By Callum Wright
Nottingham Winter Wonderland has officially opened for 2024 as Old Market Square welcomes the city’s famous Christmas tradition for 2024.
Many of the favourites from years past have returned for the event, such as the ice rink and sky skate, ice bar, toboggan slide and the iconic big wheel.
The market stalls dotted around the wonderland offer goods from all over the world, including cheese, fudge, jewellery, crystals, chutneys, clothes, crepes, and even mead.
With the attraction bringing in visitors guests from across Nottingham, the East Midlands and even some internationally, independent vendors say they hope it will boost trade in the city centre.
Rachael Pearson, owner of the Yorkshire Pudding Wraps stall, says even after seven years taking part in Nottingham’s Christmas event, it’s still getting bigger and better.
She said: “It’s always fantastic to be back, we’re local people so it’s fantastic, it’s Christmas time, everybody’s happy, in good spirits so it’s good to be back.
“We have a lot of people come and say they’ve seen things on Facebook or TikTok so they try it because it’s something new that they’ve heard about.”
Lucy Hall, who makes glass products for her company Juicy Glass, says the event always brings something new every year.
“We really look forward to coming and doing this event every year and every year it gets better and better,” she said.
“I’ve been doing this market for about 10 years and I start my year by designing some new products for the whole year but a lot of it is aimed at Christmas because it’s the biggest time of the year for us.”
Kevin Bell, who works for preserves company The Cherry Tree, said he was inspired after going to previous Winter Wonderlands, to take part himself.
He said: “This is my first one, I’ve come here for two years as a customer but this is my first event behind the stall and I can already feel the buzz.”
Jason Lem, manager of Once Upon a Time jewellery, said he always wanted his company to return to the market after taking some time away.
“We always wanted to come back to Nottingham, the Christmas market is full of life,” he said.
“We’re absolutely excited, it’s a huge crowd, we see people keep coming into town, it’s been a busy morning.”
Nottingham’s 2024 Winter Wonderland runs until December 31st. Attractions are open from 10am to between 9pm and 11pm depending on the day of the week – see the Winter Wonderland website for more information.
