Christmas is just around the corner
Festive fun in Old Market Square:
SKY SKATE THE MAIN ATTRACTION AS WINTER WONDERLAND OPENS
THE countdown to Christmas has officially begun with Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland opening yesterday to bring a sprinkle of festive cheer to the city on a wet Tuesday.
Dominating Old Market Square is the new aerial ice path, Sky Skate, where skaters can glide in a circuit around and above the crowds below.
If you want to see the best view of the city, the giant wheel is back in front of the Council House for those who prefer a more sedate experience. But thrill-seekers who like a bumpier ride will be glad to see the toboggan run return to King Street.
Old Market Square and Long Row have been taken over by Swiss-style chalet stalls selling Christmas gifts, artisanal goods and continental produce.
And when you’re tired of shopping, there’s a warming mulled wine or hot chocolate and, as always, plenty to eat. Festive favourites include the must-have German sausages from the Old Windmill Grill while the Melt & Grill delivers a feast of oozing raclette cheese.
For a festive tipple there are five bars, including ski chalet bar Sur La Piste, all-glass chalet Altitude, the Ice Bar, Helter Skelter Bar and, for the first time, a skate-through bar.
Winter Wonderland has returned for the first time in full since the pandemic and runs until New Year’s Eve.
The festivities were kicked off by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Wendy Smith (right), who cut the ribbon to declare Winter Wonderland officially open.
AFTER months of anticipation the wait for Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland is finally over.
Stall holders and visitors alike have been discussing their love of the festive event.
Debra Hanes, from Boston, is running Gifts 4 The Soul.
She said: “There is a great assortment of stalls with the pull of the bars and rides. People love it. We get a lot of repeat customers.
“I was here in 2020 (when the market closed after a day) but it’s here in full now.”
Sara Hall has been bringing the Helter Skelter bar to Nottingham for more than 10 years. The rest of the year it’s in storage.
Sara, of Selston, said: “I’ve been here from day one. We are local to Nottingham and we just love our home city.
“We have the same people come to visit every year. It’s great to be back. Once it get’s going it’s a lovely friendly atmosphere.
“It’s a shame it’s a bit wet but we have nice friendly customers. It’s starting to get a bit Christmassy now.”
The switch-on of the lights came as a surprise to pensioners Frances Knott, 82, and her husband Tom, who were visiting from Loughborough.
Mrs Knott said: “We just happened to be here. I like the snow – I thought, is it real? It looks a really good setup.”
Student nurses Teah Mair and Immie Ganderson, both 22, were getting into the Christmas spirit with a drink in the Helter Skelter bar.
Teah said: “I love it. I’m glad it’s back this year. I like the bands. I think we’ll come back in December and do it properly. I do love skating.’’
Immie added: “It’s really good. It’s nice to have it back in full as last year it was a bit small. I’m so excited to come one night for a few drinks.”
Colleen Mason, 80, of Carlton, said: “I come every year. I like the diversity of the stalls and I like the jewellery stalls and knick-knacks for Christmas presents.
‘I think people will come (despite the cost-of-living crisis) but they might not spend as much. I think the aerial skating will be amazing. My grandchildren will like it.”