Winter in Derbyshire

The temperature is dropping, but the energy in Derby isn't. Derbyshire shines in the colder months. From glowing light trails to festive markets, there's plenty to explore and ways to stay social. Whether you're new to the city or a Derby regular, wrap up, head out and check out our pick of local highlights for making the most of the season.

Festive fun

It's the most wonderful time of the year! As the nights get darker and the lights get brighter, see the city come alive with festive experiences. From ice skating to musicals, these events are guaranteed to bring the festive feels.

A festive light installation of a star made of fairy lights in Derby

Christmas Lights Switch On

A room at Chatsworth House decorated for Christmas including a Christmas tree

Christmas at Chatsworth

An aerial shot of people skating on an ice rink

Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink

An actor performing on stage dressed as a Christmas elf

Elf the Musical

A group of people running dressed as Santa

Santa run

A rollercoaster at Alton Towers theme park

Christmas at Alton Towers

Festive flavours and winter warmers

Winter is for good food and great company, and you'll find both in Derby. With options to suit every taste and budget, from vibrant street food to festive bars and long cosy lunches, Derby serves up the flavours of the season.

An event poster for Bustler's Winter Feastival

Bustler Winter Feastival

Nordic Bar

A Cosy Christmas

Magical markets

Get your gifting sorted at one of the many Christmas markets popping up this season, with local makers, festive food and live music. Whether you're shopping for gifts or just enjoying the festivities, it's the perfect mix of shopping and seasonal cheer.

Sadler Gate Christmas Night Market

Market stalls and a crowd at Derby Market Hall

Festive Markets at Derby Market Hall

Star decorations hanging from a market stall

Chatsworth Christmas Market

Season of light

When the nights draw in, Derbyshire lights up. Explore glowing trails and dazzling displays that celebrate community, creativity and culture - a magical way to spend a winter evening.

Gondolas in the sky lit up by colourful lights

Lights of Abraham

Heritage Wood at night lit up with lights and colurs

Heritage Wood Illuminated Walk

A light installation within the Crooked Spire in Chesterfield

The Crooked Spire's Sanctuary of Light

Derby after dark

Derby's nightlife has something for every mood. Catch live music, join the party at Bongo's Bingo or hit the dancefloor. Whatever your vibe, here are some of Derby’s best spots for a night out this season.

A gig poster for live music at The Hairy Dog in Derby

Youth Killed It, Issy Sutcliffe and The Mumbo Orchestra live at The Hairy Dog

Bongo's Bingo: Christmas Cracker

discotech in the Studio

Sport and outdoors

Don't let the cold keep you in - Derbyshire has your dose of sport and outdoor adventure this winter. Hit the slopes for high energy snow sports, take on the challenge of quad-biking or paintballing, explore the frosty beauty of the Peaks or spectate from the side lines.

A person on skis wearing boots with poles on a dry ski slope

Swadlincote Snowsports Centre

A poster featuring boxers Frazer Clarke and Jeamie TKV to advertise their battle for the heavyweight title

BOXXER Presents Fight Night: Clarke vs TKV

A person holding a paintball gun and hiding behind a log in the woods

Outdoor activities at Wild Park

Lucky dip

Looking for something a little different? Take a lucky dip and visit one of the events below.

Oliver Twist at Derby Theatre

A poster for Banks Mill Open Studios featuring an illustration of Banks Mill

Banks Mill Open Studios 2025

QUADmas

Christmas Lights Switch On

Kick off the festive season at Derby's Christmas lights switch-on. Smooth Radio brings the tunes as the Season of Light parade fills the streets with Bhangra beats, Hopak dancers, Dhol drums and more.

When: Thursday 27 November
Where: Derby City Centre

Visit Festive Derby for more information

Christmas at Chatsworth

Discover the magic of Christmas as Chatsworth House transforms into The Enchanted Garden. Glowing with twinkling lights and Christmas trees at every turn, you're guaranteed to leave feeling festive.

When: 8 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Where: Chatsworth

Visit Chatsworth for more information

Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink

Get your skates on and glide into winter on the Derby's pop-up ice rink. The ice rink is covered, so it promises jolly good fun whatever the weather.

When: 29 November – 31 December 2025
Where: Derby Market Place

Visit Festive Derby for more information

Elf the Musical

Buddy the Elf will be spreading festive cheer and chaos at Derby's Vaillant Live this December, in the stage adaptation of the beloved holiday film.

When: 16 – 17 December 2025
Where: Vaillant Live

Visit Vaillant Live for more information

Santa run

The annual Santa Run returns to Markeaton Park for 2025, calling all runners to don a Santa suit and join the festive dash (or stroll), while raising money for local charities.

When: Sunday 30 November 2025
Where: Markeaton Park

Visit Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity for more information

Christmas at Alton Towers

Alton Towers serves up a sleigh full of festivities for a wild winter escape. Expect festive decorations and a whole host of rides, attractions and entertainment.

When: Selected dates from 28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Where: Alton Towers Resort

Visit Alton Towers for more information

Bustler Winter Feastival

Kick off the season of eating and drinking at Bustler's Winter Feastival. Expect winter warmers, mulled favourites and cosy vibes. Your taste buds want in.

When: Saturday 22 November 2025
Where: The Chocolate Factory

Visit Bustler Market for more information

Nordic Bar

Come in from the cold and warm up in the Nordic Bar with cocktails and mocktails, mulled wine and hot chocolate. Think twinkling lights, firepits and disco balls - it's the perfect festive hangout.

When: 29 November – 31 December 2025
Where: Derby Market Place

Visit Festive Derby for more information

A Cosy Christmas

'Tis the season for fizz and feasting. Celebrate by unwrapping a cosy festive menu made for lingering lunches and late-night cheers - perfect for your seasonal get-togethers.

When: Christmas menu available from 19 November – 24 December 2025
Where: Cosy Club, Derby

Visit Cosy Club for more information

Sadler Gate Christmas Night Market

Sadler Gate transforms into a buzzing night market with over 60 artisan stalls, late-night indie shops, street food, festive drinks and live entertainment.

When: Thursday 27 November 2025
Where: Sadler Gate

Visit Visit Derby for more information

Festive Markets at Derby Market Hall

Derby Market Hall is your seasonal HQ for gift hunting. Packed with pop-up traders and delicious eats with free entry, it's the perfect spot to find unique presents and soak up the Christmassy buzz.

When: 30 November – 24 December 2025
Where: Derby Market Hall

Visit Derby Market Hall for more information

Chatsworth Christmas Market

Over 100 stalls serve up unique gifts, decorations and seasonal eats in the beautiful grounds of Chatsworth House. Expect live music, mulled wine, German beer, burgers, churros and more!

When: 8 November – 14 December 2025
Where: Chatsworth

Visit Chatsworth for more information

Lights of Abraham

Experience the Heights of Abraham in a new light this winter. Climb aboard your gondola for a moonlight cable car flight across the river, before setting off on a magical illuminated trail.

When: November 21 – December 30 2025
Where: Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath

Visit the Heights of Abraham for more information

Heritage Wood Illuminated Walk

Wrap up warm, head to Heritage Wood and wander through the forest lit up with vibrant light displays. You can warm up with food and hot chocolate before heading home.

When: Selected dates from 28 November – 14 December 2025
Where: Heritage Wood, Ednaston

Visit Heritage Wood for more information

The Crooked Spire's Sanctuary of Light

Chesterfield's famous Crooked Spire will turn into a glowing canvas for this immersive indoor light and sound experience where Christmas scenes will be brought to life.

When: 22 November – 29 November 2025
Where: St Mary's Gate, Chesterfield

Visit Visit Peak District for more information

Youth Killed It, Issy Sutcliffe and The Mumbo Orchestra live at The Hairy Dog

Youth Killed It, Issy Sutcliffe & The Mumbo Orchestra are taking over The Hairy Dog for an end-of-year blowout! This will be an unmissable night of chaos, riffs and pure energy.

When: Friday 28 November 2025
Where: The Hairy Dog

Visit Skiddle for more information

Bongo's Bingo: Christmas Cracker

A high-energy bingo experience with a twist. Think cheesy sing-alongs, dance-offs, neon lights, festive mayhem and some seriously cool prizes. It's immersive, inclusive and incredible.

When: Friday 12 December 2025
Where: Vaillant Live

Visit Bongos Bingo for more information

discotech in the Studio

Cue the beats as discotech takes over Baby People Creative Studio with mini-warehouse vibes, house, UK garage, and tech house sets. Grab your crew and dance any end-of-term stress away.

When: Friday 19 December 2025
Where: Baby People, Derby

Visit Skiddle for more information

Swadlincote Snowsports Centre

Dreaming of the Alps or prepping for your ski trip? The Snowsports Centre is your go-to for dry slope skiing, snowboarding, toboggan runs and sno-tubing. The perfect winter adrenaline hit.

When: Year-round
Where: Swadlincote Snowsports Centre

Visit Swadlincote Snowsports Centre for more information

BOXXER Presents Fight Night: Clarke vs TKV

This isn't your average night out - it's a heavyweight showdown for the British title with a national spotlight. Grab your mates, soak up the atmosphere and get ringside energy.

When: Saturday 29 November 2025
Where: Vaillant Live

Visit Vaillant Live for more information

Outdoor activities at Wild Park

Temperatures may be dropping but that's no reason to be stuck indoors. Get your kicks at Wild Park; the ultimate paintball, quad trekking, laser tag and archery experience.

When: Year-round
Where: Wild Park Derbyshire

Visit Wild Park Derbyshire for more information

Oliver Twist at Derby Theatre

Derby Theatre presents a magical adaptation of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist featuring carols, original music and festive sparkle. A great budget-friendly pick with discounted student tickets.

When: 28 November 2025 – 3 January 2026
Where: Derby Theatre

Visit Derby Theatre for more information

Banks Mill Open Studios 2025

One for the creative crowd - Banks Mill opens its doors with four floors of original art, handmade goods and studio tours. Grab a hot drink and your mates and discover something unique. Entry's free!

When: 28 – 30 November 2025
Where: Banks Mill Studios

Visit Banks Mill Studios for more information

QUADmas

QUADmas takes over QUAD and Cinema this December with a lineup of classic Christmas films and seasonal snacks for the perfect chilled-out night between lectures.

When: 1 December – 25 December 2025
Where: Derby QUAD and Cinema

Visit Derby QUAD for more information