Festive Derby 2024
Make Derby top of your Christmas list!
Visit Derby this Christmas – there is so much on offer including the best festive events and activities, as well as all the usual delightful gems of shopping, places to eat and drink, attractions to visit and experiences to enjoy.
Get into the festive spirit and see for yourself what's on!
Cinderella
Everyone will get to go to the ball with Derby's annual pantomime spectacular Cinderella.
Cinderella has big dreams, but with her sisters digging their ugly heels in, it’s going to take help from her best friend Buttons and a little magic from her Fairy Godmother if she’s going to make it to the ball and her happy ever after before midnight.
Granting our wish to ‘go to the ball’ TV and theatre actress, Mina Anwar star of Happy Valley and Thin Blue Line, will appear as the Fairy Godmother in this year’s pantomime. Starring alongside Derby’s favourite, award-winning panto dame Morgan Brind, and Roddy Peters who are the 'love to hate' duo, the Ugly sisters!
Along with the multi award-winning Little Wolf Entertainment, we proudly invite you to take your seat for this lavish and larger than life pantomime!
Featuring sparkling sets, fabulous frocks, side splitting slapstick and not one, but two outrageous dames, this is an unmissable treat for the whole family.
The clock is ticking so grab your tickets to the ball now! After all… the shoe must go on!
Your invitation to Cinderella at Derby Arena begins on Friday 3 December. Tickets are £31 - £20 with concessions, group and family tickets are available. There also are several access performances, including audio description, BSL interpreted, captions and relaxed shows.
Festive Derby
This December, Derby transforms into a magical wonderland, perfect for creating cherished family memories. The festivities begin on Saturday, 30 November, with the Christmas Lights Switch-On in Derby City Centre. Soak up the magical glow as Derby's city centre glows and get into the festive spirit under twinkling lights! Watch your kids' eyes light up as they're amazed by the Lantern Parade, winding through the streets and filling the air with fantasy and beauty.
For those who love winter fun, the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink offers excitement for all ages from Saturday 30 November to Tuesday 31 December. Even toddlers can join in with the help of penguin skating aids. Afterward, unwind at the Nordic Bar, a cosy tipi-style spot offering hot drinks, festive treats, and lots of free live entertainment throughout to keep everyone happy.
On Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December, Markeaton Park hosts Family Festivities, featuring Christmas crafts, food stalls, and fun activities like writing letters to Santa and exploring the elf trail. With so much to enjoy, from ice skating to festive crafts and pantomimes, Festive Derby is the ideal way to create magical Christmas memories.
