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Published 13th November 2025
Inspire libraries’ Christmas markets are returning for a fourth year, with lots of festive fun in store for adults and families alike. Marketgoers can expect stalls from local makers, children’s crafts on offer, baked goods and even visits from Santa at selected libraries.
Nottinghamshire libraries delivered by Inspire on behalf of the County Council are vibrant hubs of activity supporting the community and encouraging connection. This winter their focus is once again on small businesses, bringing handmade and locally-made to the forefront of the festive season and empowering local creatives in library Christmas markets around the county.
Shoppers can expect a whole host of sellers at the markets, with events and activities too that vary between venues. On Saturday 15 November, Sutton in Ashfield Library promises a day of fun for all the family with at least 15 varied stallholders selling everything from jewellery to baked goods, 3D printed items and more. Young ones can enjoy a trip to the library’s grotto between 11am and 12pm. Hot drinks will be served between 11am and 12pm, after which the delightful Rolls Royce Rollers choir will perform. Throughout the market, there will also be opportunities to enjoy children’s crafts, and get creative with giant Lego before the event wraps up at 2pm. Meanwhile at Stapleford Library, their Christmas market will feature a variety of drop-in tasters by Inspire Learning. From 10am until 11:30am visitors can enjoy both festive macrame and cupcake toppers, and from 11:30am until 1pm festive maths learning and beaded decorations will be on offer.
On Saturday 23 November at Mansfield Central Library, the studio floor will host over 25 stalls offering a variety of handcrafted items and baked goods. Between 10am and 2pm families can enjoy crafting together and take part in a library trail with a prize drawn for one lucky entrant. Further north in Worksop, shoppers can browse goods from creators including Rachel Hayes Art, Foxy Lady & Friends, and Hong Kong Street Foods. Grab a coffee from in-house café Jeanilious at The Coffee Terrace, and don’t forget to check out their cosy Christmas tree too, adorned with a selection of bought and handmade knits that will be donated to local charities and distributed to those in need in time for the especially chilly weather. Across the county, Eastwood and Bingham libraries will also be in the festive spirit with their markets, running 10am-1pm and 10am-3pm respectively.
A wide range of goods will be on offer at each venue this winter
The following weekend brings more festive cheer with Kimberley and Arnold libraries. The latter will be chock full of bakers, knitters and crafters all bringing their makes to the table. On the first-floor families can enjoy meeting Santa in the library’s annual grotto (pre-booking required, £2 per child) and readers can grab a bargain at the preloved book sale taking place for one day only.
The final Christmas market in libraries will take place on Saturday 13 December at Ravenshead Library with handmade chocolates, accessories and more. Browse with a cuppa from their drinks station and enjoy an unmissable performance from the local St Peter’s Church choir.
For those makers-in-the-making that haven’t secured their place as stallholders this year, Inspire’s Adult Learning provision are offering festive courses to foster a love of handmade gifts this season. Courses will soon begin in watercolour Christmas cards, edible treats, and macrame all around the county including Newark, Hucknall, Stapleford and Arnold. Plus, sign up now for a festive twist on a heritage craft with Christmas bobbin lace at Worksop Library. With friendly and experienced tutors, you can be creating bespoke gifts and décor in no time!
If the Christmas cheer hasn’t quite hit you yet, an evening at An Inspired Christmas Concert is a must. Sponsored by Arc Partnership, the concert takes place at the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham as well as online, and is an established part of the Inspire calendar. Enjoy amazing performances from Nottinghamshire schools and choirs, hosted by former BBC presenter and editor John Hess.
“Our growing offer for creatives across Nottinghamshire is something I’m deeply
proud of. Our Christmas markets are always exciting and bustling events, and this
year’s cohort of nine libraries will help to bring well over 150 small
businesses together, making shopping small even more accessible for our
communities. I’m particularly pleased that Stapleford Library will also showcase
our superb learning opportunities and encouraging even more people to develop
their creativity – how great it would be for them to return with their makes
next year!”
Tempted yet? Whether it’s for those last finishing touches or just the beginning of your quest for gifts, Inspire libraries’ Christmas markets bring the best of your community right to your doorstep.
Markets will take place on select dates between Saturday 15 November and Saturday 13 December. Visit inspireculture.org.uk/markets for full information.
