Ilkeston Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Ilkeston and surrounding areas
Ilkeston sparkles during the holiday season with Christmas markets, festive events and lively parades around the Market Place and Ilkeston town centre. Seasonal highlights like the Christmas Wreath Making Workshop offer hands-on activities alongside Santa visits and live entertainment. Wander illuminated streets, browse artisan stalls for gifts, and join in community activities that bring warmth and cheer to Ilkeston throughout this cozy and festive time of year.
Find the best Ilkeston Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
26 eventsEuropean-style Christmas market with artisan traders
Christmas Parties
20 eventsFestive tipis with firepits and drinks
Christmas Lights
20 eventsCross-cultural light festival with lantern parade
Christmas Shows
5 eventsAward-winning pantomime with celebrity cast
Christmas Activities
29 eventsMagical breakfast with Santa and gift from his workshop.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Nottingham Winter Wonderland
(Nottingham)
European-style Christmas market with artisan traders
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Christmas at Chatsworth
(Bakewell)
Historic estate transformed for Christmas with house, garden light trail, and market.
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Sheffield Christmas Markets
(Sheffield)
Over 60 log cabins with local traders and Alpine Bars
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Chatsworth Christmas Market
(Bakewell)
Over 100 themed stalls in a festive market.
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Nordic Bar in the Festive Tipis
(Derby)
Festive tipis with firepits and drinks
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Derby Season of Light 2025
(Derby)
Cross-cultural light festival with lantern parade
Events Happening Soon (2)
Ilkeston Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Ilkeston
Ilkeston Christmas FAQ
The Ilkeston Christmas Lights Switch-On in the Marketplace is the town’s signature event, complemented by craft fairs like the Crafty Place Christmas Fayre and various community gatherings.
Ilkeston’s festive season is marked by community-led light displays, local craft fairs, and family-friendly workshops, reflecting the town’s close-knit, creative spirit.
The town centre around the Marketplace is the focal point for lights, but residential areas throughout Ilkeston often join in with their own displays, creating a festive atmosphere across the community.
Look for markets like the Crafty Place Christmas Fayre and pop-up craft fairs at venues such as 1 Corporation Road, where local artisans and food vendors gather.
Enjoying the Christmas lights switch-on, browsing holiday markets, and attending community craft days are all free or low-cost ways to celebrate in Ilkeston.
Family-friendly options include the lights switch-on, craft workshops, and visits with Santa at local markets—all designed to create memorable experiences for children and parents alike.