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Scene and Herd
EVENT OF THE WEEK w/c 15th December 2025
Alder is hosting the fourth annual half-traditional Christmas celebration on December 18th at 7 pm, led by the notoriously talented Hearne family and featuring the impressive vocals of Seb Stone. The event was previously held at the beloved Dorothy Pax venue, now sadly closed, but its festive spirit will continue at this year’s celebration at one of our favourite cosy venues.
The evening will feature a loosely traditional mummers play - a form of folk theatre dating back to the Middle Ages. Traditionally performed by a troupe of amateur actors, these plays often involve comedic combat, with the loser revived by a doctor character, and were historically staged in pubs and community spaces across Britain. Alongside the mummers performance, guests can enjoy festive carols and seasonal songs.
All donations from the event will go towards prostate cancer research, giving attendees the chance to celebrate the holidays while supporting a worthy cause. The evening promises music, merriment, and goodwill, offering a festive night where guests can sing along, raise a glass, and soak up the holiday cheer.
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Herd the Word
EVENT OF THE WEEK w/c 15th December 2025
Get ready to wrap up 2025 with an evening dedicated to the city’s vibrant writing community at The Writers Workshop End of Year Celebration. This free literary event brings together word-lovers, creators, and storytellers to reflect on a year of creative accomplishment and look ahead to what’s next.
The heart of the celebration is a bumper open-mic session and everyone is invited to take part. If you’ve written something you’re proud of over the past year, you can share an excerpt of your favourite piece from 2025 with a live audience. For those who want to read, there are dedicated open-mic tickets available, with each slot lasting around three minutes. Spots are limited, so signing up early or joining the reserve list is recommended.
Beyond the readings, the night will offer a peek at what’s in store for 2026, with organisers announcing upcoming activities and plans for the Writers Workshop community. Whether you’re a published author, an emerging voice, or someone simply curious about the craft of writing, it’s a great chance to connect with fellow writers, celebrate progress, and get inspired for the year ahead.
Attendance is free, though donations are welcome and help support the Workshop’s mission to expand access to creative writing opportunities across Sheffield.
DECEMBER 2025
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Your guide to the month ahead.
Check out our weekly event recommendations every Monday.
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Light Up Sheffield
On the 5th–14th December, Sheffield transforms into a winter wonderland with Light Up Sheffield, where the Cathedral, Central Library, and Pounds Park glow with vibrant projections celebrating the city’s creativity and character.
At Pounds Park, Peachzz’s striking mural of wildlife and waterways comes alive through animated light, while inside Sheffield Cathedral, the Glowy Quest Trail (running 5th–13th December) invites visitors to explore the building’s arches and aisles. The trail features a festive mural by Pete McKee, blending his signature nostalgic Sheffield scenes with playful holiday elements, alongside a display of over 40 Christmas trees decorated by local charities.
Together, the outdoor projections and indoor trail create a magical, immersive experience that’s part art walk, part festive adventure, and entirely Sheffield.
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NVM Festive Social
Get into the holiday spirit at the National Videogame Museum’s Festive Social on Thursday 11 December 2025. The evening combines festive fun with gaming nostalgia, featuring a videogame-themed bauble workshop, LEGO pixel-art Christmas cards, and a small makers market selling handmade gifts.
Visitors can also take on the “Super Snowball Fight Party” high-score challenge and enjoy full access to the museum’s playable gallery, from retro arcades to modern indie hits. It’s a perfect mix of crafting, gaming, and holiday cheer for families, friends, or anyone looking for a playful twist on festive celebrations.
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Festive Forties Weekend
Step back into the 1940s this December at the Festive Forties: 1940s Christmas Weekend at the National Emergency Services Museum. On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December, the museum comes alive with wartime charm, as costumed characters and living-history interpreters recreate life on both the frontlines and the home front. Visitors can explore vintage equipment, interact with characters, and experience the sights and sounds of Sheffield during the war.
The weekend is packed with festive cheer, including live 1940s music and dance, storytelling, craft activities, and even a retro-style Father Christmas. Families can enjoy interactive displays, themed games, vintage magic shows, and seasonal food and drink, all set against the atmospheric backdrop of the historic museum. It’s a unique opportunity to celebrate Christmas with a nostalgic twist, blending history, fun, and festive spirit.
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Indie Christmas Shopping
Step off the beaten track this December and explore Sheffield’s brilliant indie makers, artists and creators to buy unique presents for all the family, while supporting local.
A couple of our picks are:
Artists from All Good Stuff will have their items available to buy from Butcher Works (which will be open daily 11am-4pm until Christmas eve and at the Winter Gardens pop up shop until 14th December) for a uniquely creative gift.
The Festive Indie Market at The Steamworks on Sunday 14th December. Bursting with local creativity, the market offers handmade gifts, unique crafts, festive wreaths, baubles, and artisan treats — perfect for anyone looking for something beyond the usual high-street fare.
Visitors can also try their hand at bauble-painting, wreath-making workshops, and enjoy live music while browsing a carefully curated selection of independent makers.
Of course we also have the world famous city centre Christmas market to explore too. Keep supporting our smaller businesses this Christmas!