Last Updated: January 2025 | 7 min read
We've all been there: It's mid-December, Christmas is approaching fast, and every restaurant you call is fully booked. Your family is visiting, your original dinner plans fell through, or you simply forgot to book ahead. The stress mounts as you realize finding a table for 6-8 people during Christmas week seems impossible.
Christmas is the busiest time for restaurants in Nottingham. By mid-November, the best tables at popular venues are already reserved. Walk-ins during Christmas week? Nearly impossible at most places. Large tables for families or groups? Even harder to find.
But don't panic! We've identified 4 venues in Nottingham that can save your Christmas dining plans with walk-in availability, big table options, and festive atmospheres perfect for last-minute celebrations.
Several factors make Christmas restaurant bookings challenging:
1. Peak Demand:
- Everyone has the same idea (eat out for Christmas!)
- Office parties, family gatherings, and friend reunions all happening simultaneously
- December 20-26 is the busiest week of the year
2. Reduced Capacity:
- Many restaurants close or reduce hours
- Staff take time off for holidays
- Limited seating turnover (Christmas meals are leisurely)
3. Large Groups:
- Families and groups need big tables (6-12 people)
- Big tables are limited in most restaurants
- Groups book early, locking up large table inventory
4. Special Menus:
- Fixed Christmas menus require pre-ordering
- Deposits required weeks in advance
- Less flexibility for walk-ins
The Solution:
Choose venues that either:
- Welcome walk-ins (free entry, pay-per-service model)
- Have high capacity (can accommodate groups even during busy times)
- Accept flexible bookings (non-traditional dining that allows last-minute plans)
- Offer takeaway options (if dine-in is fully booked)
📍 Location: Nottingham City Old Market Square
📅 Dates: November 12, 2024 - December 31, 2024 (Returns November 12, 2025)
💷 Entry: FREE (pay for individual experiences)
⭐ Best For: Festive atmosphere, multiple dining options, walk-in guarantee
Why Winter Wonderland Saves Christmas:
FREE WALK-IN ENTRY:
Unlike restaurants that require bookings, Winter Wonderland entry is completely free. You can walk in anytime and explore multiple dining options on-site. This flexibility is perfect for last-minute plans!
But here's the strategy:
- General entry is free (walk in anytime)
- Specific attractions and dining require separate tickets
- Walk-up tickets sold on-site, BUT availability not guaranteed for peak times
- Best approach: Book specific dining tables in advance, but if fully booked, walk-up for general entry and explore available options
Multiple Dining Options:
Sur La Piste (Alpine Chalet Bar):
- Table for 4: from £100
- Table for 6: from £150
- Table for 8: from £200
- Minimum spend: £60
- Heated alpine chalet atmosphere
- Perfect for groups celebrating Christmas
Rink-Side Dining:
- From £40 per person
- Heated covered tables overlooking ice rink
- Includes Prosecco on arrival
- Festive sharing platters
- Romantic and festive ambiance
Altitude Bar:
- All-glass chalet bar
- Festive parties and drinks
- **Minimum spend from £120
- Great views of Winter Wonderland
Christmas Strategy for Winter Wonderland:
Plan A (Best): Book tables at Sur La Piste or Rink-Side in advance
Plan B (Backup): Walk in for free entry, grab drinks and snacks from various stands, enjoy ice skating and festive atmosphere
Plan C (Last Resort): Order takeaway from nearby restaurants, bring to outdoor seating areas (check Winter Wonderland policies)
Why It Works for Last-Minute:
- Free entry means you can always get IN
- Multiple dining options increase chances of finding space
- Festive Christmas atmosphere guaranteed
- Ice skating and markets provide entertainment beyond just dining
- Perfect for families with kids (activities + food)
📞 Contact: https://nottinghamwinterwonderland.co.uk/
📍 Location: 100-102 Upper Parliament St, Nottingham, NG1 6LF
📞 Phone: 0115 958 8880 / 01157842622
⭐ Google Rating: 4.8/5 (
💷 Price Range:10-20 ££ (Mid-range, excellent value)
🕰️ Hours: Mon-Thurs 12pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm; Sun 12pm-10pm
Why WonderPho Works for Last-Minute Christmas:
Book a Table Today!" Philosophy:
WonderPho actively encourages reservations but also welcomes walk-ins. As a Vietnamese restaurant, they're accustomed to accommodating groups and flexible dining.
Big Table Capacity:
Vietnamese restaurants typically design their layouts for family-style dining and large groups. WonderPho can accommodate groups for Christmas celebrations.
Non-Traditional Christmas Option:
Here's the secret: Most people don't think "Vietnamese food" for Christmas. This means:
- Less competition for tables during Christmas week
- Higher chance of availability when Western restaurants are fully booked
- Unique, memorable Christmas dining experience
Perfect for:
- Families who want something different
- Mixed groups (authentic pho appeals to everyone!)
- Budget-conscious celebrations (£12-18 per person vs. £40-60 at traditional Christmas venues)
- Quick, satisfying meals without long waits
Christmas Menu at WonderPho:
Traditional Pho (£11.50-13.50)
- 24-hour simmered beef bone broth
- Warming, comforting – perfect for cold Christmas days
- Authentic Vietnamese comfort food
Bun Hue (£12.50)
- Spicy Vietnamese noodle soup
- Regional specialty
- Hearty and satisfying
Mixed Meat Pho(£13.50)
- Slow braised brisket beef and various cuts
- Generous portions
- Best value for money
Vietnamese Spring Rolls(£6.50)
- Perfect starter for groups (order multiple plates to share)
- Fresh and crispy options
Why Vietnamese Food is Great for Christmas:
1. Accommodates Everyone:
- Gluten-free options (rice noodles)
- Vegetarian options (vegetable pho, tofu)
- Meat lovers (beef, chicken, pork options)
- Kids enjoy noodles and spring rolls
2. Quick Service:
- Dishes ready in 15-20 minutes
- No long waits during busy Christmas week
- Can accommodate large groups efficiently
3. Lighter Than Traditional Christmas Food:
- Won't leave you feeling stuffed and sluggish
- Fresh herbs and vegetables
- Broth-based soups are nourishing not heavy
4. Affordable:
- £50-70 for family of 4 (vs. £150-200 at traditional Christmas venues)
- More money for Christmas presents!
How to Book Last-Minute:
📞 **Call:** 0115 958 8880
- Explain you need a large table for Christmas
- Be flexible on time (lunch or early dinner easier)
- Ask about walk-in availability if fully booked
Backup Plan:
WonderPho offers takeaway! If dine-in is fully booked, order takeaway and enjoy authentic Vietnamese pho at home for Christmas.
📍 Location: 57-59 Friar Lane, Nottingham, NG1 6DH
📞 Phone: 0115 958 6868
📧 Email: viet80s.vn@gmail.com
⭐ Google Rating: 4.8/5
💷 Price Range: 15-25££ (Excellent value, £12-18 per person)
🕰️ Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30-22:30 (Open throughout Christmas period typically)
All of the food was BURSTING with flavour!! For starters we shared the prawn summer rolls, which were refreshing and crunchy. The beef with lime paste and leaves to wrap the meat . The paste was salty and sour, it elevated the whole dish. We then all had a different pho suited to our preference and spice tolerance (helped and guilded but our server).
Read Viet80s ReviewWhy Viet80s is Your Christmas Dining Backup Plan:
Reserve Your Table NOW" But Walk-Ins Welcome:
Viet80s strikes the perfect balance – they encourage reservations but have a welcoming attitude toward walk-ins. During Christmas week when everywhere else is fully booked, Viet80s often has availability.
Group-Friendly:
Viet80s explicitly accommodates groups (up to 35++ ppl). Their layout and service style are designed for family gatherings and group celebrations.
The Anti-Traditional Christmas Advantage:
Similar to WonderPho, Viet80s benefits from being a non-traditional Christmas venue:
- Less competition during Christmas week
- Vietnamese families don't typically book here for Christmas (more availability for British families!)
- Unique Christmas dining story ("Remember when we had pho for Christmas?")
Christmas Menu at Viet80s:
Pho Bo (Beef Pho) (£15.50)
- 24-hour simmered bone broth
- The most comforting dish for winter
- Warm, nourishing, perfect for Christmas
Bun Thit Nuong (£15.50)
- Hanoi-style grilled pork with vermicelli
- Interactive, fun dining (everyone customizes their bowl)
- Great for families
Cha Nem Spring Rolls (£9.50)
- Crispy, golden, perfect starter
- Kids love these!
- Order multiple plates for large groups
Vietnamese Coffee (£6.50)
- Strong, sweet, unique
- The perfect ending to your Christmas meal
Why Choose Viet80s for Christmas:
1. Central Location:
- 57-59 Friar Lane, right in city center, next to Nottingham Castle
- 2 minutes from Old Market Square
- Easy for everyone to find
2. Authentic Vietnamese Culture:
- Cozy, traditional atmosphere
- Makes Christmas memorable and different
- Great conversation starter
3. Casual & Relaxed:
- No stuffy dress code
- Kids welcome
- Relaxed service style perfect for families
4. Quick Service:
- Most dishes ready in 10-15 minutes
- Even during busy times, Vietnamese kitchens are efficient
- Won't keep hungry kids waiting!
5. Affordable for Large Groups:
- £12-15 per main dish
- Family of 6: £80-100 total (vs. £250-350 at traditional venues)
- No forced Christmas menu (order à la carte)
6. Open Throughout Christmas:
- Check specific Christmas Day hours
- Boxing Day typically open
- Christmas week fully operational
Last-Minute Booking Strategy for Viet80s:
STEP 1: Call Ahead
📞 0115 958 6868
- "We have a group of [X] people for Christmas [date/time]"
- Be specific about time and group size
- Ask if walk-ins accepted if booking not available
STEP 2: Be Flexible
- Lunch instead of dinner? (often more availability)
- Early dinner (5-6 PM) or late dinner (8-9 PM)?
- Weekday vs. weekend (Christmas Eve vs. Christmas Day)?
STEP 3: Mention Special Occasion
- It's our family Christmas gathering
- Restaurants often try to accommodate special occasions
- May have cancellations they can offer you
STEP 4: Backup Plan - Takeaway
- If absolutely no dine-in space available
- Viet80s offers takeaway (ready in 15 minutes)
- Bring authentic Vietnamese Christmas dinner home!
Special Christmas Request:
When booking, mention this article: **"I read about Viet80s for Christmas dining"**
You may receive:
- ✅ Priority consideration for group bookings
- ✅ Recommendations for best dishes for large groups
- ✅ Assistance with menu planning for mixed age groups
Save Your Christmas – Book Viet80s Today!
Book a tableDon't let a late booking ruin your Christmas celebration. Viet80s welcomes groups and offers authentic Vietnamese comfort food perfect for the holidays.
Viet80s Team