Here’s your curated guide to the absolute best Christmas events in Derbyshire (and just beyond, if it’s really special) this holiday season. From winter wonderlands to explore with the family, to festive pub tours… here’s everything you need to know to get into the Christmas spirit! Updated November 2025.
As always, I’ve tried to include as many FREE activities as possible. All information published in good faith but please do check directly with organisers before making a special journey. Many events require pre-booking.
I’ve organised this year’s guide to the best Christmas events in Derbyshire by area. Click on each area to head straight to that section:
- Derby
- Amber Valley
- Peak District
- Rest of Derbyshire – including North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield
Christmas Events in Derby city centre
Derby Lantern Parade
Thursday 27th November 2025 from 5pm
FREE Flagship event of Derby’s Season of Light. See the city centre beautifully lit up by hundreds of community-made and professionally commissioned lanterns, alongside colourful and diverse cultural dance and music performances to bring the whole city centre alive! Derby Lantern Parade is free to attend and open for all. More info.
Sadler Gate Night Market
Thursday 27th November 2025, 5pm – 9pm
Enjoy the festive spirit in Derby’s historic shopping street. Artisan stalls, delicious food, drink and festive entertainment.
Derby Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink
Until 31st December 2025
Whizz (or totter!) around the real ice rink, handily situated next to the Nordic Bar and street food vendors. More info/booking.
Nordic Bar in the Festive Tipis
Until 31st December
Come in from the cold into the Nordic Bar, hosted in three festive tipis. Wooden benches, stunning festive foliage arrangements, disco balls and twinkling lights will welcome you in for a seat by the firepit . Relax and enjoy a delicious range of hot and cold drinks, from cocktails to mocktails and mulled wine to hot chocolate. Read my previous review of Derby’s Nordic Bar, or head to the Festive Derby website for the 2025 programme of entertainment in the tipis including music, children’s entertainment, quiz nights and more.
Read my ultimate Derbyshire festive food guide for the best places to eat and drink this December
Dick Whittington at Derby Arena
Until 31st December 2025
Derby’s iconic venue hosts its annual panto. More info here or if you need more convincing, read my review of the 2023 production by the same award-winning team.
Looking for things to do betwixmas? Read my guide to lovely things to do in Derbyshire between Christmas and the New Year.
Christmas Events in the Amber Valley, Derbyshire
Christmas at Denby Pottery
Various dates
Traditionally, Denby Pottery Visit is one of our favourite places to visit during the festive period – or head straight to the Denby website for the 2025 festive fabulousness.
Christmas at Kedleston Hall
Various dates
The 18th-century mansion will be beautifully decorated for Christmas. There’s also a Christmas advent trail within the pleasure gardens and up to the viewpoint on the short walk. Various other festive activities on selected dates – more info.
Christmas Events in the Peak District
Christmas at Chatsworth
Until 4th January 2026
See the house transformed for Christmas, explore the interactive light and sound trail in the garden, pick the perfect Christmas tree, and blow away the cobwebs with a bracing winter walk through the parkland. Pre-booking essential.
Operation Save the Sleigh Trail at Ilam Park
Until 4th January 2026
FREE self-guided adventure. Crack the clues hidden around the parkland. Solve puzzles, gather the secret numbers, and race back to the Welcome Team to unlock the chest! Plus various other festive activities on various dates – read more about Christmas at Ilam.
Christmas Events in the rest of Derbyshire
Christmas in Chesterfield
For the most up-to-date information about the various festive events taking place, head to the Destination Chesterfield guide to a twist on tradition.
Hardwick Wintertide
Until 4th of January 2026
Experience the Elizabethan magic of Hardwick, brimming with holiday joy, twinkly lights, and the spirit of togetherness. Follow the mischievous Lord of Misrule around the mansion, interact with the enchanting displays and handmade decorations. More info about the full range of activities at Hardwick this festive season, including late night openings for mulled wine in the gardens.
Winter Lights Trail at The Heights of Abraham
Until 30th December 2025
Family friendly light trail showcasing The Heights of Abraham in a new, enchanting light. Take a festoon-lit riverside walk from the town of Matlock Bath, before flying high through moonlit skies before joining the light trail through illuminated gardens, across boardwalks and woodland pathways. Find out more.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the most festive Christmas events in Derbyshire, if you have, do check out my what’s on events guide which lists more events.
If you’ve found this useful, please do share it with friends and family – thank you so much if you do!
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2 replies on “Christmas Events in Derbyshire”
So many wonderful festive things to do! What a great round up
I can imagine that this area is magically festive over the Christmas holidays. I would love to spend some time here as there does seem to be a good variety of things to see/do!