Museums and heritage sites are sparkling for Christmas, with a host of festive events for all the family.

Historic Newstead Abbey has been transformed for the festive season by a team of professional master florists.  Foliage, lights, baubles and Christmas trees adorn the inside of the house for the ever-popular ‘Abbey Christmas’ events from 11am to 6pm on Saturday 3 December and 11am to 4pm on Sunday 4 December.

A decorated room at Newstead Abbey
A decorated room at Newstead Abbey

The Abbey will ring with music, featuring Southwell Choral Society on Saturday; the Loveden Quartet on Sunday, and Johnny Victory singing in the Great Drawing Room both days.  Crafts will be on sale in the cloisters. Admission is £5 (children free) to include parking and admission to the house and gardens.

Santa will also be at Newstead from 11am until 2pm every weekend until Christmas.

Wollaton Hall is celebrating with two evenings of entertainment.  Cassandra’s Christmas House Tour on Friday 9 December is a special guided tour with a Georgian twist, with refreshments, music and merriment.  Christmas Tales with the Woolly Tellers on Friday 16 December will feature stories, tales and anecdotes that bring out the magic of Christmas.  Booking is essential for both events – phone 0115 8761057 or visit the Wollaton Hall website for more information.

For children, Wollaton Hall offers ‘Stories with Santa’ on 10,11,17,18,19 and 20 December.  The children will hear stories and sing along with the elves in a Christmas  grotto before receiving a present from Santa.  The cost is £6 per child – booking is essential on 0115 8761057

There’s a taste of wartime festivities at Brewhouse Yard Museum’s ‘Blackout Christmas’ on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December from 12noon to 3pm.  Craft workshops will take place each day – making decorations from recycled materials on Saturday, and helping to create the longest paper chain on Sunday.  Normal admission prices apply, plus £1 for the workshops.

The following weekend Mrs Claus invites visitors to Brewhouse Yard to help her with preparations for Christmas, on Saturday 17 December from 12noon to 3pm.  Normal admission fees apply.

The mill yard at Green’s Windmill and Science Centre will be lit by lanterns for a traditional Christmas Carol event on Saturday 17 December from 3pm until 5pm. Nottingham Ukelele Orchestra will open the show, followed by the band of the Arnold branch of the Salvation Army.  There will also be a variety of stalls, home-made mince pies and mulled wine. Entry is free.

There’s a chance to bake festive biscuits in the shape of Christmas decorations at a drop-in session at Green’s Mill on Thursday 22 December from 11am to 1pm, at a cost of £3 per child.

A Christmas Steaming Extravaganza is planned at Nottingham Industrial Museum at Wollaton Park on Sunday 18 December from 11am to 4pm. Visitors can see the extensive collection of static and portable engines in steam, including the magnificent Fowler Ploughing Engine and the Basford Beam Engine.  The University of Nottingham Brass Band will play, and Santa and his elves will be in the grotto.  There will be a variety of staffed activities.  Entry is £4 per adult; £2 concession or child; £10 per family ticket.

Councillor Dave Trimble, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said: “Our heritage sites are great to visit all year round but at Christmas they take on a unique magical atmosphere that helps to set the scene for some spectacular events – a festive treat for all the family.”

For more information please contact Donna Marshall – Communications and Marketing Officer on donna.marshall@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or call 0115 8764443

Alternatively, please contact the City Council press team on communications@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or call: 0115 876 3313