Festive Derby 2025 - Derby Days Out

Visit Derby this Christmas – we have so much to offer, including the best festive events and activities, as well as all the usual delightful gems of shopping, places to eat and drink, attractions to visit and experiences to enjoy.

See what's on and plan your visit here:

Festive Derby

This festive season, Derby transforms into a magical wonderland, offering the perfect setting for families to create lasting memories. Festive Derby has something for everyone, from thrilling activities to cosy moments and enchanting performances, making it a must-visit for families with young children.

The festivities kick off on Thu 27 Nov with the highly anticipated Christmas Lights Switch-On at Corporation Street, outside the Council House. Watch as your kids marvel at the Surtal Arts Lantern Parade, a beautiful procession winding through Derby's streets, filling the air with fantasy. Once the lights are on, the city centre sparkles, immersing everyone in the Christmas spirit. It’s the perfect start to the season, bringing festive cheer to all.

For those who love winter sports, the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink is a must-visit. Open from Saturday 29 November to Wednesday 31 December at Derby Market Place, the rink offers fun for the whole family, whether you have toddlers just learning to skate or seasoned skaters in your group. Penguin skating aids ensure that even the youngest can join in the fun. Skating together under twinkling lights makes this a memorable experience for all.

After skating, warm up at the Nordic Bar, also open from Saturday 30 November until Wednesday 31 December at Derby Market Place. This tipi-style hideaway in the city centre serves delicious hot drinks and festive snacks that both kids and parents will enjoy. With free live entertainment to keep the little ones occupied, it's the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and enjoy a festive treat.

Derby’s festive Light Trail will illuminate city streets with a magical display, including the UK’s largest light-up Santa. Visitors can enjoy festive installations, food, and family activities along the route from The Spot to Cathedral Square.

For free weekend family fun, head to Markeaton Park on Saturday 6 December and Sunday 7 December for the Family Festivities. Enjoy Christmas crafts, food stalls, and activities like writing letters to Santa and exploring the elf trail. It’s a wonderful way to spend time outdoors and get into the festive spirit while your children engage in creative and exciting activities.

Join the very festive Merry Elwin the Adventurous Elf at Chapel Street Arts Centre from Thu 11 December until Tuesday 23 December for an enchanting Christmas show that whisks you around the world to discover how different countries celebrate the season! Brought to you by the Lost Boys, expect songs, laughter, and plenty of sparkle. Come along to any of our Thursday or Friday performances for half the price! Make sure to use the code: DDO25 at the checkout. Spaces are limited, book your tickets quick! Not available on tickets already purchased.

And of course, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without this year’s Derby Panto at Derby Arena! Join Dick Whittington from Friday 5 December until Wednesday 31 December and his feline friend for a glittering adventure packed with music, mischief, and giggles. Wendi Peters, (the unforgettable Cilla from Coronation Street), steps into the spotlight as the wickedly wonderful Queen Rat. Sharing the stage with her are Derby’s panto legends Morgan Brind, Kristian Cunningham, Nicola Martinus-Smith, and Roddy Peters. It’s the purrr-fect Christmas treat for you and your little ones!

With so many festive experiences, Festive Derby offers countless opportunities to create magical Christmas memories. From skating and crafting to cheering for Merry Elwin, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this magical season – for full details on events, dates, and bookings, visit https://www.festivederby.co.uk/ and start planning your family’s festive adventure!