Everything you need to know about Newark Christmas lights switch-on and Christmas markets what's happening and when
Mince pies and mulled wine at the ready as festive season officially kicks off this Sunday (November 27) with the switch-on of the Newark Christmas lights.
Events and on stage performances will be taking place throughout the day from 11am to 5pm with the lights due to be switched-on by Newark Town Mayor, Laurence Goff at 4.45pm, followed by a fireworks display.
This year is notable as it marks the return of fireworks and a full switch-on event for the first time since before the covid pandemic.
Organisers have worked with the display providers to ensure that low-noise fireworks are used to reduce the impact on local residents, animals and businesses whose alarms may be triggered.
For those unable to travel or wishing to stay at home, events will be streamed live on the Newark Royal Market Facebook page.
The marketplace is also set to come to life with fully booked stalls, fairground rides and street entertainers.
From 11am the market and fun fair will officially open, with a series of local musicians taking to the stage in front of Newark Town Hall throughout the day to entertain the crowds and build the atmosphere ahead of the lights switch-on and fireworks display.
On December 10 over 100 stalls are coming to the Newark Christmas Market, the following day on December 11 the spectacle of the Steampunk and Dickensian Market arrives in the marketplace. On Saturday December 17 the Vegan and Ethical market will set up and on December 18 the Christmas Craft Market will be held selling seasonal crafts and gifts.
Ian Harrison, Newark Royal Markets manager, said: "It's set to be the best, if not biggest year we've ever had.
"We have sold out on all stall dates offering gifts, crafts, food, you name it, we offer it."
Local charity have also been offered stalls such as Beaumond House and the Children's Bereavement Centre.
"We try to change it up from year to year and offer a variety to cater for all ages." Ian said.
"I'm particularly looking forward to the Steampunk Market. There will be a procession of over 150 Steampunk enthusiasts carrying touches and led by Scottish bagpipers up to the marketplace. It should be quite a site.
"I'd encourage people when and where they can to shop locally and help out our retailers."
Elsewhere on Sunday a Christmas fun event will be popping up on the first floor of The Buttermarket with fun festive activities such as; meet the Winter Fairy and Iceman, make your own Christmas decorations as well as seasonal singing and mulled wine.
Following the conclusion of the fireworks display in the marketplace, a community carol concert will take place in Newark Parish Church from 5pm.
The halls of Newark Parish Church will be decked for the delights of the Christmas Tree Festival, to be held from December 3 to 11 to inspire.
Cinderella will go to the ball, with the classic pantomime running from December 6 to 31 at Newark Palace theatre offering a range of ticket options and timings.
As part of the National Civil War Centre's Year of Play, Newark and Sherwood residents will gain free entry to the museum from December 22 to 31.
Free Sunday parking — at all Newark and Sherwood District Council run pay-and-display carparks — will be available for the day of the Christmas light switch-on on November 27 as well as December 4, 11 and 18.