12 Christmas Parties in Nottingham That Aren't Naff

When? Monday 17 December, 8.30pm
Where? The Lion, Basford
What? Love ‘em or hate ‘em, board games are a staple Christmas day activity and there’s none more classic than Backgammon. Grab yer closest mates and head to the Lion for an evening of sipping local brews and getting some solid practice in, ready for the family booze-fuelled board game battle that’s soon to commence.
How much? Free
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When? Tuesday 18 December, 7pm
Where? Nottingham Arts Theatre, George Street
What? Yeah, it’s the theatre but there won’t be a panto dame in sight. This lovely independent venue is putting on a festive display of songs, poems and sketches to get you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. It’s the theatre’s seventieth anniversary too, meaning there’s a prize draw for ticket holders with lots of swag up for grabs. If you’re lucky, Christmas might come early this week…
How much? £8 - £10
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When? Tuesday 18 December, 8pm
Where? Rough Trade
What? If you’ve been to drag bingo before, you’ll know this is a Christmas parteh you won’t want to miss, with the festive special promising prizes including chocolate coins, candy canes, cash from yer nan and stuff from santa’s sack. Brace yersens, it’s about to get tacky.
How much? Free
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When? Wednesday 19 December, 6.30pm
Where? Malt Cross
What? Perfect for any last minute larrys who haven’t sorted their crimbo cards yet. Avoid the cliché slogans and make your own at this evening workshop. They’ll provide everything you need to make paper cut cards and if you post ‘em quick, they might just make it to yer mates in time for the big day. Beer and snacks are available all night from the bar to get the creative juices flowing.
How much? £12
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When? Thursday 20 – Saturday 22 December, 6.30pm
Where? National Justice Museum
What? Christmas just got a little bit spookeh with this alternative festive celebration. Find out what ‘orrible character killed Charles Dickens while you tour the museum and interview the main suspects, featuring well known rogues Ebenezer Scrooge, Miss Havisham, Bill Sykes and Nanceh. A meal is provided and there are lots of cosy boozers located near by to provide some Dutch courage before and after the interrogation. 
How much? £33.99
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When? Thursday 20 December, 7pm
Where? Southbank City
What? The UK’s leading AC/DC tribute band will be performing live at Southbank City, which will no doubt bring your lot some untraditional festive vibes. The Lancashire based rockers perform hits from both the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson eras, and have built up quite a reputation for themsens as the best tribute band out there.
How much? £5 - £8
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When? Thursday 20 December, 2pm – 7pm
Where? Sneinton Market
What? Stalls, food and festive activities. What more could yer want? The charity is dead excited to rally the public together for an afternoon of Christmas cheer, and hopefully raise some money to help them continue to do their all important work. Get yoursen dahn there.
How much? Free
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When? Friday 21 December, 7pm
Where? Peggy’s Skylight
What? Local gypsy-swing band, Manière des Bohémiens, are taking over the newest jazz joint in town to provide the soundtrack to some full-on festive debauchery. Peggy’s is a cosy hideaway, making it the perfect destination for getting down to some Christmas bangers – this is a ticketed night though, so get involved quick to make sure you don’t miss out on the fun.
How much? £10
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When? Friday 21 December, 9pm
Where? Trade
What? Derby-based lads discotech are throwing more nights in Notts next year, and to celebrate they’re kicking things off with a ‘mad Friday’ party this festive season. Expect house, techno, disco and all things in-between for this electronic knees up of the highest calibre. One for the music heads.
How much? £4 - £7
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When? Friday 21 December, 7pm
Where? Rough Trade
What? Christmas is the season of giving and we’re sure this night will certainly provide. Proceeds from the Phlexx records festive bash will go towards the With Lee We Fight Campaign, helping local legend Lee White of The Elementz Studios. Dig deep and most importantly, get down to the sound of Mk-Tential, Soft Girls & Boys Club, The Afterdark Movement, and a Funk 'n' Soul afterparty set to boot. Mince pies are provided as standard.
How much? £3.30
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When? Saturday 22 December, 7pm
Where? Rough Trade
What? Don’t bring yer nan to this one – it’s already hosted by DirtyFilthySexy drag queen ‘Nana’ anyway. DJ BOZ has put together an evening of alternative entertainment, featuring neon techno-rockers Bone Cult, cyberpunk rapper Baby Tap and a whole host more to get hips well and truly swinging in the run up to Christmas. Expect the unexpected.
How much? £5
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When? Saturday 22 December, 7.30pm – 3am
Where? The Bodega
What? It’s the gig we’ve all been waiting for. Every year, local bands let their hair down and play some ill-considered but triumphant covers of their favourite Christmas songs at The Bodega. Expect the likes of I Am Lono, Shiftwork, Abii, Hellebore, and loads more, all raising money for Nottinghamshire Hospice and Zephyr’s Nottingham.
How much? £8.25
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For the full motherload of goings-on this week, check out our What's On section