Things to do in Derby this festive season

If you’re looking for things to do that will help you get into the festive spirit, we’ve got you covered.

This year you can find both new and returning Christmas events taking place in Derby.

From Christmas market offering original gifts to ice-themed bar where you can enjoy a fancy treat, there are some festive attractions you might want to visit before the big day:

Let’s Make Christmas

What: Christmas market promoting contemporary craft made by local artists. After a successful event last year, 23 different makers joined the event this festive season. The market offers a range of products including jewellery, ceramics, prints, greetings cards and gin. This is a perfect choice for those who want to get a unique Christmas gift that can’t be found on the high street.

Where: Derby Museum & Art Gallery, The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS

When: From Saturday, October 19 – Tuesday, December 24

Costs: Free entry

 

Christmas Presents Feature

What: This year the ice rink at Derby Market Place was replaced by a new installation of giant 4 metres tall Christmas ‘presents’. This is the first magical light and music display in Europe. The idea of the feature is to link past, present and future as Derby celebrates 300 years of innovation and creativity. Every 30 minutes ‘presents’ play a synchronised light and music show.

Where: Market Place, Market Place square, Derby DE1 3AE

When: From Friday, November 29

Costs: Free

🎄Christmas has come to town🎄

Well done @danceforaudrina for turning on our #DerbyPresents and even having a little dance too! #DerbyChristmas pic.twitter.com/dV7WPxRwqt

— Derby City Council (@DerbyCC) November 29, 2019

Breakfast with Father Christmas

What: Fancy starting a morning with Santa and his elves? National Trust offers an opportunity to enjoy a full English breakfast and see Father Christmas. If that’s not enough for getting into a festive mood, Santa will also be giving gifts for all the children!

Where: Calke Abbey, Ticknall Derbyshire, DE73 7JF

When: From Saturday, November 30 – Monday, December 23 at 9.15 am – 10.15 am.

Tickets: An adult ticket is £8 and includes breakfast. Child ticket is £12.5 and includes breakfast and a gift. Child under 2s ticket includes only a gift and costs £5. Booking is essential. Tickets available here.

Santa’s Woodland Adventure

 

What: A fun session with Santa will be enjoyed both by children and adults.

In the departure lounge, everyone can enjoy complimentary sweets, while adults can also get mulled wine included in the price. The experience gives a chance to play Christmas games, write a letter to Santa and add Christmas wish to a wish tree as well as enjoy 10 minutes sessions with Santa in his cabin. If that’s not enough, you can also make reindeer food to take home with you. Sprinkle it around your garden and let Rudolph find your house!

Where: Bluebells, Brunswood Farm Locko Road Derby, DE21 7AR

When: Every weekend from Saturday, November 30 until Sunday, December 22 as well as Friday 20^th, Monday 23^rd and Christmas Eve. Every session takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Tickets: Prices range from £7.95 for under 2s (buy this ticket if you want your child to receive a gift), £9.95 for an adult and £15.95 for a child. All tickets include a regular Farm entry. Tickets can be purchased here.

Glacier

What: An ice-themed bar returns to Intu Derby for the festive season, so you can treat yourself after finishing your Christmas shopping.

Glacier offers steaming cocktails such as ‘Tasty Chocolate Orange’ or ‘Smoking Gin Tea for two’ and ‘Smoking Mulled wine’. There is also a range of crafts gins, wines, beers and spirits as well as soft drinks.

Where: Intu Derby, London Rd, Derby DE1 2PL

When: From Thursday, November 7 until Tuesday, December 31

Opening times: Thursday – Friday 1 pm – 10 pm

Saturdays 12pm – 10pm

Sundays 12 pm – 8 pm

Costs: prices start from £1.4 for still water and £3.5 for non-alcoholic cocktails to £4 for mulled wine and £14.5 for ‘Smoking Gin Tea for two’.