What's On in Spalding This Christmas? Events at The Sessions House

If you are wondering what's on in Spalding this Christmas, the answer is a full winter programme at The Sessions House on Sheep Market: Santa's Grotto and the Festive Rink for families, The Traitor Elf game nights, a Christmas joiner party, a festive jazz evening and a New Year's Eve casino and silent disco. Every event has its own ticket page, and the full list is always on our What's On page.

The Sessions House, Spalding, Lincolnshire is a Grade II listed former Victorian courthouse, built in 1843, and an exclusive-use wedding and events venue. Between late November and New Year's Eve it runs Santa's Grotto on 19 dates, the Festive Rink on 13 days, six sittings of The Traitor Elf and a New Year's Eve party for up to 100 guests.

What's on in Spalding this Christmas?

Here is the programme at The Sessions House from November to New Year's Eve. Tap any event to see times and book tickets.

• Latin Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba Dance Party: Friday 20 November, hosted by Just Dance, with a dance class before the party.

• Guns N' Yorkshire Roses: Saturday 21 November, a tribute night to the classic era of Guns N' Roses.

• Meet Santa by the Fire: Santa's Grotto from Saturday 28 November to Wednesday 23 December.

• The Festive Rink: weekends from 28 November, then every day from 18 to 24 December.

• The Traitor Elf: a Christmas game of trust and betrayal on 4, 8, 9, 12, 16 and 17 December.

• The Christmas Joiner Party: Friday 11 December, for small teams and groups of friends.

• A Festive Jazz Evening with The Stamford Stompers: Friday 18 December.

• New Year's Eve Casino and Silent Disco Party: Thursday 31 December.

Our 80s and 90s Night on Saturday 28 November has already sold out, so if a date matters to you, book early.

What is there to do in Spalding on a Friday or Saturday night?

For a night out with friends, a partner or the team from work, the weekend evenings are where the programme is busiest. Each one takes place inside the old courthouse rather than a function room, which is a large part of the appeal.

• Dance: the Latin dance party on Friday 20 November opens its doors at 8pm, starts with a class at 8.30pm and runs as a party from 9.30pm until midnight. Beginners and experienced dancers are both welcome.

• Live music: Guns N' Yorkshire Roses bring their rock tribute on Saturday 21 November from 7.30pm, and the full five-piece Stamford Stompers play on Friday 18 December for traditional jazz with a few Christmas favourites. The jazz evening welcomes under-18s.

• A game night: The Traitor Elf gives every player a secret role. Faithful Elves work through three festive missions while the Traitor Elves try to sabotage them, and the group votes to banish a suspect after each round. Props and costumes are included, and each sitting is for up to 16 players.

• A Christmas party without the planning: the joiner party on Friday 11 December seats guests at tables of 10 with a DJ and disco, for up to 80 guests. Book a whole table or individual places and you will be seated with other groups.

What can families do in Spalding at Christmas?

Two events are built for families, and they can be combined in one visit.

Meet Santa by the Fire is our Santa's Grotto. Children meet Santa by the fire and each child receives a gift to take home. Only children receiving a gift need a ticket: the parents, grandparents and guardians who come with them do not. There is a North Pole mailbox for letters, and one of Santa's elves takes photos, which are sent to you as a digital link.

The Festive Rink is an eco-friendly synthetic rink right outside the front of The Sessions House, so there is no real ice. Each session lasts 45 minutes, skates are provided, and the rink takes up to 180 skaters a day. Wrap up warm, arrive five minutes before your session, and remember that children under 18 must be supervised by an adult.

Where can I celebrate New Year's Eve in Spalding?

The New Year's Eve Casino and Silent Disco Party at The Sessions House starts at 7.30pm on Thursday 31 December, for up to 100 guests. The evening runs in three parts:

• 7.30pm to 9.30pm: casino games.

• 9.30pm to 11.30pm: the silent disco.

• Midnight: the countdown with a live DJ, followed by bacon sandwiches at 12.30am.

Canapés are served during the evening and the bar is open throughout. Please bring valid ID with your booking.

If you are planning ahead for the new year, The Treacherous runs on Friday 22 January and Friday 12 February 2027. You are summoned to the Judge's Chambers for a private interview, given a secret role and a hooded cloak, and play for around three hours across the Courtroom and the Magistrates' Room.

Can I hire The Sessions House for a private Christmas party?

Yes. The Sessions House is an exclusive-use venue, so a private booking hires the whole building rather than a corner of it. The Courtroom seats up to 100 guests and holds up to 180 for an evening party, and the Emerald Room has its own staffed bar. You can see each room on our Our Spaces page, and our guide to hiring a courthouse for a Christmas party covers the details.

Teams who want something more than drinks and a disco can look at corporate events or a murder mystery dining evening for up to 100 guests. To talk dates, email info@thesessionshouse.com, call or WhatsApp 07887 980103, or book a private tour to see the building first.

How do I get to The Sessions House?

The Sessions House is on Sheep Market in the centre of Spalding, PE11 1BB. It is under 250 metres' walk from Spalding station and around 30 minutes by car from Peterborough. There are 15 parking spaces on site, but we suggest the public car parks on Victoria Street or Sheep Market.

Please note that the indoor rooms are on the first floor, up 14 steps, and there is no lift. If you have access needs, contact us before you book and we will talk you through it. More practical answers are on our FAQ page.

Frequently asked questions

What's on in Spalding this weekend?

The Sessions House lists every upcoming event, with dates and tickets, on its What's On page at thesessionshouse.com/event-list. From late November the weekends include Santa's Grotto and the Festive Rink by day and live music, dance or game nights in the evening.

Do adults need a ticket for Santa's Grotto at The Sessions House?

No. Only children receiving a gift need a ticket. The parents, grandparents and guardians who come with them do not need one.

Do I need my own skates for the Festive Rink?

No. Skates are provided, and only the rink's own skates can be worn on the synthetic surface. Sessions last 45 minutes.

Can I book The Sessions House for a private Christmas party?

Yes. The Sessions House is exclusive use, so a private booking hires the whole building. The Courtroom seats up to 100 and holds up to 180 for an evening party. Email info@thesessionshouse.com or call 07887 980103.

Is The Sessions House accessible?

The indoor rooms are on the first floor, up 14 steps, and there is no lift. The Courtyard is step-free. Please contact the team before booking if you have access needs.

Tickets for every event are on our What's On page, and many dates are limited in number. If you would rather have the building to yourselves, email info@thesessionshouse.com and tell us your date.