Winter Wonderland Nottingham opens in Old Market Square on Thursday 12 November 2026 and runs until 31 December, with the Sky Skate ice path, an observation wheel, a themed Ice Bar, ski-lodge bars and a Christmas market around the Council House. Walking in is free, and you pay only for the attractions you choose.
Here are the 2026 dates and hours, which attractions need a ticket, how to get there, and where to leave a suitcase while you skate.
Winter Wonderland Nottingham 2026 at a glance
| Dates | 12 November to 31 December 2026 (market stalls until 24 December; closed Christmas Day) |
| Market hours | Sun–Thu 10:00–18:30, Fri–Sat 10:00–20:00 until 11 December; a little later from 12 December |
| Ice rink | Roughly 10:00 or 12:30 until 22:15–23:00, depending on the day |
| Location | Old Market Square, Nottingham NG1 2DT |
| Entry | Free. Skating, the wheel, the Ice Bar and the toboggan slide are ticketed |
Winter Wonderland Nottingham dates and opening hours
The 2026 season starts on 12 November. The Christmas market stalls trade until Christmas Eve, while the rink, wheel and bars stay open until New Year’s Eve. Everything closes on Christmas Day, and on 24, 26 and 31 December most attractions shut at 8pm.
Each attraction keeps its own hours. The market opens at 10am every day and closes at 6.30pm Sunday to Thursday and 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, an hour later from 12 December. The observation wheel runs until 10pm or 11pm on most days. Skating starts at 12.30pm on weekdays and 10am at weekends, with late sessions most nights. Hours can change, so check the official opening hours page before you go.
Sky Skate, ice rink and rides
The Sky Skate is the reason many people come. It’s a raised ice trail that loops above the square and the market chalets, linked to the main rink below, so you get two different skates in one session. Book online, because weekend evening slots go first.
The observation wheel turns next to the Council House and gives you a view over the square and the city lights. Younger visitors usually head for the toboggan slide. All of these are ticketed individually.
Ice Bar, ski bars and the Christmas market
The Ice Bar comes back with a new theme for 2026, still to be revealed. Entry is by timed ticket and you get a drink inside a room built from ice. If you’d rather stay warm, Sur La Piste and Altitude are ski-chalet bars where you can order from your phone at the table.
The Christmas market stalls run around the square until 24 December, selling gifts, decorations, hot food and mulled wine. It’s the easiest part of the event to enjoy without a ticket. For a fuller look at the stalls, see our guide to the Nottingham market stalls.
Tickets for Winter Wonderland Nottingham
You don’t need a ticket to walk around the square or browse the market. Skating, the Sky Skate, the wheel, the Ice Bar and the toboggan slide all need tickets, which you can buy on the official website. Online booking is already open. Prices weren’t published for every attraction at the time of writing, so check them when you book.
Getting there and parking
Old Market Square has its own tram stop, and most city bus routes stop within a few minutes’ walk. From Nottingham railway station it’s about a 15-minute walk north through the city centre.
If you drive, city-centre car parks such as Broad Marsh are within walking distance, but they fill up on Saturdays in December. The tram park-and-ride sites on the edge of the city are usually the calmer option.
Luggage storage near Old Market Square
Coming in by train for the day, or checking out of your hotel before an evening skate? Radical Storage has luggage storage points in local shops and businesses around Nottingham city centre. Book online, drop your bags with the partner and collect them when you’re ready to leave.
Bags are covered up to €10,000 per bag, cancellation is free, and the service is rated 4.8/5 by travellers. You can see storage spots near Old Market Square on the map.
FAQ about Winter Wonderland Nottingham
It runs from 12 November to 31 December 2026 in Old Market Square. The market stalls close on 24 December and everything is closed on Christmas Day.
Yes. Walking around the square and the market is free. Skating, the Sky Skate, the observation wheel, the Ice Bar and the toboggan slide are ticketed.
A raised ice trail that loops above Old Market Square and the market chalets, connected to the main rink below.
At 6.30pm Sunday to Thursday and 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays until 11 December, then about an hour later until Christmas Eve.
Take the tram to the Old Market Square stop, or walk about 15 minutes from Nottingham railway station.
Radical Storage has luggage storage points in Nottingham city centre. Book online, drop your bags and pick them up after your visit. Bags are covered up to €10,000 per bag.