bar located in Market Square. It’s well-stocked with a range of international and British ales, warming mulled wine, spicy cider and a range of hot toddies to help take the chill off. next is the Helter Skelter Bar on Long Row, which includes similar drinks, but also a giant slide and Santa’s toy ride for little ones to enjoy.

Shop ’til you drop!

if you like to grab a good deal and explore market stalls in search of that elusive ‘something special,’ then you need to check out Nottingham’s festive stalls. In traditional Christmas market fashion you can expect a wide range of clothes, luxury leather bags and other goods, hand-made jewellery and other gifts that can help fill stockings.

You can also buy more food than you could possibly eat, thanks to sweet stalls selling an unbelievable amount of confectionary, home made cakes, interesting cheeses and other indulgent bites. This is only a small sample of what’s on offer, so you really need to check it out in person to see it all.

We’re sure you’ll agree that the Nottingham Winter Wonderland is a great day out for families and friends. Be sure to check out all of the lifts being offered in Nottingham now so you can Liftshare there cheap, and with reduced carbon output.

Image Credit: Nottingham Winter Wonderland