From an outdoor ice rink and Santa’s Grotto to sparkling light trails, roaming Christmas characters and a special visit from Paddington™, there’s something for everyone.
At a Glance – What’s On
- Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink on the Market Place
- Ceiling of Light over Irongate
- Festive Derby Light Trail from St Peter’s Cross to Irongate
- Santa’s Grotto in Derby Market Hall
- Roaming Christmas characters on selected dates
- Golden Ticket Prize Draw – win a share of £2,000 in vouchers
- One-day Christmas Market at St Peter’s Church
- Meet Paddington™ in St Peters Quarter
Irongate & the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink
Ceiling of Light – Irongate
Stroll along one of Derby’s most iconic streets beneath the Ceiling of Light, a stunning canopy of thousands of glowing lights illuminating Irongate.
Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink
The much-loved Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink returns to the Market Place, sponsored by the Cathedral Quarter BID.
- Opening dates: From Saturday 29 November until New Year’s Eve
- Location: Cathedral Quarter, Market Place
- Tickets: Prices have been kept as low as possible so families can enjoy affordable festive fun.
Last year, more than 12,000 people took to the ice – so early booking is recommended.
Christmas Lights & Festive Derby Light Trail
Explore Derby city centre by following the Festive Derby Light Trail, delivered by the Cathedral Quarter BID, St Peters Quarter BID and Derby City Council.
Trail Highlights
- Start: Under the glowing Rudolph reindeer arch at St Peter’s Cross (red nose included!)
- Osnabruck Square: Relax among twinkling gonks, reindeer and a polar bear.
- Derby Market Hall: Walk beneath a towering golden star.
- Market Place:
- Take a selfie with the giant teddy bear overlooking the ice rink.
- Walk through the light-up presents for a perfect festive photo.
The trail leads from St Peter’s Cross through the city centre to Irongate, with picture-perfect moments at every turn.
Derby Market Hall & Santa’s Grotto
Santa’s Grotto in Derby Market Hall
Santa returns to the Cathedral Quarter Grotto – this year based in Derby Market Hall.
- Opening date: From Saturday 29 November
- Tickets: £4.50 per child (including booking fee)
- Includes:
- A special gift from Santa
- Opportunity for families to take their own photos with Santa and his elves
After your grotto visit, explore the Market Hall’s new and independent stalls for unique Christmas gifts.
Opening Dates & Times
- Weekends: From Saturday 29 November to Sunday 21 December
- Additional dates:
- Friday 19 December – 10am to 12pm
- Monday 22 December
- Tuesday 23 December
- Wednesday 24 December (Christmas Eve)
Weekend times vary, so please check before travelling.
Special Event Days
Saturday 29 November – Roaming Christmas Characters
Across the city centre you’ll find a host of festive characters bringing the streets to life.
Market Place & Cornmarket (Cathedral Quarter):
Look out for:
- Christmas gonks
- The Grinch
- Mirror men
- Ice king and queen on stilts
From 1.15pm, Christmas-themed walkabout performers will visit both BID areas. Also watch for:
- Candy cane stilt walkers
- Stunning winter fairies
St Peters Quarter area:
Characters will be based around St Peter’s Cross, near St Peter’s Church on St Peters Street and East Street.
Saturday 13 December – Christmas Market & Live Music
St Peter’s Church – Christmas Market
- Location: St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Street
- Time: From 12pm
- Details:
- A free, one-day Christmas Market
- Over a dozen local crafters and artists
- Unique, handmade gifts – perfect for Christmas shopping
As part of the St Peters Quarter BID’s festive programme, you can also meet novelty characters, including:
- Stitch
- Fae and her highly realistic dragon puppet
Cathedral Quarter – Musical Merry Christmas
Over in the Cathedral Quarter, enjoy live festive music:
- Locations:
- Next to the Waterfall, The Market Place, The Cornmarket
- Time: 11am – 4pm
- Performers: Musical Merry Christmas will be entertaining shoppers throughout the day.
Saturday 20 December – Meet Paddington™ & More Festive Fun
Meet Paddington™ – St Peters Quarter
If you love Paddington™, this is not to be missed.
- Time: From 11am
- Location: Potters House Church, 2–3 St Peter’s Churchyard (near St Peter’s Church)
- Cost: Free
- Details:
- Meet everyone’s favourite bear from Peru
- Bring your camera – there will be plenty of photo opportunities
- Booking is required to secure a time slot
To book a slot, please follow the booking link provided in the event information.
Cathedral Quarter – Snow Globe & Roaming Characters
Back in the Cathedral Quarter, more festive entertainment awaits:
- Snow globe at the Waterfall – returning by popular demand
- Elf on a shelf from 12pm
- Ice king and queen stilt walkers from 1.30pm
- Two walking snow globes
- A friendly gingerbread man
Perfect for families, photo opportunities and festive fun across the city centre.
Golden Ticket Prize Draw
Derby shoppers have the chance to win a share of £2,000 in shopping vouchers this Christmas.
How It Works
- Tickets available: In shops across Derby until Saturday 20 December
- How to enter:
- Fill out a Golden Ticket
- Post it in one of the 20 post boxes located in participating businesses across the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter
Prizes
Four winners
Each winner receives £500 in shopping vouchers
Vouchers can be spent in businesses within the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter areas
This is the fifth consecutive year of the Golden Ticket Prize Draw, with more than 4,000 people taking part last year.
Key Details
- Entry deadline: Saturday 20 December
- Draw date: During the first week of January
- Limit: One entry per person
Postbox locations:
- Listed on the back of each Golden Ticket
- Also available online at:
- derbycathedralquarter.co.uk
- stpetersquarter.co.uk
Find Out More & Book
To check event availability, book tickets and see the full programme of activities, visit:
https://buytickets.at/stpetersquarterderby/1918932
Derby’s Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter are ready to welcome you for a magical, memory-making Christmas.