Nottingham Winter Wonderland 2026: Dates, Opening Hours and Visitor Guide
Nottingham Winter Wonderland returns to Old Market Square from Thursday 12 November to Thursday 31 December 2026. The Christmas Market stalls run from 12 November to 24 December, while the wider Winter Wonderland — including the rides and attractions — carries on to New Year’s Eve. The whole event is closed on Christmas Day.
Entry is free, with rides and attractions ticketed separately. The event is operated by The Mellors Group.
| Market | Nottingham Winter Wonderland (Nottingham Christmas Market) |
| Dates | Winter Wonderland: Thursday 12 November – Thursday 31 December 2026. Christmas Market stalls: 12 November – 24 December 2026. Closed Christmas Day. |
| Opening hours (market stalls) | 12 November – 11 December: Sunday–Thursday 10am–6.30pm, Friday–Saturday 10am–8pm. 12–24 December: Sunday–Thursday 10am–7.30pm, Friday–Saturday 10am–8.30pm. |
| Location | Old Market Square, Nottingham NG1 2DT |
| Entry price | Free entry — attractions are ticketed separately |
Old Market Square
Everything takes place in Old Market Square, in the centre of Nottingham. The market stalls and the Winter Wonderland attractions share the same square, so there is no need to travel between sites.
The Christmas Market stalls
The Christmas Market stalls run from 12 November to 24 December 2026. Their hours change as Christmas approaches: up to 11 December, stalls open Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 6.30pm and Friday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm. From 12 to 24 December, the stalls stay open an hour later — Sunday to Thursday until 7.30pm and Friday to Saturday until 8.30pm.
Winter Wonderland attractions
The wider Winter Wonderland runs until Thursday 31 December 2026, a week after the market stalls close. Its rides and attractions — the ice rink, Sky Skate, the Observation Wheel and the Ice Bar — are ticketed separately, while entry to the square itself is free.
Closed on Christmas Day
The whole event is closed on Christmas Day, 25 December. It is open on Christmas Eve, when the market stalls are on their later December hours, and it reopens after Christmas for the final week of the Winter Wonderland.
Tips for your visit
- Entry to Old Market Square is free. Only the rides and attractions are ticketed, so you can browse the market without paying anything.
- The market stalls close on 24 December, but the Winter Wonderland attractions run until 31 December.
- Everything is closed on Christmas Day.
- Stall hours get later in December, so an evening visit after 12 December gives you the longest browsing time.
- Dates and hours can change at short notice, so check the official Nottingham Winter Wonderland site before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
When is Nottingham Winter Wonderland 2026?
Thursday 12 November to Thursday 31 December 2026. The Christmas Market stalls run from 12 November to 24 December, and the whole event is closed on Christmas Day.
Is entry to Nottingham Winter Wonderland free?
Yes. Entry is free; the rides and attractions — including the ice rink, Sky Skate, the Observation Wheel and the Ice Bar — are ticketed separately.
What are the opening hours?
From 12 November to 11 December, stalls open Sunday to Thursday 10am to 6.30pm and Friday to Saturday 10am to 8pm. From 12 to 24 December, stalls open Sunday to Thursday 10am to 7.30pm and Friday to Saturday 10am to 8.30pm.
Where is Nottingham Winter Wonderland?
Old Market Square, Nottingham NG1 2DT.
Sources
- Official operator site (opening hours): https://nottinghamwinterwonderland.co.uk/opening-hours/
- Visit Nottinghamshire (official tourism; dates + free entry): https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/whats-on/winter-wonderland-christmas-in-nottingham-p480781?utm_name
Ekaterina Saar is the editor of ContentOcean, covering UK entertainment, sport, money and lifestyle. She researches every article from news reports and official sources and keeps them updated as new information comes out.