December school holiday top picks!

Make the most of the autumn holidays with our top picks of events and activities taking place!

Creswell Crags

Location: Creswell Crags Museum & Heritage Centre, Crags Road, Welbeck, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK S80 3LH

Walk in the footsteps of early humans and woolly mammoths through a dramatic gorge. Marvel at the Ice Age rock art still visible in extraordinary caves. And enjoy exploring amongst the timeless beauty of the woodland, meadow, and reflective lake.

Find out what's on and book on the Creswell Crags website.

Winter Star Trail

For thousands of years, people have been looking up at the stars, including our ancestors who may have lived here during the Ice Age.

Enjoy a winter walk and help keep the children entertained by following the Winter Star Trail. Find the hand painted constellations hidden around the Crags; add the gold letter from each one to the trail sheet and discover the magic word. Then return to reception to claim your star themed prize.

No need to book, just pick up a trail sheet at reception. Winter weekends during open hours 10am to 4.30pm. £3 per trail - includes trail sheet, pencil, wooden star decoration to colour at home and a Winter Star Snap Game.

Explore the Winter Star Trail

Holme Pierrepont County Park

Location: Adbolton Lane, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham NG12 2LU

At Holme Pierrepont Country Park you can enjoy an exciting day out or short break for all the family, from adrenaline-pumping activities through to family-friendly fun, nestled amongst 270 acres of beautiful parkland.

There are activities for everyone to enjoy, from thrill-seekers to those looking for a family adventure outdoors, both on and off the water.

Find out more on the Holme Pierrepont Country Park website.

Inspire at Nottinghamshire Libraries

Location: Various libraries across Nottinghamshire

Our libraries have a wide range of activities to help you have a fun-filled break. Take a look at what's taking place over the holidays, including FREE fabulous family activities suitable for all.

See what's happening across Inspire or find regular events at your local library.

Christmas events at your local library

Get in the festive spirit with craft sessions, treasure hunts and more in a library near you.

Find Christmas events

Winter Mini Challenge

For children ages 4 to 11, the Winter Mini Challenge is back for 2025! Love this summer reading challenge? The fun doesn't have to stop at summer. This online challenge invites children to read three books or more, between 1 December and 20 February, to earn digital rewards.

Join the Winter Mini Challenge

Notts Help Yourself

Notts Help Yourself hosts a range of activities and ideas for all the family, including:

baby groups
parent and toddler groups
local parks and pay areas
family days out
soft/indoor play areas

Find things to do with Notts Help Yourself

Rufford Abbey Country Park

Location: Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9DF

Set in beautiful parkland, Rufford Abbey offers over 870 years of history, from its origins as a 12th-century Cistercian monastery to its period as a Jacobean-era family home. There is plenty to explore; with walks through the native woodlands, a lake and gardens plus events to enjoy.

See what's on at Rufford Abbey Country Park

Elf Garden Christmas Trail

Specially crafted for this magical time of year, the trail invites children and families to explore the formal gardens in search of Santa’s playful elves, who are hiding there.

As you make your way through the gardens, enjoy the festive atmosphere and decorations that bring the spirit of Christmas to life. This trail is the perfect way to spark joy and excitement for little adventurers and their families alike.

Trail sheets are just £3 per child, and each child will receive a festive prize. You can purchase your trail sheets and collect prizes from the Courtyard Gift Shop, daily from 10am to 3pm.

Explore the Elf Garden Christmas Trail

SEND activities

Location: Various locations

The SEND local offer website has listings for SEND activities in and around Nottinghamshire. From arts and crafts to days out and support groups, there is plenty on offer for all ages.

To find things to do, visit the Notts Help Yourself website

Sherwood Forest

Location: Sherwood Forest NNR, Edwinstowe, NG21 9RN

Sherwood Forest is bursting with things for all the family to enjoy. Find out more about events and how to book on the Sherwood Forest website.

Robin Hood's Yuletide Quest

This Christmas, step into the heart of Sherwood Forest this Christmas and join Robin Hood and his Merry Band with preparations for a grand Yuletide celebration in the Robin's Yuletide Quest trail!

Packed with puzzles, laughter, and a sprinkle of Sherwood magic, this trail is perfect for families. Will you help Robin and his friends make this the merriest Christmas yet?

Running 20 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, 10am to 2pm, £4.50

Take part in Robin Hood's Yuletide Quest