A huge range of festive events are set to take place across Oakham and Rutland this Christmas and New Year, including markets, raffles, parties and more involving local businesses and charities.

Read on to find out about the Christmas events happening across the county throughout December, or head to our What's On page to view the full list of local events taking place as we head towards the New Year - or hit the 'Nub It' button to share your own!

Christmas Quiz and Carols

Join a Christmas quiz and carol singing at The Plough in Greetham on 21 December. 

On Thursday 21, the Greetham Carol Singers will be joining the team at The Plough for some festive tunes ahead of the weekly pub quiz - which this week is set to have a festive twist!

Join the team early for a plate of food and a drink. Kids - big and small - and dogs are welcome. 

Singing starts at 7:30pm, and the quiz will start after.

Join the fun at 23 Main Street, Greetham, Rutland, this December. Image credit: The Plough.

Christmas Crafts and Stories at Rutland Library

Join the Rutland Library team from 10:30am until 11:30am on 22 December for some festive fun at Oakham Library! 

Take part in festive crafts and a story session for children aged 4 - 11. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking is essential, so please sign up at Oakham Library or call the team on 01572 722918.

Enjoy festive family crafts at Rutland Library this December. Image credit: Rutland Library.

Visit from Santa

Santa was so impressed with all of the children that came to visit him last Christmas at Rutland Garden Village that he will be back on 22 and 23 December 2023!

Santa will be welcoming children at Rudolf's Bestest Brunch this Christmas. The slots are for 1 hour but this includes your brunch, a story with Mrs Claus and a gift.

To book or for more information please call the garden centre on 01572 723583 or email Amanda (Santa's not so little elf) at [email protected].

Join Santa at Rutland Garden Village this December. Image credit: Rutland Garden Village.

Christmas Party at The Old Buttercross

Join the team at The Old Buttercross for their ever-popular party night on 22 December, starting at 7pm.

Enjoy fizz on arrival, a three course meal, and an evening of music and dancing with Funked Up. 

Whether you're looking for a table for two or 50, this night offers the party for you!

Call 01572 842071 to book.

Celebrate with Funked Up and The Old Buttercross in Oakham. Image credit: Funked Up / Old Buttercross.

Aladdin

Stamford Pantomime Players are bringing Aladdin to the stage just down the road from Oakham, in Stamford this December.

This is a great adventure where Aladdin, a poor laundry boy, falls in love with the Emperor's daughter Jasmine, but to gain her hand in marriage he must have wealth. Abanazar, the evil sorcerer gains the trust of Widow Twankey, Aladdin's mother, and pretends to be his long-lost relative.

Abanazar offers Aladdin all the treasure he can find if he will help him seek out the magic cave, and all they want in return is an old lamp! But once inside the cave, Aladdin can't find the lamp and in anger Abanazer locks him in, but with the help from the 'Slave of the Ring' Aladdin awakes The Genie of the Lamp who offers him all the jewels in the cave, which is all he needs to marry Jasmine, together they head home to get his bride.

But there is a twist, Abanazer tricks the Emperor into handing over the lamp and then kidnaps the Emperor and Jasmine and tells her she has to marry him, which of course, she doesn't want to do. Can Aladdin save the day and find true love?

Find out from 22 December until 1 January at Stamford Corn Exchange, with a range of matinee and evening performances scheduled.

Head down the road to Stamford to enjoy a seasonal panto. Image credit: Nub News.

Christmas Eve-Eve Celebrations at The Plough

Join the fun on 23 December for live music with local performer Ruby Dee at The Plough. 

The team will be celebrating Christmas Eve-Eve with live music from 8pm.

Entry is free and you can join the team early for food and drinks. 

Call 01572813613 to book. 

Fancy a festive party at The Plough this Christmas? Image credit: The Plough.

Christmas Eve Breakfast with Santa

Join the team for a magical morning at the Blue Cow Inn as they celebrate Christmas Eve with a special Breakfast with Santa event on 24 December.

Indulge in a scrumptious breakfast spread featuring a variety of delicious options, from sizzling bacon to fluffy scrambled eggs. And the best part? Santa himself will be making a special appearance, spreading joy and cheer to all the little ones! 

Children cost £7.50, and adults cost £9.50, plus all children who meet Santa will receive a free gift.

Booking is essential, so secure your spot by calling the team on 01572 767887.

Squeeze in some final festive celebrations before the big day at The Blue Cow. Image credit: The Blue Cow.

NYE Ball at Rutland Hall Hotel

The Glitz & Glam Ball promises to be a night to remember at Rutland Hall Hotel this New Year!

Filled with fun, delicious food, and all the sparkle you could ask for, join the team on 31 December to see in 2024 in style.

This is an 18+ event for dancing and indulgence to welcome in the new year.

Celebrate NYE in style at a luxury Rutland hotel. Image credit: Rutland Hall Hotel.

New Year's Day Carvery

The team are also hosting a carver on New Year's Day.

The New Year's Day Carvery will take place on 1 January and costs £49pp.

New Year's Day should be filled with relaxation and good food, so the hotel's 3-course carvery offers plenty of options, all freshly prepared using local produce where possible.

Feast your way into the New Year with Rutland Hall Hotel. Image credit: Rutland Hall Hotel.

Have we missed any Christmas events or fundraisers? Let us know by emailing [email protected] or sharing your own event for FREE by clicking the 'Nub It' button.

Alternatively, check out our What's On page for more local events going on across the county.

Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!