Festive Things To Do Near Bridleways

There’s something special about Christmas in Nottinghamshire. From twinkling Christmas lights and festive markets to woodland adventures and magical visits to Santa, the run-up to Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy a winter break in Sherwood Forest.

If you’re planning a festive getaway, Bridleways Guest House makes a great base for exploring everything the local area has to offer. Whether you’re visiting as a couple, enjoying a family break or simply looking for a change of scenery before Christmas, there are plenty of ways to get into the festive spirit.

We’ve rounded up some of the Christmas events and activities taking place across Sherwood Forest and Nottinghamshire in 2026 to help you plan your stay.

1. Newark Christmas lights switch on.

Nothing quite signals the start of Christmas like the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights.

Newark’s annual Christmas Lights Switch On takes place on Sunday 29 November 2026, transforming the Market Place into a festive celebration.

The event runs from 11am to 5.30pm. With live music, local school choirs, fairground rides, street theatre, artisan Christmas market stalls and plenty of festive food and drink.

There’s also a giant snow globe, making it a lovely opportunity to capture a few Christmas memories.

Best of all, entry is free!

It’s a great excuse to enjoy a wander around Newark, browse the independent shops and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Find out more about the Newark Christmas Lights Switch On.

2. Christmas at Sherwood Forest.

You don’t have to travel far to find a little Christmas magic! Right on our doorstep, Sherwood Forest has some lovely festive activities planned for 2026.

The RSPB’s Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre is hosting a selection of seasonal events. Including a Christmas wreath-making workshop on 21 November and a Christmas Star Willow Weaving Workshop on 12 December. Both are lovely opportunities to enjoy a little creativity and take home something handmade for Christmas.

For families, the Sherwood Sleigh Crash. Christmas Trail is running from 19 December 2026 until 3 January 2027. Get ready to solve some festive chaos as you explore the forest and follow the Christmas-themed trail.

And, of course, no visit to Sherwood Forest would be complete without a winter woodland walk. Wrap up warm, enjoy the crisp countryside air and discover the famous Major Oak along the way.

Find out more about events at Sherwood Forest.

3. Light Post Farm – A magical Christmas light trail.

If you love a Christmas light trail, Light Post Farm at White Post Farm near Farnsfield is one to add to your festive calendar.

Returning for 2026, this illuminated experience runs from 21 November to 23 December, Thursday to Sunday evenings.

Follow a magical one-kilometer trail filled with sparkling displays and new light installations, with plenty of opportunities for festive photographs along the way.

There’s more to enjoy than just the lights, too. Visitors can explore the farm, see the animals, enjoy seasonal food and warming drinks, and make use of the indoor Jungle Barn. Keep an eye out for the newborn lambs expected in early December!

A lovely evening out for families, couples and anyone who enjoys a little Christmas sparkle.

Find out more and book tickets for Light Post Farm.

4. The arrival of Santa at Rufford Abbey.

Rufford Abbey Country Park is always a lovely place to visit. It gets even more magical when Christmas arrives.

On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026, Rufford Abbey welcomes Santa with a festive weekend packed with family entertainment.

Expect Santa’s grand parade along Lime Tree Avenue, vintage fairground rides, festive music, entertainment and a mini-Christmas market showcasing local makers and their handmade gifts.

There will also be plenty of festive food and drink to enjoy, making it a great opportunity to spend a few hours soaking up the Christmas atmosphere.

If you’re visiting later in the season, Santa’s Grotto will also be open on selected dates from 28 November to 23 December. Children can meet Santa and receive a special gift.

Find out more about Christmas at Rufford Abbey.

5. Christmas at White Post Farm.

For a festive family day out, White Post Farm has plenty planned for Christmas 2026.

From 29 November to 24 December, visitors can enjoy Christmas at the Farm, including a special experience with Santa and his elves.

Children can settle into their own Christmas sleigh, listen to a festive story, meet Santa and choose a gift from the elves’ workshop.

There is plenty more to enjoy during the visit, including a Christmas market, marshmallow roasting, gingerbread decorating, winter games and the chance to make reindeer dust for Christmas Eve.

New for 2026 is the magical Alpine Woodland and Bar – just the place to enjoy a warming hot chocolate!

With access to the farm, indoor Jungle Barn and Reptiles of the World exhibit included, it’s a great option for a full day out with the family.

Find out more about Christmas at White Post Farm.

6. Christmas at Kelham Hall.

For something a little different, head to the beautiful Renaissance at Kelham Hall on Sunday 29 November 2026.

The historic hall and grounds will be transformed for a festive family day out, with a Christmas market, seasonal entertainment and the opportunity for little ones to meet Santa in his magical grotto.

Children can also meet Santa’s reindeer and enjoy the festive surroundings, making this a lovely way to spend a Sunday in the run-up to Christmas.

General admission is £8 per person, with reduced admission for children under 16. Santa’s Grotto tickets are available separately.

Find out more about Christmas at Kelham Hall.

7. Nottingham Winter Wonderland.

If you’re happy to venture a little further afield, Nottingham Winter Wonderland is always worth adding to your Christmas plans.

Returning to Old Market Square from 12 November to 31 December 2026, the city centre will be transformed into a festive wonderland.

Expect traditional Christmas market chalets, seasonal food and drink, an ice rink, Sky Skate path, fairground rides and plenty of festive entertainment.

Whether you’re looking for unusual Christmas gifts, a warming festive drink or simply want to enjoy the atmosphere, it’s a lovely way to spend a day in the city.

Combine your visit with a spot of Christmas shopping and enjoy everything Nottingham has to offer during the festive season.

Find out more about Christmas events in Nottinghamshire.

8. Enjoy a winter walk at Sherwood Pines.

Christmas isn’t all about markets, shopping and festive entertainment. Sometimes the loveliest way to spend a winter’s day is to get outdoors and enjoy the countryside.

Sherwood Pines is just a short drive from Bridleways and offers miles of woodland trails to explore on foot or by bike.

Wrap up warm, pull on your walking boots and enjoy the peaceful woodland surroundings. It’s a lovely way to blow away the cobwebs, especially after a busy day of Christmas shopping or festive celebrations.

There are trails to suit different abilities, making it a great option for couples and families alike.

Find out more about Sherwood Pines.

Make a festive break of it at Bridleways Guest House

With so much happening across Sherwood Forest and Nottinghamshire, why not turn your Christmas day out into a festive short break?

Situated in a peaceful countryside setting near Clipstone, Bridleways Guest House is ideally placed for exploring the local area, with Sherwood Forest, Sherwood Pines, Rufford Abbey and plenty of festive attractions all within easy reach.

Whether you fancy a cosy night away, a festive weekend with the family or a little pre-Christmas escape, we have a choice of accommodation to suit your stay.

Enjoy a comfortable room in our guest house, make yourself at home in our self-catering Ploughman’s Cottage or take a look at our holiday homes.

And, of course, you can look forward to a warm welcome and a delicious breakfast to set you up for a day of festive adventures!

Give the gift of a getaway this Christmas.

Looking for a Christmas gift that’s a little different? Why not give someone the chance to enjoy a relaxing countryside escape? Bridleways Guest House gift vouchers are available to buy, making the perfect present for friends, family or someone special. Whether it’s a cosy getaway, a relaxing break or simply a change of scenery, it’s a gift they can look forward to enjoying in the New Year.

A little time away makes a lovely gift – and what better excuse to plan a visit to beautiful Sherwood Forest!