Once the nights start drawing in and the evenings become a little chillier, our thoughts naturally turn towards Christmas. If you’re visiting Sheffield and the surrounding region at this time of year, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
There’s certainly plenty to see and do during the Yuletide period. Not only is there a large student population that helps liven up the place but you’ve go a whole host of special events organised for the end of November, December and into the New Year.
Whether you love a Christmas market or want to see your first panto, here’s our quick guide to what’s on in the city:
Sheffield Christmas Lights
A much anticipated event, as it is in every other city across the UK, the annual switching on of the Christmas lights is well worth a visit. It’s normally attended by hundreds if not thousands of people and there’s usually a celebrity or two on show. This year it’s on 16thNovember.
The Sheffield Christmas Market
One of the first things you’ll notice once the Christmas period gets under way is that the market suddenly appears, practically out of nowhere. Stretching across the town hall square and the Peace Gardens, there are some 50 different cabins selling everything from hearty mead to Christmas gifts. Of course, there’s also a Santa’s grotto and a few elves milling around.
Find out more about the Christmas Market.
Christmas Panto
No Christmas celebration would be complete without a panto extravaganza. This year’s big offering at the Sheffield Theatres complex is Peter Panwhich runs from the 7thDecember and stars Shaun Williamson of ex-EastEnders fame. If you fancy something a little more raucous and adult orientated, you can try out Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood: The Very, Very Rude Panto!which is running at the Library Theatre in December.
Bars and Clubs
You’ll be glad to know that there are many bars and clubs across Sheffield if you’re looking for somewhere welcoming to spend you evenings. If you’re in search of the quirky, The Botanistis one of the liveliest, bars in the city and has music playing practically every night. The Original Bierkelleris another popular location and throws one hell of a Christmas party. Pop along if you want to see the locals in their natural, raucous habitat.
The Leadmillis one of Sheffield’s best known nightclubs and is always busy over the Yuletide period, right up to New Year’s evening. If you’re looking for a music nightspot that really delivers there’s the Corporationwhich is popular with local students.
Heading Out of Sheffield
The great news is that all across the North East, there’s a tonne of Christmas activity going on, so much so you may not want to stay in Sheffield at all. Manchester is just across the Peak District to the West and Leeds is a short train journey to the North.
The Peak District is one place to visit if you like fresh air and plenty of Festive cheer. The market at Chatsworth has a distinctly Dickensian theme this year and, if you want to head out to Treak Cliff Cavern, you can take part in some carol singing leading up to Christmas Eve.
Find out more about Christmas in the Peak District.