Last updated: November 11, 2024
Join the Derby community for festive fun! Our guide has all the holiday events and activities. For Derby insiders and outsiders alike, this guide is your passport to festive fun.
Popular Events: Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Christmas at Chatsworth, where stunning decorations transform the estate into a holiday wonderland. Enjoy artisan goods and delicious treats at the Christmas Market at Chatsworth, celebrating local craftsmanship and seasonal flavors. And the Storytime with Father Christmas at Chatsworth is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a magical experience for children. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Live entertainment and ice skating in the city center.
Join us at Cathedral Green as Derby's Christmas lights are switched on, marking the start of Festive Derby. Enjoy free live entertainment, skating at the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink, and a stage show featuring local and community acts.
Where: Derby | More Info: Christmas Lights Switch On & Festive Derby Opening
Interactive light displays and themed rides in a festive setting.
At Wheelgate Park, immerse yourself in stunning light displays and themed rides from 5 PM to 7:30 PM. Explore the fairytale atmosphere created by twinkling bulbs, visit Santa's Grotto, and enjoy festive menus and drinks in cozy indoor areas.
Where: Newark | More Info: Ride and Light Trail Illumination Evenings at Wheelgate Park
Extensive variety of local and British-made gifts and food.
The Chatsworth Christmas Market offers over 100 stalls with a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations, live music, and seasonal food and drink. Explore exclusive ranges in the Stables shop, enjoy mulled wine and German beer at outdoor bars, and sample gourmet burgers, sausages, hot pork rolls, pancakes, churros, and more.
Where: Bakewell | More Info: Christmas Market at Chatsworth
Seasonal shopping with local vendors.
Rufford Abbey's Mini Christmas Market offers a delightful holiday shopping experience with a variety of seasonal items and gifts, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all.
Where: Ollerton | More Info: Rufford Abbey's Mini Christmas Market
Unique shopping experience with local traders.
Idlewells Shopping Centre hosts a Christmas Market featuring local traders offering a variety of gifts, seasonal items, and festive treats. The event is a great place to find unique presents and enjoy the community atmosphere.
Where: Sutton in Ashfield | More Info: Idlewells Shopping Centre Christmas Market
Interactive light trail and festive farmyard activities.
Explore Chatsworth House and its gardens, featuring festive decorations, interactive light trails, and a Christmas feast story. The farmyard is dressed for Christmas with friendly animals and activities like guinea pig cuddling sessions.
Where: Bakewell | More Info: Christmas at Chatsworth
Interactive storytelling with Father Christmas and craft activities.
Join Father Christmas for a delightful storytime session at Chatsworth, where children can help make reindeer food and receive a small gift. The event includes entry to the farmyard and playground, as well as a craft activity with the elves.
Where: Bakewell | More Info: Storytime with Father Christmas at Chatsworth
Elegant four-course dinner with live entertainment.
The Winter Ball at Chatsworth offers a sophisticated evening with champagne and canapés in the Painted Hall, followed by a tour of the North Wing, and a four-course dinner with live entertainment.
Where: Bakewell | More Info: Winter Ball at Chatsworth
State-of-the-art headphones for an immersive 80s and Christmas music experience.
Dance the night away to 80s music and Christmas classics with state-of-the-art headphones at Chatsworth Carriage House, featuring a cocktail bar and variety of non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
Where: Bakewell | More Info: Winter Silent Disco at Chatsworth
Gourmet dinner paired with live jazz music in a candlelit setting.
Celebrate the winter solstice with a twilight dinner at Chatsworth, combining history, art, live jazz music, and gourmet dining under candlelight.
Where: Bakewell | More Info: Twilight Dinner at Chatsworth
Interactive Santa breakfast with special gifts and storytelling.
Join Santa Claus for a delightful breakfast experience at Matlock Farm Park. Enjoy a lovely chat with Santa while he joins you at your table, and get into the festive mood. Santa will provide a special early Christmas present for children dining, and there will be opportunities for photos. The event includes a special Christmas Story read by Mrs. Claus in her parlour.
Where: Matlock | More Info: Festive Village Santa experience at Matlock Farm Park
Lavish pantomime with sparkling sets and fabulous costumes.
Cinderella 2024 is a lavish pantomime featuring sparkling sets, fabulous frocks, and side-splitting slapstick humor. Starring Mina Anwar as Fairy Godmother and Morgan Brind as the award-winning panto dame, this show promises a delightful experience for all ages.
Where: Derby | More Info: Cinderella 2024
A Victorian-era scholar's quest through Europe, guided by a merchant sailor.
Professor Jamieson Lockheart, a scholar from Oxford University, finds himself thrust into a world of fantasy and adventure when he is sent on a secret mission across Europe, steeped in fairy tales and folklore. He is aided by Jack Tar Hawkins, a merchant sailor and aeronaut, who relies on books and his wits to navigate the perils of their journey.
Where: Derby | More Info: Fairy Tale An Adventure with Lockheart and Hawkins
Classic male voice choir performance with a holiday twist.
The Carlton Christmas Concert features a blend of traditional and modern music performed by the Merry Carlton Male Voice Choir, creating a harmonious and uplifting atmosphere perfect for the holiday season.
Where: Arnold | More Info: Carlton Christmas Concert
Elegant holiday tea service in a historic setting.
Treat your loved ones to a delightful afternoon tea experience in the Talbot Suite at Rufford Mill, featuring a selection of seasonal delicacies and warm hospitality.
Where: Newark | More Info: Festive Afternoon Tea at Rufford Mill
Hands-on calligraphy workshop creating custom Christmas decorations.
Learn the art of brush lettering and bauble painting with Nikki Whiston Inks in a fun and interactive workshop. Explore techniques for mark making and join letters to create custom hand-lettered Christmas baubles. All materials are provided, and participants will take home their finished baubles along with a brush pen and booklet.
Where: Bakewell | More Info: Calligraphy Workshop at Chatsworth
Hands-on willow sculpture creation with an international artist.
Create your own festive stag sculpture in a hands-on masterclass from international willow artist Emma Stothard, perfect for those who enjoy crafting and nature.
Where: Bakewell | More Info: Stag Willow Weaving at Chatsworth
Hands-on lino printing workshop for creating festive bunting.
Learn the art of lino printing to create your own unique festive handmade bunting. This hands-on workshop provides all materials and includes refreshments and entry to the Chatsworth Garden Illuminated Walk.
Where: Bakewell | More Info: Printed Christmas Bunting Workshop at Chatsworth
Hands-on paper folding workshop with eco-friendly materials.
Learn the art of creating beautiful folded paper Christmas decorations with established paper artist Kim Bevan. This half-day workshop at Chatsworth House uses eco-friendly materials like recycled paper, card, and wire. Participants will craft unique ornaments inspired by Christmas at Chatsworth and enjoy a complimentary mince pie, tea, and coffee.
Where: Bakewell | More Info: Festive Paper Decorations at Chatsworth
Hands-on linocut printmaking for personalized holiday crafts.
Learn the art of linocut printmaking to create your own Christmas cards, wrapping paper, and gift tags in this hands-on workshop.
Where: Bakewell | More Info: Festive Printmaking at Chatsworth
Behind-the-scenes look at Chatsworth's Christmas preparations.
Join Susie Stokoe, Creative Director of Christmas at Chatsworth, for a guided tour of key rooms in the house. Delve into the creative direction and development of this year's Christmas exhibition, including insights into collaborating with Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho to create the narrative of "Henry and the Chatsworth Lion's Christmas Feast."
Where: Bakewell | More Info: Creating Christmas: Behind the Scenes Tour at Chatsworth
Hands-on candle making with personalized decorations.
Create handmade wax melts and candles in a hands-on workshop, using soy wax melts and decorations like dried flower petals and glitter. Design and pour unique scented votive candles, choosing from a range of fragrances. Take home all your creations, along with extra wax for further crafting.
Where: Bakewell | More Info: Hand Poured Candle Workshop at Chatsworth
Hands-on paper crafting with eco-friendly materials.
Craft a beautiful paper centrepiece under the guidance of paper artist Kim Bevan, using eco-friendly materials like recycled paper and card. The workshop includes a locally sourced graze box lunch and complimentary tickets to Chatsworth Garden to enjoy the Christmas light display.
Where: Bakewell | More Info: Seasonal Paper Centrepiece Workshop at Chatsworth
Hands-on paper cutting workshop creating 3D tunnel books.
Create a 3D paper cut Christmas scene using scalpels, scissors, glue, paper, and pencils. Learn to construct a tunnel book structure and create imagery throughout the pages using paper cutting techniques. All materials are provided, and you will be taught by experienced paper artist Kim Bevan.
Where: Bakewell | More Info: Christmas Papercut Scene Workshop at Chatsworth
Special gift for children from Santa.
Visit Santa's Grotto at Rufford Abbey Country Park, where children can meet Santa and receive a special gift. The event includes time slots from 9:15 AM to 4:00 PM on select dates in November and December. Two adults can accompany each child at no extra cost, and seating is available with warm refreshments like sausage and bacon cobs.
Where: Ollerton | More Info: Santa's Grotto at Rufford Abbey
Unique steam train experience with professional entertainment and personalized gifts for children.
Join Peak Rail for a special Christmas event where families can ride a festive steam train through the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. Professional entertainers will perform, and Santa and his helpers will visit each seat, bringing a wonderful age-suitable gift for children. Adults can enjoy a glass of wine and a mince pie, while children receive a drink and snack. Due to limited space, specific seating arrangements apply.
Where: Rowsley South | More Info: Peak Rail Santa and Steam Special
Interactive Christmas activities with Santa and his elves.
Meet Santa in his grotto at Peak Wildlife Park, where elves offer Christmas crafts and help write letters to Santa. The event includes early festive treats and is available on selected dates in November and December.
Where: Peak Wildlife Park | More Info: Santa’s Grotto at Peak Wildlife Park
Interactive holiday activities with real reindeer and a build-your-own-bear workshop.
At Bluebell Dairy, Santa's Enchanted Christmas offers a delightful holiday experience with real reindeer, a build-your-own-bear workshop, and festive activities. Children can choose their toys from a large selection, feed the reindeer, and participate in various holiday tasks and games. The event includes a seated session with Father Christmas, refreshments, and a chance to create magical reindeer food for Christmas Eve.
Where: Derby | More Info: Santa’s Enchanted Christmas
Weekend celebration with street food, cocktails, and festive activities.
Bustler Winter Weekender is a vibrant weekend event featuring street food, cocktails, and festive fun, with a variety of activities and entertainment.
Where: Derby | More Info: Bustler Winter Weekender
Interactive experience with Santa and his elves.
Meet Santa and his elves in a cozy cabin filled with festive activities and a special present for each child.
Where: Derby | More Info: Santa’s Magic Cabin
Heated indoor play zones with festive activities and light displays.
Twinlakes Park transforms into a vibrant Christmas celebration with rides, attractions, and festive activities. Enjoy gingerbread decorating, Christmas hunts, and real reindeer. The park features 125,000 square feet of heated indoor zones and spectacular light displays.
Where: Melton Mowbray | More Info: Magical Winter Wonderland at Twinlakes Park
Traditional Afternoon Tea with vegan and gluten-free alternatives.
Indulge in a two-hour sitting of scrumptious sandwiches, delicate cakes, and quality time over a glass of fizz at Norwood Park's Christmas Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, paired with a variety of teas and coffees from Stokes Coffee Lincoln.
Where: Southwell | More Info: Festive Afternoon Tea at Norwood Park
