A student’s guide to the Nottingham Christmas market

It is a Notts student’s dream to go enjoy the Christmas market post deadlines. Nothing goes better with a submitted essay or the last lecture finished than a Bailey’s hot chocolate (in my opinion).

So, if you’re looking for some festive inspo before you head home for the winter break, here are all the fun ways you can enjoy the Christmas market.

First things first: Looks can be deceiving. Despite dominating the whole of Old Market Square, and taking what seemed like forever to set up, the actual market is relatively small, with most taken up by the floating ice skating (we’ll talk about that later.)

Although it seems like there’s a lot to do and see, it won’t actually take you very long to get around the whole market. We suggest doing a walk through of the entire market so you can make the most out of all of the food and shopping options. 

Once you’ve got to the market, make sure you’re hungry! With so many food options you’ll be spoilt for choice, but be sure you leave room for dessert.

At the top of my list, and an annual festive favourite, is the Yorkshire Pudding Christmas Wrap. There is such variation with options such as meat, vegetarian and a daily special – I have never regretted getting one, and will go every year!

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A cheaper, but equally yummy option are the German Bratwurst. This classic Christmas sausage will fill you up and keep you warm while you explore the rest of the market. It tastes as good as it looks and the stall gets extra brownie points for being right underneath the market’s live music stage.

If you’re after something lighter, head over to the roasties stand. The original duck fat roasties are only £6 but if you’re feeling a little more fancy than you can upgrade to Garlic and Parmesan or Beef Gravy, for only £1 extra.

You might also consider stopping by the House of Fries. Their loaded fries start at £4 (or go large for £5) and with so many different toppings on offer they taste absolutely delicious.

If you’re like me and are sweet treat obsessed, I’m sure you’re already thinking about the fresh doughnuts, churros and crepes! This is why I recommend taking a walk around and not committing to something too early. 

I was very excited to see that you can also add toppings to the doughnuts (who knew they could get any better) but honestly I can’t go to the market and not walk away without a crepe. I have tried two crepe stands, and the *Bonjour Crepe* is the only one worth the queue.

Next up are the activities! The most obvious thing to do is The Sky Skate: The above-head ice skating that encompasses the main area of the Christmas market. Even if you just do the ice skate awkward shuffle, it is lovely festive activity to do with your housemates, especially as there’s student discount.

There is also a ferris wheel, getting an upgrade to ski bubbles this year – you can barely tell the difference between Nottingham and the slopes. If I had to pick though, ice skating should take priority in ensuring the best time. 

Most people have heard about the Ice Bar but to be honest I was slightly underwhelmed. Although it seems cool (pun intended) the drinks are overrated and you’d be better off going to a personal favourite of mine: The Sur La Piste!

This alpine ski lodge-themed bar is the perfect solution if you’re feeling a little chilly and want to have a sit down. Its cosy and relaxing atmosphere is a perfect escape from the busy market outside. They offer both upstairs and downstairs seating (with bars on both floors), to give customers a space to breathe and take in all of the festive offerings of the Nottingham Winter Wonderland.