Derby was positively buzzing with Christmas spirit as crowds enjoyed the spectacular Festive Derby celebrations. Combining the highly anticipated panto run, the ever-popular Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink and Nordic Bar, and the first Christmas at the wonderfully restored Derby Market Hall, this season was truly one to remember.

Derby City Council teamed up with cultural and business partners to bring Christmas to the city, continuing its media partnership with Smooth Radio. 

The season was officially launched with the Christmas Lights Switch-On event. The city centre came alive with a vibrant lantern parade as part of Surtal Arts’ Season of Light festival. Crowds flocked to see the live stage show, which culminated in the official switch-on by stars of the panto Dick Whittington – and a special appearance from Santa Claus.

For the first time, the event tied in with Love Sadler Gate’s annual Sadler Gate Night Market creating an unforgettable atmosphere of excitement across the city centre.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said:

Christmas magic returned to Derby in 2025, with another sensational festive period! This success was the result of incredible teamwork with our partners who, as always, worked with us to ensure a wonderful Festive Derby experience.
 
Along with so many of you, I thoroughly enjoyed the panto. I don’t know how they do it but the costumes get better every year. The Nordic Bar remained a firm favourite for me – I enjoyed a boogie with Cassette Roulette and it was particularly lovely to see so many families enjoying the tipis. 

I also kept my pledge and bought almost all my gifts from Derby Market Hall. It was really special to see friends and family opening such unique gifts, especially knowing they were supporting local, independent businesses.

The Nordic Bar, with Sami Tipi and Mambo Mobile Bars, returned to the Market Place for 2025. Located within the gorgeously decorated Festive Tipis, guests enjoyed a fantastic selection of festive drinks under twinkling fairy lights and disco balls. With packed programme of free entertainment, including live music and children’s shows, the Nordic Bar attracted more than 22,000 visitors.

Adjacent to the Nordic Bar was the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink, which hosted special events like a Christmas Eve party and dedicated toddler sessions. More than 11,000 people laced up their skates for a memorable glide on the ice.

The beautifully decorated Derby Market Hall was buzzing as it welcomed over 51,000 people during December to enjoy a host of independent local traders, Christmas markets, festive dining and free entertainment. In late November, more than 4,000 visitors visited on the day of the Christmas Lights Switch On, and the Ethical Market also proved hugely popular, with over 4,200 people visiting the Market Hall that day.
 
Santa and his elves also spent the run up to Christmas in the Market Hall, welcoming more than 1,200 children to the Cathedral Quarter Santa’s Grotto.

The Festive Derby Light Trail, in partnership with the Cathedral Quarter BID, pop-up food vendors and free outdoor entertainment also added to the city’s Christmas shopping and dining experience.

Derby is the ultimate choice for unforgettable experiences that will shine brightly in your memories for years to come! What’s Good To Do

Christmas isn’t complete without a pantomime and Dick Whittington was a smash hit. Derby LIVE and Little Wolf Entertainment’s dazzling production of Dick Whittington at Derby Arena was a spectacular success. It was enjoyed by more than 36,000 people, including 16,000 children, attracting glowing reviews from audiences.

The show, starring award-winning Dame Morgan Brind and TV star Wendi Peters, went down a treat with theatregoers and received dazzling reviews:

Eye-poppingly colourful and glittery production" The Stage
"Pure joy. If I could give this 6/5 stars, I would" What’s Good To Do
"A feel good family pantomime, boasting colourful sets and costumes, a talented cast and plenty of laughs" West End Best Friend
"A sparking, laugh-out-loud Christmas triumph" Derby Days Out
"Packed with jokes, local references, colourful characters and dazzling costumes" Theatre and Tonic
"Joyful, vibrant and brilliantly delivered" Theatre Online
"Simply magical" Beyond The Curtain

More than 1,000 people enjoyed Merry Elwin the Adventurous Elf, a magical family production at Chapel Street Arts Centre from Paul Broesmith, the Lost Boys and Derby LIVE:

Festive fun for all the family and plenty of giggles to keep little ones entertained Derby Days Out

Theatre goers also enjoyed Tortoise and the Hare, Oliver Twist and Count Arthur Strong as Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol at Derby Theatre. There were festive events at Vaillant Live, Derby Museum and Art Gallery and Pickford’s House, plus Christmas carol concerts, special services and events at Derby Cathedral, St Werburgh’s and St Peter’s Church.

Outside the city centre, Family Festivities returned to Markeaton Park on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December with even more fun for all ages. The free annual event featured a full programme of music, along with a craft fair, outside stalls, an elf trail, wreath making, plus festive food and drink. The popular event attracted 1,000 people over the two days.

Plans for Festive Derby 2026 are already underway. The award-winning team behind Derby’s smash-hit pantos will be back next Christmas with the spectacular Snow White at Derby Arena from Friday 4 December until Thursday 31 December 2026. 

Following the success of Merry Elwin, the same creative team will return with an all-new interactive experience, Help! Santa’s Missing from Thursday 10 Dec to Wednesday 23 Dec 2026. Tickets for both shows are on sale now – book your seats on the Derby LIVE website.