The best events and what’s on in Derbyshire, the Peak District in 2025. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in live music, indulge in the best foodie events or want to know the must-see exhibitions and artisan markets, this is for you! There’s always lots of free events – and most (but not all) listings are family friendly. From the cultural offering in Derby city centre, from South Derbyshire’s art trails to the festivals and county shows of the Peak District, everything included here is something I genuinely believe will appeal to you – my lovely reader.
Organised in calendar order – click here to skip straight to the date order section, plus a separate section for ongoing events, exhibitions and shows in Derbyshire.
All information published in good faith but please do check directly with organisers before making a special journey. Some events require pre-booking.
Ongoing Events, Exhibitions and Shows in Derbyshire
Tracey Meek: A Celebration in Colour
Until 11th January
FREE, vibrant retrospective exhibition at Quad Derby celebrating the life and work of British multimedia artist Tracey Meek. Spanning three decades, this exhibition showcases Tracey’s dynamic and distinctive style across painting, illustration, ceramics, and other media, with works kindly loaned by friends, family, and the wider community.
What’s on Derbyshire? Events in calendar order
DECEMBER 2025
Christmas at Chatsworth
Until 4th January 2026
There’s nowhere more magic at Christmas than Chastworth – but note that pre-booking is essential. Read my guide to visiting Chatsworth Christmas Market.
Chesterfield Tipi Christmas
Open until Wednesday 31st December 2025, Open daily from 11am
Free to enter. Chesterfield Tipi Christmas is a warm, cosy retreat. Located on the newly revived Market Square. Find out more and for family-friendly things to do in and around Chesterfield read my recent blog post.
Denby Pottery Village Christmas Markets
Thursday 11th December – Sunday 14th December
FREE entry (with lots of free parking) artisan market with over 30 stalls. Plus all the usual Denby festive goodness – see their website.
Bongo Bingo’s Christmas Cracker
Friday 12th December
Bingo-infused chaos at Vaillant Live, jubilantly nostalgic shows celebrating all things Christmas. Book tickets.
Belper Farmers’ Market
Saturday 13th December, 8.30am – 1pm
A quality market held in Belper’s historic market place, showcasing local artisan producers e.g. local cheeses, honey, bread, brownies and cakes etc – to complement their award-winning high street.
Mama and Baby Café
Tuesday 16th December, 10am – 11.45am
If you’re a Mama with a baby aged up to 6 months, join Private Midwife, Sally Goodwin in the beautiful, cosy surrounds of the Walled Garden Workshop for connection and support. Baby weighing if you choose, enjoy a safe space to feed and chat with other mamas and ask those burning questions. Tea, coffee and a selection of fruit teas & a festive sweet treat. Let Sally know you intend to attend.
Christmas at Haddon Hall
18th – 23rd December
An enchanting time to visit Haddon Hall when the medieval chambers are beautifully decorated for Christmas. There’s also, from 18th – 20th December a mini artisan market. More info.
Bakewell Farmers Market
Saturday 20th December 2025
Multi-award-winning market showcasing high quality, local, traceable food and crafts from in and around the Peak District including local ales, wines, mushrooms, large vegetable stalls and rare breed meat plus much more. Held undercover with ample parking. Free entry.
Santa’s on a Bike
Sunday 21st December
Festive fundraiser for Treetops Hospice. Local cyclists dress as Santa, decorate their bikes and set off on a 14-mile route. Register to take part.
Why not enjoy a countryside walk paired with a cosy coffee shop?
2026 events
Wirksworth Farmers Market
Saturday 3rd January, 9am to 2pm
Artisan farmers market of fine foods, groceries and crafts, much grown or produced in and around Wirksworth, held every first Saturday monthly. Usually in the region of 50 stalls with most traders being from the local area. Dogs welcome. Memorial Gardens, DE4 4DS.
Peppa Pig Live, Buxton
Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd April
Brand-new ‘oinktastic’ stage show in the stunning setting of Buxton Opera House, packed full of music, adventure and surprises for little ones and is the perfect introduction to theatre. Book tickets.
5 replies on “What’s On Derbyshire 2025 Events Guide”
A lovely blog Molly!
Showcasing masses of things to do in and around Derbyshire.
Thank you very much Ray! Hope you and the family had a lovely Christmas.
Great update.
I will be going to many of these events.
Melbourne Arts Festival is my favourite.
Grew up there in 60’s and 70’s.
Thank you so much Alison – I grew up not far from Melbourne too!
There seems to be some amazing events coming up throughout this year! I wish I lived locally (or even back in the UK) so that I could go to a few of these; such a variety of things to see, do, experience or participate in!