Nottingham Winter Wonderland 2026: Dates, Attractions and Parking Guide
Everything you need to plan your visit and park near Old Market Square this winter.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland 2026: Parking, Tickets and Getting There
Nottingham Winter Wonderland returns to Old Market Square with an ice rink and Sky Skate path, an alpine Ice Bar, an Observation Wheel, a toboggan slide and Christmas market stalls. The city centre fills quickly on weekends and evenings, so don't let parking steal the magic this winter. Reserve your space in advance with JustPark and walk straight into the festivities.
Book Nottingham Winter Wonderland Parking
Book your parking near Old Market Square before you set off, so you know exactly where you are parking before you arrive.
Choose from private driveways and off-street spaces close to the square, rather than circling full car parks on the day.
Extend your stay in the app if you are staying on for skating, drinks or dinner.
Walk straight into the event knowing your car is already sorted.
What's On at Nottingham Winter Wonderland 2026
Winter Wonderland takes over Old Market Square with rides, bars, markets and entertainment for all ages:
Ice Rink and Sky Skate: skate on the ground-level rink, the Sky Skate Ice Path and a children's rink with penguin skate aids. Children aged 4 and over can skate on the main rink with an adult.
Ice Bar: an alpine bar with ice sculptures. The minimum age is 5, and standard tickets start from £19.50 per adult for two drinks.
Sur La Piste and Altitude: alpine-style ski bars with food ordered through the app. Both are accessible by lift.
Observation Wheel: a 12-minute ride that goes around twice, with views over Old Market Square. Children must stay seated.
Toboggan slide: returns this year, with tickets bought on site.
Christmas market stalls: across the square, open until 24 December.
Tickets For Nottingham Winter Wonderland 2026
Entry to Nottingham Winter Wonderland is free. You only need tickets for individual attractions. Pre-booking is recommended, because attraction slots are subject to availability and walk-ins are not guaranteed. Tickets can be bought on the day from the ticket office, subject to availability. Tickets are non-refundable, but you can contact customer service about rescheduling.
Payment is cashless. Bars and attractions accept debit and credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland Opening Times
Opening hours vary by attraction and by day, and the times change in December. The Observation Wheel, for example, opens at 10am every day. The Ice Bar opens at 12pm on weekdays. Check the full opening hours before you visit, because the Ice Rink and bars close at different times and on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve they close earlier.
Getting to Nottingham Winter Wonderland
By train:
Old Market Square is a 12-minute walk from Nottingham Station.
By tram:
The tram stops at Old Market Square, right next to Winter Wonderland.
The M1 North route uses Phoenix Park park and ride, which is a 20-minute tram journey. The M1 South route uses Toton Lane or Clifton South, about 30 minutes.
By bus or coach:
Journeys can be planned via Nottingham City Transport or trentbarton. Bus services end earlier on 24 and 31 December.
Coaches can use one of six city centre coach drop-off points. The official FAQ suggests the Royal Concert Hall for unloading.
Where to Park Near Winter Wonderland
Parking in the city centre is busiest on weekends and evenings, so book ahead for the area that suits your visit:
Book parking near Lace Market in Lace Market and Hockley, closest to the food stalls, bars and markets.
Book parking near Talbot Street and Theatre Square, well placed for the evening attractions.
Book parking near Maid Marian Way and Castlegate, with quieter streets and easy walking routes into the square.
Book parking near Nottingham Station, a 12-minute walk into the square.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland FAQs
Is Nottingham Winter Wonderland free to enter?
Yes. Entry to the square is free. You only need tickets for the rides and attractions, such as the Ice Rink and Sky Skate, the Ice Bar and the Observation Wheel.
Do you have to book Nottingham Winter Wonderland?
You do not need to book to enter the square, but pre-booking attractions is recommended to guarantee a slot.
When does Nottingham Winter Wonderland open and close?
The event opens on 12 November 2026 and runs until 31 December 2026. It is closed on Christmas Day. Hours vary by attraction, so check the opening hours page.
Where is the best place to park for Nottingham Winter Wonderland?
The areas closest to Old Market Square are Lace Market and Hockley and Talbot Street and Theatre Square. Booking ahead is the easiest way to secure a space near the event.
Live Near Nottingham Winter Wonderland? Earn Extra Income This Christmas
Do You Live Near Old Market Square? Rent Out Your Driveway This Winter
If you live near Old Market Square, Hockley and Lace Market or Talbot Street and Theatre Square, you could earn extra money this festive season by renting out your driveway during Nottingham Winter Wonderland. List your space on JustPark and set your own price and availability, with payment made after every booking.
Plan Ahead for Winter Wonderland
The event runs for seven weeks, but the busiest weekends fill up fast. Book your space before you set off and enjoy the festive city centre without the parking stress.
Book your Nottingham Winter Wonderland parking
