Derby Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Derby and surrounding areas
Derby unfolds Christmas 2025 with Holiday lights and seasonal attractions around the Cathedral Quarter and Market Place. Look out for the Derby Season of Light, Derby Lantern Parade, and Nordic bar experiences in festive tipis for cozy winter evenings. The city’s holiday activities include markets, pop-up concerts, and family-friendly events that fill streets with lights and warm aromas, making Derby a welcoming spot for seasonal entertainment and local traditions.
Find the best Derby Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Parties
24 eventsFestive tipis with firepits and drinks
Christmas Markets
22 eventsEuropean-style Christmas market with artisan traders
Christmas Lights
18 eventsCross-cultural light festival with lantern parade
Other Christmas Activities
32 eventsOvernight stay with Santa visit and theme park access
Editor's Picks (6)
-
Christmas at Chatsworth
(Bakewell)
Historic estate transformed for Christmas with house, garden light trail, and market.
-
Nottingham Winter Wonderland
(Nottingham)
European-style Christmas market with artisan traders
-
Chatsworth Christmas Market
(Bakewell)
Over 100 themed stalls in a festive market.
-
Alton Towers Santa Sleepover
(Alton)
Overnight stay with Santa visit and theme park access
-
Derby Season of Light 2025
Cross-cultural light festival with lantern parade
-
Nordic Bar in the Festive Tipis
Festive tipis with firepits and drinks
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Shows Near Derby
Christmas shows, theater performances, and holiday entertainment in Derby.
Christmas Echoes
Festive words and music program with charitable donation
View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Derby
Discover thousands of christmas events across the country
Also Near Derby
Heanor
See all in Heanor →Nottingham
See all in Nottingham →Loughborough
- Christmas Woodland Wonderland
- All Saints Loughborough Christmas Tree Festival 2025
- Christmas at the IAS
Sutton In Ashfield
See all in Sutton In Ashfield →Derby Christmas FAQ
The biggest annual Christmas events in Derby include the Derby Christmas Parade held in early December and the City Tree Lighting celebration at Madison Avenue Central Park in late November. Both events feature festive activities and community participation.
Derby’s unique holiday traditions include the annual Holiday Lights Contest where residents decorate their homes competitively, and the themed Christmas Parade that brings local groups together to celebrate with creative floats and performances.
Neighborhoods participating in the Holiday Lights Contest are among the best for Christmas lights in Derby, showcasing a variety of creative and festive displays. The Snoopy House area on Derby Avenue is also a popular spot for visitors.
Christmas markets and local makers can be found at community centers, parks, and seasonal events throughout Derby, as well as at artisan markets and craft fairs held near Derby during the holiday season.
Free or budget-friendly activities include attending the Derby Christmas Parade, visiting neighborhood light displays, and enjoying the City Tree Lighting event. Many local markets also offer free entry and affordable shopping options.
Families with kids will enjoy the City Tree Lighting celebration with free treats and festive entertainment, the Holiday Lights Contest displays, and local Christmas markets featuring crafts and visits with Santa.