A carefully curated list of events you actually want to go to, in Derbyshire and just beyond.
Here’s my guide to the best events and what’s on in Derbyshire (and if it’s really of interest, in surrounding counties) in 2023, all organised by date. There are lots of free activities, and most events (not all) are family friendly – but everything listed here is something I genuinely believed will appeal to my readers.
All information published in good faith but please do check directly with organisers before making a special journey. Some events require pre-booking.
If you’re looking for things to do rather than specific events, check out this post for 40 things to do in Derbyshire.
What’s on in Derbyshire? Your 2023 guide
Ongoing Events & Exhibitions in Derbyshire
For a full listing of Derbyshire Christmas Events – head here.
What’s On Derbyshire NOVEMBER 2023
Elves Winter Workshops at Peak Village
9th and 10th December, 16th and 17th December, 11am-4pm
FREE event with plenty of free parking. Join the Elves to celebrate Christmas. Christmas crafts, gift wrapping, decoration making and more. Dogs welcome.
The Snowman Tour, Derby
Thursday 30th November 2023, 6.30pm
Make it a Christmas to remember, with a special screening of family-favourite The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra. Alongside The Snowman film, a whistle-stop Christmas guide to the orchestra and a visit from the Snowman himself, enjoy Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (featuring one of the most iconic train chase sequences). Read our previous review or head to Carrot Productions website to book tickets.
For a full listing of Derbyshire Christmas Events – head here.
Saddler Gate Night Market
Thursday 30th November 2023
Magic Christmas shopping in Derby’s beautiful Cathedral Quarter.
What’s On Derbyshire DECEMBER 2023
Festive Derby – Christmas Lights Switch On and Lantern Parade
Saturday 2nd December, from 11am
A range of FREE festive entertainment to celebrate the start of Festive Derby. including a magical lantern parade, giant snow globes, live stage show and much, much more. Find out more or read my blog post.
Read my blog post on Festive Derby.
Christmas Market at Uppertown Social Centre
Saturday 2nd December 2023, 9am – 2.30pm
Free entry festive market with some fantastic Derbyshire small businesses including 4Eyes Bakery and Patisserie, Willow and Thyme home fragrance, Honey and Wilde jewellery with Blackbird takeaway coffee van, and pizza from New York’shire. Plenty of free street parking and dogs welcome.
Bolsover Christmas Festival and Lantern Parade
Saturday 2nd December 2023
Free event with a good variety of festive food and drink stalls, children’s fairground rides, Rodeo Reindeer, Snowglobe and music and entertainment.
Christmas on the Cobbles
Sunday 3rd December 2023
Christmas market in the stunning setting of the West Mill, Derby. (Sold out).
Traditional Christmas Market at The Maynard
Sunday 3rd December, 11am – 4pm
Support some of the Peak District’s artisan makers as they showcase locally made gifts in the lovely setting of boutique, country hotel, The Maynard. Why not combine with one of their epic Sunday roasts (booking recommended!) – read my recent review about their new seasonal menu.
Belper Winter Food and Gift Fair
Sunday 3rd December 2023, 10am-3pm
Slow shopping begins at 9.30am, with the full event starting at 10am when the beautiful Amber Valley market town of Belper will be filled with stalls selling food and gifts.
Cavendish Christmas Market, Sheffield
Tuesday 5th December, 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Fundraising event for Cavendish Cancer Care at Tapton Hall (Shore Ln, Sheffield S10 3BU). Join a variety of local businesses selling a range of products to suit everyone. Tickets are priced at £7 which will include a mulled wine/ hot chocolate and mince pie/mini yule log. Book tickets.
Mother Goose at Derby Arena
8th – 31st December 2023
An action-packed adventure from an award-winning team. This lively pantomine stars Coronation Street’s Todd Boyce and local dame Morgan Brind. Expect “s-peck-tacular sets, breath-taking special effects, egg-squisite costumes and mountains of mayhem… guaranteed to have the whole family honking with laughter.” Book tickets.
Lantern Spectacular, Ashbourne
Friday 8th December 2023, 5pm – 9pm
Breath-taking routines, pulsating rhythms and an amazing light show with an impressive procession of animated puppet lanterns carried by local children and community groups. Read more.
The Snowman Tour, Buxton
Thursday 14th December 2023, 6.30pm
Created cherished Christmas memories with everyone’s nostalgic favourite, The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra. Enjoy a whistle-stop Christmas guide to the orchestra and a visit from the Snowman himself, plus Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (featuring one of the most iconic train chase sequences) – all in the atmospheric setting of Buxton’s Octagon Hall in the Pavilion Gardens. Read our previous review or head to Carrot Productions website to book tickets.
Christmas Festival of Music, Sheffield
Saturday 16th December 2023
Fundraising event for Cavendish Cancer Care take place in the Octagon Centre at Sheffield University, featuring John Parr, of ‘St Elmo’s Fire’ fame. Book tickets.
Bustler Winter Village, Derby
Thursday 21st December – Saturday 23rd December 2023
Winter version of Derby’s much loved street food market with festoons, fires and all the cosy additions. Traders include Kebab Cartel, Chilli Kitchen, Nanny Bills, Filthy Wings and Flats Doughnuts. Read my previous review of Bustler.
What’s On Derbyshire 2024
Ethical Atelier
Saturday 2nd March at Cleaver and Wake in Nottingham
Saturday 25th May at The Museum of Making, Derby
Sustainable fashion markets with stalls and workshops, organised by Thread of Life.
More events coming soon – please bookmark this page.
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