Temperatures are dropping, the woolly scarves are coming out and mince pies are lining supermarket shelves: Christmas is just around the corner.
In the coming weeks Nottingham will get well and truly into the festive spirit, with a calendar jam-packed with events - from Victorian Christmas celebrations to Christmas tree festivals.
Whether you're looking for festive family fun, ways to celebrate the Christmas countdown with friends or just somewhere to do your shopping in style, Nottingham has it covered. Lustre 2012
Christmas is the perfect time to show your loved ones you care, and what better way than with a unique gift they can treasure?
At Lustre 2012, there'll be no shortage of inspiration. One of the highest quality craft events in the UK, you'll find 55 of the country's best contemporary craft makers, selling fine jewellery, bags, sculptural vases and tableware.
Each craft maker has been selected by a panel of experts for the quality and uniqueness of their craft, and all will be on hand to discuss with you the ideas and techniques behind their work.
The craft event takes place on November 10 and 11 between 10am and 5pm at DH Lawrence Pavilion & Djanogly Art Gallery, Lakeside Arts Centre.
Weekend admission is £5; pensioner tickets £4 and under-16s go free.
Click here to find out more Paint a Pot mugs
Curling up by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate is a real Christmas treat, but why not make it extra special by crafting the mug yourself?
On November 17 and 18 you can decorate in whatever style you choose a hand-painted mug, for yourself or to give as a gift to someone you love. Held at Rufford Abbey Country Park, the class costs £2 to attend (£2 per mug). Charles Dickens A Feast of Festive Frighteners
Embrace the spooky side of the Charles Dickens' classic with a night of ghosts and ghouls at Nottingham Castle.
It's Christmas Eve and Bob Cratchit is making one final effort to make Ebenezer Scrooge mend his ways. A wonderfully spooky show full of ghost stories and haunting frights, this is perfect for a night out with friends. The show, brought to you by Don't Go Into The Cellar theatre company, will be performed on December 1. Nottingham Harmonic Choir – Handel's Messiah
In what promises to be an inspiring performance, Nottingham Harmonic Choir brings you Handel's Messiah.
Telling the story of Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection, through narrative and explanatory extracts from the Bible, this makes for a perfect evening out with the one you love.The performance, at the Theatre Royal, takes place on December 1.A Victorian Christmas
If A Christmas Carol is your favourite festive tale, this event is not to be missed.
Step back in time and experience an authentic Victorian Christmas at The Workhouse, complete with carols, stories, a brass band, local craft stalls and seasonal refreshments.
So whether you're a Dickens fan or just want to show the kids how Christmas was celebrated in years gone by, this makes for a magical day out.
A Victorian Workhouse Christmas runs on December 7. Adult tickets are £3.50, and children go free.
For more information, visit the National Trust's website. Santa's Christmas grotto
Meeting Santa is the highlight of Christmas for the little ones, and Rufford Abbey Country Park offers a truly magical setting for the occasion.
Take a charming ride to the North Pole, where the kids will meet the jolly bearded man himself and receive a gift.
Santa will be in residence between from November 10 until December 23. Tickets cost £5 per child, and £2 per accompanying adult.
Visit the Notts County Council website for more information. Hucknall Christmas Tree Festival
Whether you're in need of some tree decorating inspiration or just want to get into the festive spirit, Hucknall Christmas Tree Festival makes for a magical day out.
Marvel at more than 70 Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, schools and community groups, all the while enjoying festive treats.
The festival, which takes place in the historic Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Hucknall, is free to attend. The opening night is December 5, and the festival runs on December 6, 7 and 8.
Click here to find out more. Christmas at the National Ice Centre
No matter what your age, ice skating is an absolute must over the festive period. And where better to take to the ice than at the National Ice Centre?
While there'll be no outdoor ice rink in Nottingham's Market Square this year, the National Ice Centre is hosting a range of fun-filled events.
As well as skating any day in December to Christmas music, you can try a Christmas Skate with the Panthers on December 13; attend the Capital FM Christmas Party Night on December 15; or head to a Christmas Neon and Bubble Foam Party on December 21.
Or if you're taking a little one onto the ice, why not head to the Parent and Toddler Party On December 19 and 31 between 12 and 1pm?
Find out more here. Jack at Nottingham Playhouse
For some guaranteed family fun, snap up tickets to see Jack at Nottingham Playhouse.
The classic tale of Jack and the giant beanstalk - sprinkled with some festive cheer - this makes for a perfect Christmas treat for four to eight-year-olds and their grown-ups.
Jack runs from December 15 to 29. Adult tickets cost £8, children tickets £7.
Visit the Nottingham Playhouse website for more information. Nottingham Harmonic Choir - Family carol concerts
If there's one thing guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit, it's carols. So what better way to spend an evening than at a family carol concert?
On December 19 Nottingham Harmonic Choir will bring you the songs you both know and love, in a concert perfect for both old and young.
Ticket prices range between £8.50 and £15.50 depending on where your seats are. To find out more click here.
