Welcome to your very own Festive City

From Penguin Parades to a Frost Festival – to the Doncaster Festival of Light, Christmas decorations and the annual panto – there is plenty to welcome locals and tourists alike to our city.

As an added bonus, Doncaster’s free parking initiative is back again this year! From Friday 1st December until Friday 5th January, visitors will be able to park for free in council car parks after 2pm at the popular Markets Car Park, St Georges Car Park and Colonnades underground car park and park for free all day on a Saturday in December at the Chappell Drive car park.

City of Doncaster Council’s Visit Doncaster team have put together a handy webpage with all the festivities, activities and events for residents to plan their diary around – visit the webpage here Festive City in Doncaster (visitdoncaster.com)

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As well as all the festivities and events, the city centre will also offer a variety of experiences to enjoy this season, from theatre experiences, culture and leisure time as well as a huge choice of bars and restaurants to meet up with friends and family – and to plan that all important Christmas party!

Residents and visitors will be presented with an eclectic mix of activities this season to warm and lift Christmas spirits, including a packed line up of shows and the annual panto at CAST theatre, Doncaster Festival of Light, live music at the Wool Market as well as a visit to the Mansion House from Santa himself!

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “Shopping local and supporting our High Streets will make an incredible impact to both the local economy and most importantly, to our local businesses this festive season. Seeing a thriving, packed, festive city is my vision for the upcoming holidays and I hope that all the events on offer, combined with the local shopping experience will encourage our “Shop Local” message this Christmas season.

“To further support this vision, I am delighted to announce that we are offering free parking periods across many of our local council-owned car parks.

“I am hope to see as many people as possible enjoying the local festivities this December and I hope everybody enjoys themselves safely and responsibly!”

Don’t forget - the City Centre is also perfect for that day of shopping with a vast array of independent stores for visitors to explore, as well as a huge range of bars and restaurants to end the day. Can’t think of a good gift for your loved ones? How about supporting local and buying a gift voucher for a local restaurant or leisure outlet this season? How about celebrating with our local businesses on Small Business Saturday?

Haydar Dirik, Owner of the GRiND bar and restaurant said: “The Christmas season is a crucial time for businesses, particularly restaurants as it brings increased customer traffic and is a time where we eagerly anticipate the heightened activity and support from the local community. Supporting local businesses during this season is essential because it fosters community bonds and contributes to the local economies well-being also.

“We eagerly await the Christmas season as it’s not just about revenue but about being part of cherished memories and traditions. It’s a time where families and friends come together, and we’re honoured to be a part of these special moments. We are waiting to feel the warmth of community and the joy of giving.”

Festive planning

So you can start planning your Christmas activities in advance – here is a handy list of activities and dates for your diary:

• Penguin Parade – 24^th November – 29^th January
• Small Business Saturday – 2^nd December
• Beauty and the Beast – panto performance at Cast 30^th November – 31^st December
• Doncaster Festival of Light – 24^th November – 3^rd December
• Frost Festival – from December 2^nd.
• Visit from Santa Claus to Mansion House – 7^th December
• Aladdin – panto performance at Doncaster Little Theatre – 9^th – 31^st December
• Carol Singing in Sir Nigel Gresley Square – 21^st December

To get a full insight into everything that is happening this festive season – explore Visit Doncaster’s handy page of info, tips and tricks here – Festive City in Doncaster (visitdoncaster.com)

Free parking availability will be available at the following times and locations (on and following 1^st December, lasting until 5^th January):

• Colonnades – free parking after 2pm everyday
• St Georges – free parking after 2pm everyday
• Markets car park – free parking after 2pm everday
• Chappell Drive – Free parking all day (Saturdays only)