Christmas Activities Around Bridleways

This Christmas, Bridleways Guest House is the perfect base for exploring the festive magic of North Nottinghamshire. From enchanting light trails and merry markets to woodland adventures and seasonal runs, here’s a curated guide to the very best local events.

1. Clumber Park – Elf Trail, Grotto & Lantern Walks

• Elf on the Shelf® Trail: Running from 22 November to 4 January. Clumber Park hosts a whimsical Elf on the Shelf sculpture trail — 12 large elf figures hidden across the park.
• Father Christmas Grotto: From 22 November. Families can visit the Winter Wonderland grotto at the Old Parsonage, with cosy surroundings, toys, and a chance to tell Father Christmas your Christmas list.
• Storytime with Santa: Special toddler-focused sessions on 10‑11 December and 17‑18 December. Where Father Christmas will share nursery rhymes, songs, and festive tales.
• Craft Workshops: Wreath-making (26–30 November, 1–2 December) and festive table decoration (21 December) workshops are organised in the Head Gardener’s Cottage.
• Lantern Walks: On 27 & 28 December and 3 & 4 January. Join guided dusk lantern walks through Clumber’s Pleasure Grounds, with storytelling about the park’s history.
• Festive Runs & Walks: A free Heritage & Horticulture amble on 15 December, Tinsel Trek on 27 December (~6–7 miles), a Christmas Eve 10k run, and a 28 December trail run are all on the calendar.
• Santa Paws & Festive Dog Walk: Dog lovers aren’t left out. On 17 December there’s a Christmas jumper walk for pooches, and on 20–22 December, Santa Paws visits with a special treat for every dog.

2. Thoresby Park – Winterfest & Christmas Trail

• Winterfest (29–30 November): Thoresby Hall hosts its Winterfest weekend with a Christmas market, live entertainment, carol singing, falconry, inflatables, face painting, and more.
• Gonk Painting Class (6 December): Learn to paint your own Gonk, including festive ciabatta & drink. 10:30am – 12:30pm. (ticketed).
• Christmas Trail (7 December – 5 January): Explore the park on a self-led trail to spot hidden festive characters. Pick up a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre for £2.50, and there’s a toy prize at the end.

3. Rufford Abbey Country Park – Magical Christmas

• Rufford’s Magical Christmas: From 15 November to 4 January. The park transforms for the holidays with a range of seasonal activities.
• Elf Garden Christmas Trail: 6 December – 4 January. Children can explore the formal gardens looking for mischievous elves; a trail sheet (£3) includes a prize.
• Santa’s Grotto: On selected dates throughout November and December, kids can visit Santa, chat, and get a gift.
• Christmas Brunch: 6 & 7 December. Enjoy a festive brunch, meet characters, and get a present for every child.
• Christmas Market: 13 & 14 December — local artisans, food stalls, and handmade gifts at Rufford Abbey.
• Carols by Candlelight: 21 December in the Talbot Suite, accompanied by mulled wine and mince pies.

4. Sherwood Pines – Trails, Runs & Family Fun

• Stick Man Christmas Trail: Running 5 November – 31 December (except Christmas Day). Take part in the interactive Stick Man trail. Children follow his adventure, using a “magic reveal lens” to discover hidden letters and complete the trail. Trail packs cost £4.
• Mental Elf Festive Fun Run: On 30 November 2025, join a 5km run around Sherwood Pines. Fancy dress (elves!) encouraged, and all participants get a medal + goody bag.

5.Wollaton Hall & Deer Park – Winter Light Trail

• Wollaton Winter Light Trail (26 Nov – 31 Dec): For Christmas 2025, Wollaton Hall’s grounds will be transformed into an immersive light and sound experience. Expect large installations, interactive displays, soundscapes, marshmallow toasting, festive bars, and food chalets.
• Things to Note: Dogs are allowed (on a lead), though there are restrictions around wildlife (deer) for safety.
• Other Festive Activities at Wollaton: There’s also a “Santa’s Frozen Adventure” on weekend dates, plus seasonal afternoon teas in the hall.

6. Other Seasonal Highlights in the Area

• Christmas Lights in Nottinghamshire: Beyond the parks, there are several light trails and illuminated experiences across the county.
• Light Post Farm, White Post Farm: Just outside Mansfield, from 22 Nov – 23 Dec 2025, the farm hosts a dazzling 1km illuminated trail, with more than 250,000 lights, a 200m light maze, glowing installations, and even a disco tree.