Christmas

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Countdown toDONCASTER’S

FESTIVE GUIDE 2019

Experience Christmas

in Doncaster

ChristmasCountdown to

The Doncaster Countdown to Christmas kicks off the festive period in Doncaster. There’ll be plenty of Christmas themed activit ies and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

Come along to Doncaster town centre on the 16th November and soak up the festivit ies. Take the kids to see *Santa in his grot to in the Wool Market , and enjoy all the fun of the build up with funfair rides in the Market Square for all the family to enjoy, as well as fest ive street entertainment. Carol singers will add a special touch to your Christmas shopping experience while our bang-less fireworks will illuminate the sky. Watch the streets come alive as we light up the whole of the town centre in ways we have never done before and of course, it wouldn’t be a tradit ional Christmas day out without mulled wine (alcohol free) and hot chestnuts.

Santa will return to the Wool Market on the weekend of the 14th – 15th December and if he has t ime he may just pop in other odd days during the build up to Christmas too.

Market Square Saturday 16th November

Hello and welcome to the Countdown to Christmas in Doncaster.

This guide is packed full of information about our 2019 Christmas schedule. We have loads to tell you about from extended shopping hours, market opening t imes, car parking and of course our great fest ive events programme.

The line up includes everything from our free Santa’s grot to to an evening of fest ive fun and entertainment on the 16th November in the town centre to panto season and more!

There is also all the information you need about our Christmas advent which you do not want to miss! There are lots of goodies up for grabs. Read on for more.

Season’s greetings to you all from the team at Visit Doncaster!

Check out our website www.visitdoncaster.com

DARE YOU RIDE

THE FLYER?

* Booking required. Tickets will be available from 1st November 2019. ‘Story t ime with Santa’ is FREE to at tend but booking online is essential see www.visitdoncaster.com

Out and About

Illuminate Austerfield & Bawtry will help start a year of commemoration marking 400 years since the sailing of the Mayflower.

This year the festival’s theme is ‘Journeys by Sea’ and will feature a ginormous whale made of bamboo and recycled plastic. The parade will f inish at Bawtry Hall where there will be addit ional entertainment including Quirky Choir and Periplum.

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Mayflower Illuminate Festival - Austerfield & Bawtry, 17th November 4:15pm - 6pm

Experience a magical Christmas in the Frenchgate Centre. Grow and decorate a magical mini Christmas tree that you can take home and watch grow. All children will leave with an amazing gif t . Pre-booking required. Autism friendly quiet hour sessions available. Please check www.visitdoncaster.com for details.

Santa’s Woodland Workshop - Frenchgate Centre, Grotto opens 9th November at 10am

The DN Festival of Light is Right Up Our Street ’s winter fest ival that celebrates the diversity of our town by bringing dif ferent communit ies together in one space to engage in the arts and culture. Last year, Right Up Our Street brought Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon to Doncaster. This year, they are working with creative studio NOVAK art ist Ed Carter to transform the interior of Doncaster Minster into an immersive world of light and colour. DN Light Night , 22nd November, will mark the start of the festival with lots of light themed activit ies for all to enjoy.

DN Festival of Light - Doncaster Minster, 22nd - 27th November 5pm - 9pm

Doncaster’s Christmas market is a town centre favourite! It ’s perfect for those looking to celebrate the festive season and soak up the atmosphere. With a fantastic choice of sweets, treats and craft products, you’ll have lots of inspiration for gif t ideas. The regular food stalls are also well worth a visit , with plenty of fest ive grub to warm you up!

Doncaster Christmas Markets - Doncaster Market, 14th December - 10am - 8pm 15th December - 10am - 4pm

www.visitdoncaster.com

Every Thursday throughout December will be late night opening in Doncaster town centre. There will be lots to keep you entertained whilst you do your Christmas shopping including a whole range of pop up Christmas entertainment.

You are guaranteed a quality shopping experience this Christmas in Doncaster.

There is so much going on in Doncaster this Christmas, way more than we can fit into this booklet. But because we don’t want you missing out on anything, we have all the events on our website www.visitdoncaster.com (under the what ’s on section) and we will also remind you of the events on social media so do make sure you check them out to see the festive fun we have lined up for you.

We will leave you with a few highlights to whet your appetite…

Grab the winter woollies, your family and friends and revel in the most enchanting event of the year as the Brodsworth Hall and Garden’s popular Enchanted event returns, 5 - 22 December 2019.

Make the most of winter evenings this December with an enchanting experience of light , colour and sound as our grounds are transformed into an illuminated world. Step through tunnels and pathways of twinkling lights and marvel as the gardens burst to life in remarkable, unexpected ways. Follow the sweet trail past a giant gingerbread family and huge Quality Street. Uncover magical secrets hidden deep within our grounds, including dancing fairies and an extraordinary talking tree.

Then have a go on our fairground rides and games, enjoy warming mulled wine and tempting mince pies and browse for Christmas gif ts in our shop. Remember to book early to avoid missing out!

The Yorkshire Wildlife Park has 2 weekends of fest ive fun for you to look forward to, 7th -8th and 14th – 15th December. They’ll have a magical Christmas Fair with over sixty stalls and rides, a brilliant Santa’s Grot to and Breakfast with Santa.

Visit our website www.visitdoncaster.com for more information on the events featured in this booklet

Christmas at Yorkshire Wildlife Park - 7th - 15th December

Wrap up warm and soak in the festive mood at Cusworth Hall’s Christmas Craft & Gif t Market this Christmas. There will be plenty of stalls selling a lovely selection of crafts, gif ts and food. This is the perfect opportunity to get your hands on some unique presents for your loved ones. It is also a great day out for all the family.

Cusworth Hall Christmas Craft & Gift Market - 15th December 10am - 4pm

Enchanted Brodsworth – Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, 5th – 22nd December Sessions: 4.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.30pm & 7.30pm

A 1 mile charity wheel, walk, jog, run event around the beautiful Sandall Park. Each entry includes a full Santa suit for adult entry or antlers for the juniors and of course free mince pies at the end!

For t ickets and more information visit www.visitdoncaster.com

Santa Dash - Sandall Park, 7th December - 11am

Monday Tuesday Wednesdaywww.visitdoncaster.com

It ’s t ime to have a ball as Cinderella returns to Cast theatre this November. This family favourite is packed with comedy, dazzling moments, a pantomime horse, lost shoes, ludicrous fun and a pair of truly Ugly Sisters.

Cinderella - Cast Theatre, 29th November - 31st December

Visit Santa in his grot to at Walkers nursery this Christmas followed by a tasty breakfast or supper served in the Pot t ing Shed. To book call 01302 770564.

The Doncaster Lit t le Theatre presents its annual family classic, Sleeping Beauty. Can they save Princess Aurora? This magical, family friendly, performance will keep you all thoroughly entertained.

Sleeping Beauty - Doncaster Little Theatre, 14th - 31st December

Get your t ickets to see this fun filled pantomime in the new year. Lots of fun and frolics on the way so come along and boo, hiss, sing and dance yourselves to a happy ever after finale.

Cinderella, A SCAR Production - Doncaster Little Theatre, 3rd - 8th January

Boston Park Farm will once again be hosting their annual Charity Christmas Fayre. There will be plenty of stalls selling Christmas crafts, gif ts, books, jewellery and more – all to raise funds for the charity - Prostate Cancer UK

Check out local hotels for Christmas entertainment and for last minute Christmas party bookings and overnight stays. For full event details visit:www.visitdoncaster.com

This year for the Countdown to Christmas, we are bringing you a fun social media advent calendar Visit Doncaster style! We’ve got a variety of daily offers, activit ies and freebies for you to enjoy in the run up to Christmas. Each day in December all you have to do is check out our Instagram or Facebook feed to see what lies behind that day’s advent door and leave a comment answering our Christmas question of the day. If you comment on all 24 posts, you will be entered into a prize draw to win a BIG prize!

Keep your eyes peeled for the first advent post on the 1st December over on the @VisitDoncaster Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Doncaster’s Social Media Advent Calendar - 1st to 24th December

PANTO TIME! Santa’s Grotto - Walkers Nurseries,

13th & 20th December and 23rd & 24th December

Christmas Fayre - Doncaster Mansion House, 22 November 10:30am - 2pm

Join the Mansion House for their annual Christmas Market in their stunning venue and help raise money for Firefly. All stallholders are local small business owners who look forward to offering you some wonderful gif t ideas and all things Christmas. Refreshments will be available on the day.

Christmas Fayre - Boston Park Farm, 17th November 10am - 4pm

WIN A PRIZE!

This magical family musical is full of unforget table songs including Go, Go, Go Joseph, Any Dream Will Do, Jacob and Sons, Close Every Door To Me and many more. Tickets won’t be around for long!

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - The Dome, 18th December - 4th January

Panto season is upon us in Doncaster this festive season.

Dear Santa...

A Magical Market Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the experience of shopping in one of the finest markets in the north of England. Doncaster Market is a real asset to the town and is home to the Corn Exchange, International Food Hall, Fish Market and a vast outdoor market. So whether you’re looking for fresh, locally sourced ingredients for your Christmas dinner or you’re on the hunt for unique gifts, Doncaster market has it all!

The new and improved Wool Market is a fabulous addition to Doncaster Market. There are some quirky stalls where you can get some great gift inspiration. You can also stop by for a festive drink and a spot of lunch while you’re there!

Don’t forget all the other independent stores in and around the town centre. Buying local has so many benefits including the fact that you are investing in your local economy.

www.visitdoncaster.com

Christmas shopping?

www.visitdoncaster.com

Christmas Eve: 9.00 - 4.00 Christmas Day: ClosedBoxing Day: Closed27th December: 9.00 - 4.0028th December: 9.00 - 4.3029th December: Closed30th December: 9.00 - 4.00New Year’s Eve: 9.00 - 4.00New Year’s Day: Closed2nd January: Normal opening hours resume

Doncaster Market Christmas Opening Hours:

Doncaster Wool Market Christmas Opening Times

Christmas Eve: 9.00 –3.00Christmas Day: ClosedBoxing Day: Closed27th December: 9.00 – 9.0028th December: 9.00 – 9.0029th December: 10.00 – 4.0030th December: ClosedNew Year’s Eve: 9.00 – 5.00New Year’s Day: Closed2nd January: Normal opening hours resume

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Why inconvenience yourself by doing your Christmas shopping in another town or city when you can shop locally in Doncaster, reduce your carbon footprint and experience a tradit ional Christmas shopping experience with mulled wine, carol singers, the works!

If you’re looking for all the latest fashion trends this Christmas, the Frenchgate Shopping Centre is a great place to start , with over 120 shops including department stores, high street names and independent boutiques, you really are spoilt for choice. There are also plenty of other national and independent fashion stores outside of the Frenchgate Centre in the surrounding areas so make sure to have a good look around.

If you want an alternative shopping experience then don’t forget Lakeside Village located a couple of miles outside the town centre where you can find a wide range of retailers ranging from the Cadbury shop to Next Outlet and everything else in between. This is a great place to find some Christmas gif ts at outlet prices too.

Don’t forget the Tourist Information Centre on the corner of Priory Place and the High Street. There’s a shop full of cute and quirky gif t ideas wait ing to be discovered by you. Each year they stock a range of Doncaster Christmas cards and calendars as well as a range of locally made jewellery, ornaments and more. New for this year, we will be selling Christmas hampers packed full of quality local produce as well as offering a gif t wrapping service too! Be sure to pop in for a good look around.

Visit our website www.visitdoncaster.com and under our retail section, you will f ind the full range of shopping opportunit ies available to you in Doncaster.

DONC

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LibrariesDoncaster staffed libraries will be closing at 3pm on Tuesday 24th December and will reopen Thursday 2nd January 2020. Community libraries t imes do vary so please check library.doncaster.gov.uk for all the details.

Doncaster Christmas Car Parking 2019Free Afternoon Parking from Monday 2nd December to Friday 3rd January 2020, parking will be free to visitors from 2pm for the rest of the day at the popular Markets Car Park, St Georges Car Park and Colonnades underground car park. Parking is free at Chappell Drive Car Park every Saturday in December.

Doncaster Council 01302 736000 - the usual Customer Contact number. There is a recorded message for people to listen to. In the event of an urgent issue there is the option to be put through to the 24/7 team who staff the phones.

Emergency Contact

Waste and Recycling

Usual collection day Collections will take place

Tuesday 24 December Monday 23 December

Wednesday 25 December Tuesday 24 December

Thursday 26 December Friday 27 December

Friday 27 December Saturday 28 December

Tuesday 31 December Monday 30 December

Wednesday 1 January Tuesday 31 December

Thursday 2 January Thursday 2 January

Friday 3 January Friday 3 January

There will be no collections on Wednesday 25 December, Thursday 26 December or Wednesday 1 January 2020. Please refer to the following table and put your bin / box out accordingly.

This is a busy period so please ensure that your bins and box are put out for collection by 7am on the correct day. Please refer to your collection calendar to check which week your black bin and blue bin/green box collection is on. You can also find out your collection information online at www.doncaster.gov.uk/recycling or use the online self-service to report any issues.

Find out how you can dispose of your waste and recycling using our six Household Waste Recycling Centres at www.doncaster.gov.uk/hwrc

All six sites will be open every day between 24th December and 6th January except for 25th and 26th December and 1st January when all sites are closed.

Useful Information

lakeside-village.co.uk

Santa's Workshop Opens 30 November

11am - 4pm

Up to 60% off every day

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2019

Come along to Mexborough High Street and experience a fun festive evening out for all the family. Enjoy festive stalls, live festive music, children’s rides, Christmas themed freebies,

meet Santa’s reindeer, see the Christmas lights being switched on and of course see Santa in his grotto.

Thursday 5th December4pm – 7pm

BOOK NOW Search: Enchanted Brodsworth Hall

Brodsworth, South Yorkshire

The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.

BRODSWORTH HALLE N C H A N T E D

Every Thu – Sun, 5 – 22 December 4.30pm – 9pmDiscover a magical illuminated garden trail with your friends and family this winter.

6038 Brodsworth 148mmx210mm PORT AD.indd 1 18/10/2019 11:50