Mansfield has already started gearing up for a fun-packed Christmas with a seasonal smorgasbord of family entertainment.
The town’s beautiful 25ft Norway spruce Christmas tree takes pride of place in Mansfield Market Place, thanks to sponsors McDonald’s restaurant on Westgate. Local marketing company Linney joined forces with McDonald’s to help brighten up the town centre and tree by donating an additional 25 strings of lights. Meanwhile the Secret Santa Appeal is back for its sixth year to once again ensure that all families across Mansfield district receive gifts this Christmas.
The appeal is being run by Mansfield District Council, in partnership with Mansfield Building Society, Mansfield Forward BID and other supporters. People can donate gifts until Sunday 7th December. Organisers are looking for toys, skincare products, board games, clothing, colouring books, hats, scarves and gloves, socks, chocolates and biscuits. The items must be new and unused for health and safety purposes.
Drop off points include: Civic Centre Café; Mansfield Museum; Mansfield Building Society; Smyths Toys –Portland Retail Park; the Old Town Hall; McDonald’s Westgate; Ravensdale Children’s Centre; Warsop Children’s Centre; Ladybrook Children’s Centre; Mansfield Woodhouse Children’s Centre and the Four Seasons Shopping Centre. Alternatively, online cash donations can be made online at Go Fund Me to allow them to purchase gifts on your behalf: www.gofundme.com/f/mansfield-district-council-secret-santa-appeal-2025.
Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “This appeal delivers so much joy to families where it could otherwise be in short supply at Christmas and we know how much Mansfield steps up to offer that helping hand to those in need. I will be making my usual donation from my Mayor’s 500 fund towards the Secret Santa Appeal.
“We also offer our sincere thanks to Smyths Toys and Linney for their continued support of this appeal and the donations they have made.”
Upcoming seasonal events include:
- Saturday 29th November welcomes a festive fun day with entertainment and activities for all the family in Mansfield town centre. It is being organised by Mansfield Forward BID and part funded by Mansfield District Council.
- Thursday 4th December (12.30pm to 2.30pm): Mansfield Museum will help get visitors into the Christmas spirit with a creative afternoon to produce homemade table centrepieces and decorations out greenery, ribbons, and a bit of festive cheer. It costs £12.50 per person.
- Friday 5th and / or Friday 12th December: Bubbles and Baubles event at the museum will combine making glittering bauble centrepieces with pinecones and sparkle alongside a glass of bubbly, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Tickets are £15.00.
- Saturday 6th to Friday 12th December: Mansfield Museum presents The Lost Present, a heartwarming new story suitable for ages two to seven. It will be performed at 10.30am and 1.30pm daily for just £12.50 per ticket.
- Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th December: Step into the magic of a Winter Wonderland at the museum; entry is free and everyone is welcome. There will be twinkling lights, creative craft activities and festive fun for all ages.
- Friday 19th December, 10.30am and 1.00pm: The museum will host Christmas parties for families with under-fives. It promises a magical experience with games, snacks, drinks, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs Claus, who will have a gift for every child. The cost is just £7.50 per child. Adults are free.
Details of festive activities are being added to the Christmas in Mansfield webpages: http://www.mansfield.gov.uk/christmas.