What's On in Derbyshire

Foster for East Midlands Councils

Venue: Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire

Website: www.fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk

Foster for East Midlands Councils need your help. Fostering with them helps to keep children connected to their schools, friends, and communities. There are many types of fostering to suit different situations....

Genius Tuition Derby

Venue: Genius Tuition Derby

Address: Moore Street 

Website: www.geniustuition.co.uk

With experienced PGCE qualified teachers, Genius Tuition deliver quality teaching and learning with the aim of developing their students academically and socially. To find out more, visit the website.

Kip McGrath

Venue: Kip McGrath Education Centre Derby North

Address: Derby

Website: www.kipmcgrath.co.uk

Kip McGrath help children of all ages and abilities to realise their true potential. Call Andy or Jane at Kip McGrath Education Centre Derby North or book a free, no obligation educational assessment online...

Open Events at Derby High School

Venue: Derby High School

Website: derbyhigh.derby.sch.uk

This autumn, Derby High School invites families to experience its welcoming and supportive environment. Explore the school during the Primary Open Week from Monday 6th to Friday 10th October, with tours...

Places Leisure Parties

Venue: Alfreton Leisure Centre, Ripley Leisure Centre or William Gregg VC Leisure Centre

Address: Derbyshire

Website: www.placesleisure.org

Take the stress out of planning a birthday party and let Places Leisure, part of Places for People, do it for you with a range of options to choose from! Visit the website to find out more and to find...

Razzle Dazzle Pots

Venue: Razzle Dazzle Pots in Mapperley

Website: razzledazzlepots.co.uk

Get into the spirit of the season at Razzle Dazzle Pots. This autumn, the shelves are brimming with bisque shapes perfect for the season - from pumpkin lanterns and spooky figurines to cosy mugs for your...

S4 Swim School

Venue: S4 Swim School - Various Venues

Website: www.s4swimschool.uk

With over fifteen years of experience and known for its nurturing and professional environment, S4 offers small group sessions that prioritise personal attention - helping each swimmer thrive under the...

SpudFest

Venue: Manor Farm Park & Woodlands

Address: East Leake

Website: www.manorfarm.info

Every weekend in September, get ready to forage in the straw and fill your bucket in the indoor potato patch as part of the SpudFest event. There's a free bag of spuds for every paying child to take home....

Let’s Make Christmas 2025

Venue: Derby Museums

Website: derbymuseums.org/event/lets-make-christmas-2025

This year not only will they be featuring beautiful handmade gifts from local makers – they also want to spark your creative side. Make your own and somebody else’s Christmas with kits, books and unique...

Christmas at Chatsworth

Venue: Chatsworth

Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas/

Discover the magic of Christmas at Chatsworth with a decorated house, garden light trail, and seasonal crafts and activities at the farmyard. Pre-booking essential.

The Little Mermaid

Venue: New Vic Theatre

Address: Newcastle-under-Lyme

Website: www.newvictheatre.org.uk/productions/the-little-mermaid/

Dive into a world of magic and wonder this Christmas for a breathtaking adventure beneath the waves! In a colourful coral reef, a young mermaid with a heart full of dreams spends her days hoping for a...

The Wizard of Oz

Venue: Winding Wheel Theatre

Address: 13 Holywell St, Chesterfield

Website: chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/shows/the-wizard-of-oz/

COS bring the ever faithful and exciting Wizard of Oz to the Chesterfield stage, featuring the iconic songs 'Over the Rainbow', 'Follow the Yellow Brick Road' and 'We’re Off To See The Wizard', to name...

Festive Derby

Venue: Derby

Website: www.derbylive.co.uk

There is a massive Festive Derby season! It all kicks off on Thursday 27th November with the Christmas Lights Switch On, featuring the Surtal Arts’ Lantern Parade and the main stage show. Plus, enjoy...

Foster for East Midlands Councils

Venue: Across the East Midlands

Website: fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk

Foster for your council – give a child a safe, loving home. The Foster for East Midlands Councils recruitment hub, run by Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire Councils, will guide...

Genius Tuition Derby

Venue: Genius Tuition Derby

Website: www.geniustuition.co.uk

With experienced and qualified teachers, Genius Tuition deliver quality teaching and learning with the aim of developing their students academically and socially. To find out more, visit the website.

S4 Swim School

Venue: Various Venues

Website: www.s4swimschool.uk

With over fifteen years of experience, S4 remains a trusted name in swimming lessons, offering small, friendly group sessions that build confidence, technique and fun. New students are welcomed with a...

St Giles Hospice Rudolph Run

Venue: You choose your location!

Website: www.stgileshospice.com/rudolphrun

This December, schools and groups across the region are invited to take part in the St Giles Hospice Rudolph Run! Walk, run, or gallop your own festive fun run, at your own pace, in your own space. Each...

Start Your Fitness Journey with Places Leisure

Venue: Alfreton, Ripley, and William Gregg VC Leisure Centre

Website: www.placesleisure.org

With a Premium membership you can benefit from unlimited gym, unlimited swim, unlimited classes and can add up to 4 juniors - T&Cs apply. To find out more, visit the website.

Cinderella

Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/cinderella-2025

Don't miss this year's hilarious, fun-filled, family pantomime Cinderella. With hilarious comedy, beautiful sets and costumes, and a magical cast, Cinderella promises to be their funniest and most spectacular...

Winter Light Trail

Venue: Trentham Gardens

Website: www.winterlighttrail.co.uk/trentham

Be part of the magic at Trentham Winter Light Trail this Christmas! Wander through the illuminated gardens and discover new installations, interactive experiences and enchanting surprises at every turn....

Mayoral Charities Dickensian Christmas Market

Venue: Pavilion Gardens

Address: Buxton

Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/dickensian-christmas-market/

The annual Mayoral Dickensian Market with craft and gift stalls with a Dickensian theme. A day of wonder, entertainment, plenty of stalls, family fun and all for a good cause - supporting charities local...

The Snowman™ at Derbion

Venue: Derbion

Website: www.derbion.com/events/the-snowman-at-derbion/

This nostalgic adventure begins with an exciting and heart-warming, live interpretation of ‘The Snowman™’ – brought to life by performers portraying the well-loved characters from the original...

Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch On and Market

Venue: Chesterfield Town Centre

Website: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events

See the town sparkle with fantastic entertainment and shop for unique treasures as Chesterfield’s annual Christmas Lights Switch On and Market returns. 12pm - 6pm.

The North Pole Adventure

Venue: National Forest Adventure Farm

Website: www.adventurefarm.co.uk

This magical 90-minute journey begins with the new Enchanted Express, an immersive train ride featuring dazzling visuals and surround sound. Guests explore a charming Victorian Village, decorate gingerbread,...

Festive Night Market

Venue: Sadler Gate

Website: lovesadlergate.co.uk/events/night-market

Visit the annual Festive Night Market on Thursday 27th November, 5pm - 9pm! Expect late‑night shopping from their fab indie businesses, unique gifts, fashion, festive treats, plus delicious food, drink,...

Oliver Twist

Venue: Derby Theatre

Website: derbytheatre.co.uk/event/oliver-twist/

Join the courageous young orphan, Oliver on his journey from the workhouse to the streets of Victorian London as he navigates the city’s gritty underworld in search of family, love and a place to call...

The Magical Santa Express

Venue: Statfold Country Park

Website: statfold.com/magicalsantaexpress/

Your enchanting journey will involve boarding a beautifully lit train to see the big man himself in Santa's Grotto, having fun with Mrs Claus and many more magical adventures to follow with the elves!...

Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink 2025

Venue: Derby Market Place

Website: www.festivederby.co.uk/whats-on/

Get your skates on and glide onto this year’s ice rink in the city centre, with views of the Nordic Bar! The covered ice rink has plenty of space to stand and watch. Spectators can join in the fun by...

Cathedral Quarter Santa's Grotto

Venue: Derby Market Hall

Website: www.festivederby.co.uk/whats-on/

Meet their special guest, snap some photos with Santa and the elves and receive a Christmas gift. Derby Market Hall will also have a range of festive treats available to purchase on the day. Suitable for...

Christmas Woodland Wonderland

Venue: Manor Farm Park & Woodlands

Website: www.manorfarm.info/events/view/woodland-wonderland

Visit this festive season for a family day out packed with Christmas cheer! Meet Santa in his woodland grotto, explore the Elves’ Village, write a letter to Santa to post in the special North Pole...

Countdown to Christmas!

Venue: St Werburgh's Church

Website: stwderby.churchsuite.com/events/

Kickstart the festive season with an afternoon of crafts, fun and refreshments for all the family! Drop in any time between 2pm and 4pm. Entry and all activities are free!

Derby's Ethical Christmas Market

Venue: Derby Market Hall

Website: www.festivederby.co.uk/whats-on/

Shop ethically for Christmas at Derby's Ethical Christmas Market. With 30 ethical and sustainable businesses showing you an alternative way to shop. Where every £ spent can change lives for the better....

Festive Entertainment and Music

Venue: Derby City Centre

Website: www.festivederby.co.uk/whats-on/

Get into the Christmas spirit with festive music and entertainment. A delightful range of festive characters, lively singers, heartwarming choirs, and merry brass bands will be spreading cheer and animating...

Nordic Bar

Venue: Derby Market Place

Website: www.festivederby.co.uk/whats-on/

Gather your friends and family together this festive season. Wooden benches, stunning festive foliage arrangements, disco balls and twinkling lights will welcome you in for a seat by the firepit. Relax...

Breakfast with Santa

Venue: Museum of Making

Website: derbymuseums.org/event/breakfast-with-santa-2025

Santa will be visiting the Museum of Making for breakfast. Take the family and have an incredible breakfast from their very own River Kitchen – Santa would love to see your favourite Christmas jumpers...

Santa Specials 2025

Venue: Midland Railway Butterley

Website: www.midlandrailway-Butterley.co.uk

Let Midland Railway Butterley get you into the Christmas spirit with their Santa Special event. The excitement begins as the steam train pulls out of Butterley Station and Santa makes his way down the...

The Derby Santa Run

Venue: Markeaton Park

Website: www.thederbysantarun.co.uk

Organised by Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity, the event welcomes adults, children and even dogs to take part in a 5k festive fun run. Participants can run, jog, walk or dance their way around the course...

Nativity! The Musical

Venue: Regent Theatre

Website: www.atgtickets.com/shows/stage-productions-presents-nativity-the-musical/regent-theatre/

Get ready to sparkle and shine as the festive family favourite Nativity! The Musical bursts onto the stage in a dazzling production brought to you by Stage Productions. Based on the smash-hit Christmas...

Aladdin

Venue: Buxton Opera House

Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/aladdin/

Will Aladdin outsmart evil Aveajaffa and what will his meddlesome mother Dame Twankey have to say? Expect masterful music, mesmerising costumes, and all the pantomime mayhem you know and love! Guaranteed...

Dick Whittington

Venue: Derby Arena

Website: www.festivederby.co.uk/whats-on/dick-whittington/

This Christmas, join Dick Whittington on his search for fame and fortune as he sets off for London where the streets are paved with gold, or are they? Featuring stunning sets, fantastic frocks, and side-splitting...

Sleeping Beauty

Venue: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Website: www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk

When the wicked fairy’s evil curse causes the princess to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an enchanted sleep, can anyone rescue her from the magical slumber before it is too late?...

Breakfast With Santa

Venue: Pavilion Gardens

Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/breakfast-with-santa-3/

Enjoy a breakfast buffet, step into Santa’s Grotto and receive a present and get creative with cookie decorating. A festive morning full of fun, treats, and holiday cheer! 9-11am.

Christmas Fair

Venue: Pavilion Gardens

Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/christmas-fair/

The Octagon Hall and Lounge will have over 50 stalls offering a wonderful mix of Christmas gifts, jewellery, original artwork, photography, ceramics, woodwork, handmade cards, children’s toys and ladies...

Storytime with Father Christmas

Venue: Chatsworth

Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/storytimeplus-with-father-christmas/

Experience a magical family visit to see Father Christmas at the farmyard, plus entry to the decorated house and garden light trail. Children will have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas and have...

Blythe House Jingle Bell Jog 2025

Venue: Pavilion Gardens

Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/blythe-house-jingle-bell-jog/

Run around the gardens dressed as Santa in aid of Blythe House Hospice. The event features a Santa-cise warm up, the 700m children’s fun run at 10.45am, and the 5km Jingle Bell Jog at 11am. Entry includes...

Tortoise and the Hare

Venue: Derby Theatre

Website: derbytheatre.co.uk/event/the-tortoise-and-the-hare/

Get ready to 'shell-abrate' Christmas 2025 in the Derby Theatre Studio with yet another toe-tapping, laugh-out-loud retelling of a children’s classic. Full of puppetry, fantastic storytelling and original...

Step Into Christmas

Venue: Vaillant Live

Website: vaillantlive.co.uk/event/step-into-christmas/71/

This spectacular Christmas concert is the ultimate way to kickstart your festive celebrations, guaranteed to fill your heart with holiday cheer and have you singing along from start to finish. Packed with...

Christmas Jumper Day

Venue: Nationwide

Website: christmas.savethechildren.org.uk

On Thursday 11th December, Save the Children's Christmas Jumper Day is back! It's your big chance to raise money, have fun, and create change for children. Find out more and sign up online to take part.

Merry Elwin The Adventurous Elf

Venue: Chapel Street Arts Centre

Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/merry-elwin-the-adventurous-elf/

Grab your festive passport and join Merry Elwin, a spirited Christmas Elf from the North Pole, on a globe-trekking adventure of a lifetime. Elwin's journey is filled with wonder, joy, and cultural discovery....

Tale Trail to The Little Mermaid

Venue: New Vic Theatre

Website: newvictheatre.org.uk

Tale Trail to The Little Mermaid will transport audiences to a magical underwater world. With plenty of joining in, playful storytelling, and a sprinkle of festive theatre magic, the fully inclusive Tale...

The Snowman – Film with Live Orchestra

Venue: Pavilion Gardens

Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/

Make this Christmas truly unforgettable with a special screening of the beloved festive classic The Snowman, brought to life by a live performance from a professional orchestra. This magical show is perfect...

Cinderella (Pantomime)

Venue: Regent Theatre

Website: www.atgtickets.com/shows/cinderella-pantomime/regent-theatre/

This Christmas, the Regent Theatre invites audiences to the most spectacular ball in the land, with the family pantomime, Cinderella. Will Cinderella make it to the ball? Will the Fairy Godmother work...

Santa’s New Sleigh

Venue: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Website: www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk

Christmas is fast approaching and Santa’s sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be able to create a new sleigh in time or will Christmas be cancelled? With audience participation, sing-along...

Breakfast with Santa

Venue: Statfold Country Park

Website: statfold.com/breakfast-with-santa/

Why not spend the morning with Santa and his two elves Twinkle and Sparkle, enjoying a delicious breakfast, set within the stunning National Fairground Museum? Also 20th and 21st December.

Breakfast with Santa

Venue: Pavilion Gardens

Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/breakfast-with-santa-3/

Enjoy a breakfast buffet, step into Santa’s Grotto and receive a present and get creative with cookie decorating. A festive morning full of fun, treats, and holiday cheer! 9-11am.

St Peter's Quarter Christmas Market

Venue: St Peter’s Church

Website: stpetersquarter.co.uk/events/

Explore a wonderful selection of festive gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats, perfect for Christmas shopping and soaking up the holiday atmosphere. Enjoy the twinkling lights, delicious aromas, and community...

The Elves and the Shoemaker

Venue: Pavilion Arts Centre

Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/the-elves-and-the-shoemaker/

It's nearly Christmas and the elves are on a mission... who can they help tonight? Will it be the kind, hardworking shoemaker? Can they use their magic to work through the night and save the day? A classic...

Festive Fun Run

Venue: Tamworth Castle Grounds

Website: www.tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk

Enjoy a festive, family-friendly, fun run! Active Wellbeing for Tamworth Borough Council and Tamworth Castle Grounds Parkrun are excited to be hosting this event in support of the Tamworth Wellbeing Cancer...

A Christmas Carol

Venue: Buxton Opera House

Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/

A vibrant 30-minute adaptation of Dickens' classic story performed by a local community cast as part of the Crescent Heritage Trust's Buxton Through the Shop Window project.

The Albion Christmas Band

Venue: New Vic Theatre

Website: newvictheatre.org.uk

The Albion Christmas Show is a seasonal mixture of carols, spoken word and humorous readings. It really is the perfect way to start your festivities. This year will see material chosen by the band from...

Bublé Christmas by Candlelight

Venue: Derby Cathedral

Website: derbycathedral.org/events/

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Derby Cathedral with this ultimate feel-good, sing-along concert, guaranteed to bring all the Christmas cheer and have you dancing in the aisles! A spectacular...

Christmas by Candlelight

Venue: Derby Cathedral

Website: derbycathedral.org/events/concerts/christmas-by-candlelight/

Join a spectacular cast of West End singers and incredible live band, as they perform your favourite Christmas hits. Featuring sing-along classics, this uplifting concert is the perfect way to celebrate...

Festive Snow Globe & Walkaround Acts

Venue: Derby Market Place – Waterfall

Website: www.derbycathedralquarter.co.uk/events/snow-globe-2025/

Step inside the giant snow globe at the Waterfall on Derby Market Place to capture the perfect Christmas photo, complete with a festive backdrop. Get your cameras ready, strike a pose, and take home a...

Sharpe’s Studio: Clay Play!

Venue: Sharpe’s Pottery Museum

Website: www.sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk/event/clay-play-3/

A fun, hands-on family activity where children and adults alike can explore the wonderful world of clay. Guided by the friendly volunteers, you’ll learn simple techniques to mould, shape, and decorate...

Festive Films – The Grinch (2018)

Venue: Assembly Rooms Cinema - Tamworth Assembly Rooms

Website: www.tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk

The Assembly Rooms invites you to enjoy some festive classics on their full sized cinema screen this holiday season! A grumpy Grinch plots to ruin Christmas for the village of Whoville.

Family Nativity Service

Venue: Derby Cathedral

Website: derbycathedral.org/events/

The short Nativity Service is ideal for young families. The Angel Gabriel narrates the Christmas story, and he is always grateful to have lots of little helpers! Your little ones are encouraged to dress...

The Three Little Pigs The Musical

Venue: Buxton Opera House

Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/three-little-pigs-2026/

Get ready for a funny and heart-warming adventure in The Three Little Pigs The Musical - a fresh take on the classic story that’ll have you squealing with glee and howling with laughter! This version...

Bluey's Big Play

Venue: Regent Theatre

Website: www.atgtickets.com/shows/blueys-big-play/regent-theatre/

Based on a brand-new story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, with music by series composer Joff Bush, Bluey’s Big Play is bursting with fun, games, and family moments audiences know and love. Featuring brilliantly...

Circus Spectacular

Venue: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Website: www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/circus-spectacular/

The circus is coming to town! Featuring international circus acts, amazing magic and lots of laughs. Circus Spectacular will have everyone laughing and cheering along in this fantastic circus style variety show.

Clay Play!

Venue: Sharpe’s Pottery Museum

Website: www.sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk/event/clay-play-5/

A fun, hands-on family activity where children and adults alike can explore the wonderful world of clay. Guided by the friendly volunteers, you’ll learn simple techniques to mould, shape, and decorate...

Chinese New Year Extravaganza

Venue: Pavilion Arts Centre

Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/chinese-new-year-extravaganza-2026/

Jinlong is back with the Chinese New Year Extravaganza, an unforgettable show filled with vibrant colours, awe-inspiring performances, and endless fun! This sensational event brings one of the biggest...

Pop Princesses

Venue: Buxton Opera House

Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/pop-princesses-2025/

This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa and Lizzo, plus a few of the...

Dino Tales

Venue: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Website: www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk

Calling all dinosaur rangers – Jurassic Rescue needs your help! There’s a baby Ankylosaurus that needs rescuing before The Doc gets his evil hands on it… With a captivating story and an entire herd...

Dino Tales

Venue: Tamworth Assembly Rooms

Website: www.tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk

Calling all dinosaur rangers - Jurassic Rescue needs your help! There's a baby Ankylosaurus that needs rescuing before The Doc gets his evil hands on it… With a captivating story and an entire herd of...

The Gruffalo’s Child

Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/the-gruffalos-child

The perfect wintery production adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning storybook. Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation....