Join us for a celebration of all things seasonal, as Derby gets festive this year. We’ve put on a series of events to get you into the festive spirit, ranging from family delights with an Elf Encounter, a Dickens of a time with A Christmas Carol, the magical sounds of Christmas Brass or sample the delights of Festive Markets in Derby Market Place. We have planned all activities so that they can be enjoyed in a COVID compliant manner and within current government restrictions so please help us by following your local guidelines.
Around the city, on various days, you'll also find ice sculptors, street entertainers, light displays and more. There's lots of central parking, Covid-secure measures, food and drinks, and a really warm welcome.
Capacity for markets and events will be limited to allow for social distancing but there will be plenty to do and see, so please be patient, queue respectfully or come back later when its quieter. We look forward to welcoming you into Festive Derby city centre this Christmas – Yule Love It!
Whilst you explore the festive season in Derby use MiPermit to pay for your parking stay. MiPermit allows you to either:
MiPermit is a contactless and cashless payment method with exclusive parking offers.
Alternatively, save 20% on your parking at the Assembly Rooms and Bold Lane car parks when you have your ticket validated at the Market Place Box Office. Opening hours in line with Elf Encounter performances.
Derby City Council, Derby Museums, Derby Cathedral, Derby Theatre, Sinfonia Viva, Quad, Cathedral Quarter and St Peter’s Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and Intu are among the partners involved in bringing Christmas to the city.
You'll find the best Christmas events and festive activities, great shopping and much more!
Online Mini Festive Fair - 28 Nov
Christmas, Markets & Fairs
The first ever Derby Cathedral Online Mini Festive Fair will take place on our new Festive Fair Facebook Group.... read more
The Little Mermaid - Christmas 2020 - 2 Dec - 2 Jan
Christmas, Don't Miss, Family Fun
The Little Mermaid weaves a magical tale of love, loss and adventure where two fish characters take us on a journey with the ever-curious li... read more
Let's Make Christmas - 3 - 24 Dec
Christmas
Following on from the success of previous year’s event, and back by popular demand, this autumn sees the return of Let’s MAKE Ch... read more
Santa’s Winter Woodland Experience - 4 Dec - 24 Dec
Christmas, Family Fun
Wander through Santa’s Winter Woodland this Christmas.... read more
We’re bringing city centre streets alive with some fantastic festive street entertainers... read more
Tree of Light - 5 December onwards
Christmas, Family Fun
Write a message of love, hope or memory to be hung on the Christmas tree inside the Cathedral to mark this special time of year, for a sugge... read more
A Tale as Old as Time Christmas Afternoon Tea - 5 - 6 Dec
Christmas, Food & Drink
Take a seat and be our guest as you enjoy a magical themed afternoon tea dining experience with surprise visits from some of your favourite ... read more
Wreath Making Workshop - 5 - 6 Dec
Christmas, Don't Miss
Create a stunning Christmas wreath with help from Suzy Blue Flowers.... read more
Painting Fun Workshop - 5 - 19 Dec
Christmas, Family Fun
Painting on Canvas - Parent and child (2 places) - £15 for 1 canvas. £20 for 2 canvases.... read more
A Christmas Carol Cinema Screening at Derby Theatre - 5, 12 & 19 Dec
Christmas, Family Fun
A brand new re-telling of the classic family tale coming to Derby Theatre this Christmas.... read more
Christmas Crafts with Jumping Clay - 5 - 20 Dec
Christmas, Family Fun
Gingerbread man model making followed by build an elf cuddly toy.... read more
Christmas, Family Fun
Design and create your own Christmas Decorations, suitable for indoor or outdoor use (when grouted).... read more
Weave your own willow angels, stars and wreaths to decorate your home or garden this Christmas, led by basket maker Maggie Cooper.... read more
Christmas wreath making - 9 - 11 Dec
Christmas
Learn how to make a festive wreath from our own Chatsworth foliage, cones and berries.... read more
An advanced workshop working with a wide range of materials, from dried seedheads and fruit to juniper, box and cornus stems, plus learn how... read more
Visit us this December to see Pickford’s House in all of its Georgian Christmas splendour.... read more
Watch the incredibly talented ice carvers as they turn a block of ice into an amazing festive sculptures including an Elf, an Angel, a Sledg... read more
Family Christmas Lunch with Santa - 13 Dec
Christmas, Family Fun, Food & Drink
Join us for a family-friendly Christmas carvery. Enjoy a two-course meal, a visit and gift from Santa, plus lots of fun family entertainment... read more
Christmas Films at Quad - 18 - 20 Dec
Christmas, Family Fun
Quad presents Christmas Films including traditional seasonal favourites.... read more
Afternoon Tea with Santa - 18 - 23 Dec
Christmas, Family Fun, Food & Drink
Enjoy a fun and festive themed Afternoon Tea in Bourne’s Coffee Shop & Bistro this December.... read more
Derby Central Band has been proclaiming the Christian Gospel message for over 120 years, and their sound is bound to fill you with festive c... read more
Virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market - 5 Nov - 24 Dec
Christmas, Markets & Fairs
Get into the festive spirit, start your Christmas shopping and step inside the Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market, brought to y... read more
The online Christmas Market and is looking beautifully festive and filled with over 100 small, independent businesses selling the most gorge... read more
Christmas Party of Six - 4 - 20 Dec
Christmas
Let's still celebrate with festive table games, music & Christmas fayre.... read more
Santa's Sleigh School - 5 - 24 Dec
Christmas, Family Fun
Learn to pass your Sleigh Proficiency Test this year with the help of Jingle and Jangles the Elves, Mother Christmas and Betsy Bakewell and ... read more
A Christmas Fair - 13 Nov - 20 Dec
Christmas, Markets & Fairs
Design 44 are hosting a Christmas Fair this festive season, selling gifts, food, handmade crafts, festive gifts, jewellery & homeware.... read more
North Pole Adventure - 22 Nov - 24 Dec
Christmas, Family Fun, School Holidays
Join our magical Christmas journey.... read more
Christmas at Chatsworth - 7 Nov - 3 Jan
Christmas, Family Fun
Discover the magic of Christmas at Chatsworth.... read more
Preparing for Christmas Textile Tour - 15 Dec
Christmas, Tours and Walks
A fascinating insight into the work that goes into preparing for the Christmas season.... read more
Winter Wonderland Forest Walk and Santa Visits - 28 Nov - 24 Dec
Christmas, Don't Miss, Family Fun, School Holidays
Wrap up warm and get ready for a silly Elf adventure as you arrive at Waterside Winter Wonderland, where Santa's Chief Elf and his team will... read more
Santa’s Sleepover - 27 Nov - 23 Dec
Christmas, Family Fun
A Santa’s Sleepover is the most magical, wonderful Christmassy Escape.... read more
Alpine Lodge Winter Pop-Up - 4 - 27 Dec
Christmas, Food & Drink
Escape city life and embrace the spirit of an apres-ski themed pop-up marquee in the grounds of Kedleston Country House.... read more
Christmas Cracker - 5 - 24 Dec
Christmas, Family Fun
Have a cracking Christmas celebration at the Adventure Farm!... read more
Twycross Zoo’s Christmas Spectacular - 5 - 24 Dec
Christmas, Don't Miss, Family Fun
Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland at Twycross Zoo’s Christmas Spectacular Event this December!... read more
Mercatum Winter Artisan Market - 11 - 14 Dec
Christmas, Markets & Fairs
The Christmas Markets will run for three weekends this year - November 19th-22nd, 26th-29th and December 3rd-6th.... read more
Who will you park with at this years XMAS movie night in Derbyshire? 19th December in Mickleover.... read more
New Years Eve at The Horseshoes - 31 Dec
Christmas, Food & Drink
Come and see this year out here at The Horseshoes, dining on delicious dishes whilst listening to a live Saxophonist.... read more
New Year’s Eve Shindig 2020 - 31 Dec
Christmas, Food & Drink
A rip-roaring night of opulent celebration to say ‘So Long’ to 2020 and countdown to 2021.... read more
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Information relating to Coronavirus.
During the current restrictions we are doing our best to provide you with the latest information from our partners and venues about what there is to see and do in Derby within government guidelines. All listings are subject to change so please keep visiting this website for up to date information as we get it and follow us on our social media channels. If in doubt, please contact the venue directly.
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