Mansfield is gearing up for a fun-packed Christmas with a seasonal smorgasbord of family entertainment.
Kicking off the season of good cheer, the town’s beautiful 25ft Norway spruce Christmas tree will take pride of place in Mansfield Market Place from Tuesday 11 November until the beginning of January.
The responsibly sourced centrepiece to the town’s festive decorations is thanks to sponsors McDonald's restaurant on Westgate.
Local marketing company Linney joined forces with McDonald’s to help brighten up the town centre and tree by donating an additional 25 strings of lights. The town centre decorations will be going up over the course of about week.
Meanwhile the Secret Santa Appeal is back for its sixth year to once again ensure that all families across Mansfield district receive gifts this Christmas.
The appeal is being run by Mansfield District Council, in partnership with Mansfield Building Society, Mansfield Forward BID and other supporters.
People can donate gifts until Sunday 7 December. We are looking for toys, skincare products, board games, clothing, colouring books, hats, scarves and gloves, socks, chocolates and biscuits. The items must be new and unused for health and safety purposes.
Drop off points include: Civic Centre Café; Mansfield Museum; Mansfield Building Society; Smyths Toys - Portland Retail Park; the Old Town Hall; McDonald's Westgate; Ravensdale Children's Centre; Warsop Children's Centre; Ladybrook Children's Centre; Mansfield Woodhouse Children's Centre and the Four Seasons Shopping Centre.
Alternatively, online cash donations can be made online at Go Fund Me (link opens in new window) to allow us to purchase gifts on your behalf.
Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “This appeal delivers so much joy to families where it could otherwise be in short supply at Christmas and we know how much Mansfield steps up to offer that helping hand to those in need. I will be making my usual donation from my Mayor's 500 fund towards the Secret Santa Appeal.
“We also offer our sincere thanks to Smyths Toys and Linney for their continued support of this appeal and the donations they have made.”
As the tree goes up in the Market Place, Tuesday 11 November will also see the first of the season’s events at Mansfield’s Palace Theatre where Ballet Theatre UK is bringing a stunning classical adaptation of Dickens’ timeless story, A Christmas Carol.
Other seasonal events
Wednesday 12 November: Palace Theatre, audiences can step back in time with Neil Sands’ Christmas Memories, a heart-warming afternoon of nostalgic festive songs and laughter that’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Saturday 22 November: Opening night of this year’s Palace Theatre pantomime: Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, which runs until New Year’s Eve. This year’s show stars CBeebies’ Katrina Bryan, alongside returning audience favourites Adam Moss and Ben Harlow and promises plenty of magic, mayhem and festive fun for all ages.
Saturday 29 November welcomes a festive fun day with entertainment and activities for all the family in Mansfield town centre. It is being organised by Mansfield Forward BID and part funded by Mansfield District Council.
Thursday 4 December (12.30pm to 2.30pm): Mansfield Museum will help get visitors into the Christmas spirit with a creative afternoon to produce homemade table centrepieces and decorations out greenery, ribbons, and a bit of festive cheer. It costs £12.50 per person.
Friday 5 and/or Friday 12 December: Bubbles and Baubles event at the museum will combine making glittering bauble centrepieces with pinecones and sparkle alongside a glass of bubbly, from 7pm to 9pm. Tickets are £15.
Saturday 6 to Friday 12 December: Mansfield Museum presents The Lost Present, a heartwarming new story suitable for ages two to seven. It will be performed at 10.30am and 1.30pm daily for just £12.50 per ticket.
Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 December: Step into the magic of a Winter Wonderland at the museum; entry is free and everyone is welcome. There will be twinkling lights, creative craft activities and festive fun for all ages.
Friday 19 December, 10.30am and 1pm, the museum will host Christmas Parties for families with under 5s. It promises a magical experience with games, snacks, drinks, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs Claus, who will have a gift for every child. The cost is just £7.50 per child. Adults are free.
There are also lots of partner events including Christmas markets run by the Four Seasons Shopping Centre and Mansfield Forward BID, The Red Bar and Grill, The Swan and Inspire Mansfield Central Library.
And don’t forget to check in with Santa at the Four Seasons Shopping Centre where visitors will be invited to take a ride in Santa’s Magical Elevator! Press the button and step inside for an immersive, interactive and magical journey to the North Pole. When your trip is finished, ring the bell and Santa’s elves will meet you and take you to his grotto.
The Swan is hosting both Breakfast with Santa Stitch on Saturday 7 and 14 December and Dinner with the Grinch and Cindy Lou on Thursday 18 December. To book, pop in and see the elves behind the bar or drop them a message on Facebook.
Santa will also be available to meet in person at the Red Bar and Grill at its popular Breakfast with Santa on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December.
Details of festive activities are being added to the Christmas in Mansfield webpages (link opens in new window). Tickets for the Palace Theatre shows can be booked online 24/7 at on the theatre website (link opens in new window) or by calling the Box Office on 01623 463133. To book museum events, go to the museum website (link opens in new window) or call 01623 463088.