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The upcoming Christmas break tends to feel like a holiday of two halves: all the exciting festive events leading up to the big day and then that funny ‘betwixtmas’ time where plans are loose, most people are still in relax-mode but the kids need to burn off some steam or at least be kept busy. As usual, we’ve searched far and wide on your behalf to compile a bumper What’s On guide to the Christmas holidays with something to suit everyone – from winter trails, carol singing and stately homes to Christmas crafting, Santa experiences and family NYE parties!
We’ll keep adding more if we spot them so don’t forget to check back during the coming weeks. And feel free to drop us a message if you know of something we’ve missed!
However you choose to spend it, we wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Attractions (by location)
Calke Abbey Riding School
Christmas Market
Fri 20 to Mon 23 Dec – 10am to 6.30pm
See the House and St Giles Church decked for Christmas, discover the parkland after dark in the tunnels, bump into Father Christmas and Mrs Clause (weekends) and explore Calke lit up in festive lights. FREE event but normal admission fees apply.
More info here
Cathedral Green, Derby
Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink
Until Tue 31 Dec
Get your skates on and glide onto this year’s ice rink at Cathedral Green, with views of the Nordic Bar, and a twinkling backdrop of festive trees.
Book here
Chatsworth House
A Christmas Feast
Until Sun 05 Jan
Immerse yourself in a feast for the senses with the magic and wonder of a new festive story, Henry and the Lion’s Christmas Feast. Tickets provide entry to the house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground.
Tickets: adults from £32.00; children (3-16s) from £8.00; under 2s free
Book here
Clumber Park National Trust
Walking with the Snowman
Until Sun 05 Jan
Find 12 giant Snowman sculptures across the park, each decorated with designs inspired by the song The Twelve Days of Christmas with themes of friendship, imagination and adventure. FREE trail but normal admission fees apply.
More info here
Heights of Abraham
Lights of Abraham
Until Mon 30 Dec
Take a moonlit cable car flight across the river and above an avenue of colour in addition to all the usual attractions.
Tickets: from £21; under 3s free
Book here
Kedleston Hall
Christmas at Kedleston Hall
Until Sun 05 Jan
Lots of fun family activities including an advent trail, wreath making, choir performances and craft sessions. FREE trail but normal admission fees apply.
More info here
Matlock Farm Park
New Years Day Brunch
Wed 01 Jan – 10am to 3pm
Brunch will be served in the licensed café, Rainforest coffee lounge and outdoor food outlets from 10am. Reduced entry fee for everyone – does not include food and drink. No booking required.
Tickets: £7.95 (under 2s free)
More info here
Peak Wildlife Park
Santa’s Grotto
Thu 19 to Tue 24 Dec
Meet polar bears, penguins, meerkats and more then book your tickets to see Santa too!
Tickets: from £14.95 plus day ticket entry
Book here
Snowsports Centre, Swadlincote
Christmas Activity Day
Sat 28 Dec – 12 to 3pm
3 hours of sno-tubing, tobogganing and viper sliding. For ages 4+. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. Includes a snack and unlimited squash.
Tickets: £25
Book here
Sudbury – The Children’s Country House
Once Upon a Time
Until Mon 06 Jan – 10am to 4pm
Step inside a fairytale as The Children’s Country House transforms into a Cinderella story this Christmas. Breakfast with Father Christmas also available.
More info here
Twycross Zoo
Christmas at The Gruffalo Discovery Land
Until Tue 24 Dec
Gruffalo Discovery Land is brimming with magical moments for you and your family this festive season. Just step into the deep dark wood and you’ll see.
Tickets: adults £38; children £32; under 3s £14
Book here
Carols and Church Events (by date)
Christmas Tree Festival FREE
Christ Church Belper
Until Tue 24 Dec – 10am to 6.30pm (except during services)
Lots of beautifully-decorated trees and a children’s trail.
More info here
Christmas at St Werburgh’s FREE
St Werburgh’s Church, Derby
Sun 22 Dec – 6.30pm (traditional carols)
Tue 24 Dec – 3pm (nativity)
More info here
Christmas Services FREE
Around Belper
Sun 22 Dec
St Swithun’s – 3pm (carols)
St Mark’s – 6pm (carols)
St Peter’s – 6pm (carols)
Tue 24 Dec
St Mark’s – 4pm (Christingle)
St Peter’s – 6pm (Christingle)
More info here
Candles and Carols FREE
Wellspring Church, Wirksworth
Sun 22 Dec – 6pm
More info here
Christmas Events FREE
Ashbourne Elim
Sun 22 – 5pm (live nativity)
Tue 24 – 4pm (carols by candlelight)
Wed 25 – 12.30pm (Christmas Day party)
More info here
Christmas Carols
The National Memorial Arboretum
Mon 23 Dec – 6pm
A joyous evening of musical performance under the twinkling trees in Heroes’ Square featuring Arboretum Associate Partner Black Voices, Aliyah Wiggins, Lichfield Gospel Choir and the Reggae Choir.
Tickets: adults £12; children £6
Book here
Family Christingle Service FREE
Allestree Woodlands Church
Tue 24 Dec – 4pm
More info here
Christmas Eve Crib Service FREE
All Saint’s, Ripley
Tue 24 Dec – 4pm
More info here
Ashbourne Carol Singing FREE
Market Place
Tue 24 Dec – 7.30 to 8.15pm
Music by Ashbourne Town Band and the nativity story.
More info here
Kids’ Classes and Activities (by date)
Family Films
The Ritz, Belper
Fri 13 Dec to Thu 09 Jan – Wicked
Sat 14 Dec to Thu 26 Dec – Paddington in Peru
Fri 20 Dec to Sun 05 Jan – Moana 2
Fri 27 Dec to Thu 09 Jan – Mufasa
Book here
Derbyshire Toy Libraries Christmas Specials
Tue 16 Dec – Crich Glebe Field Centre
Wed 17 Dec – Grassmoor Community Centre
Thu 18 Dec – Belper Community Centre
All 9.30 to 11am
Mince pie and present for every child included. No booking needed.
£4 per child; additional siblings/adults £1; under 5 months free More info about Derbyshire Toy Libraries here
Christmas Story Time FREE
Ashbourne Library
Tue 17 Dec – 10.15 to 11am
Christmas Crafting FREE
Ilkeston Library
Tue 17 Dec – 1.30 to 3pm
TinyTalk Christmas Specials
St Mark’s Church, Openwoodgate, Belper
Tue 17 & Fri 20 – 10am & 11.30am
Join Kath for some magical festive fun, full of baby sign language. Not forgetting a cuppa and a catch up at the end of the session!
Book here
Grinchmas Party
Genesis Soft Play, Alfreton
Wed 18 Dec – 4 to 6pm
Party with the Grinch, festive picnic box, party bag, party games, Grinch balloon and sweet cone.
Tickets: £13.95
Pre-booking essential – 01773 417014
Christmas Singalong Party
Wirksworth Library
Thu 19 Dec – 2 to 3pm
Dance, sing and shake your festive thing at this singalong party with very special guests!
Kids’ Christmas Crafts – Santa Special
Denby Pottery Village
Thu 19 & Fri 20 Dec – 10 to 10.50am
A fun and festive craft session for toddlers and ‘big kids’ alike with a surprise visit from Santa.
Tickets: £13.95 per child (add on the festive trail for £3)
Book here
Christmas Crafts FREE
Heanor Library
Sat 21 Dec – 10am to 12pm
Family Christmas Craft FREE
Swadlincote Library
Sat 21 Dec – 10am to 12pm
Make a fun tree decoration to take home
Family Festive Films FREE
Infinite Wellbeing, Heanor
Sat 21 Dec – 1.30 & 3pm
No need to book
More info here
CANVAS Family Fun Day FREE
Derby Theatre (inside Derbion)
Sun 22 Dec – 11am to 1.30pm
Fun family activities for ages 0-5 and their families (older siblings welcome). Treasure hunt, story-telling, dance, baby sensory zone, music activities, arts and crafts. No booking required.
Instagram @canvasderby
Children’s Christmas Afternoon Tea
Infusion Teahouse
Sun 22 Dec – 12 to 2pm
A special festive afternoon tea consisting of a selection of sandwiches, savoury goodies, sweet treas and a Christmas cupcake for your child. Includes a cold drink for the child and a hot drink for the adult. Stories and games with Santa and his Elf.
Tickets: £25 for one child and one adult
Book on Fb Messenger or email sarapoyner@infusionteahouse.onmicrosoft.com
Secret Cinema – Festive Family Movie Afternoon FREE
St Peter’s Church, Belper
Sun 22 & 29 Dec – 1pm
Sun 22 – wear your onesie, pyjamas or Christmas jumper
Sun 29 – wear your favourite princess dress or superhero costumeContact St Peter’s Church to find out which films are being shown.
More info here
Christmas Craft and Trail FREE
Ilkeston Library
Mon 23 Dec – 1 to 3.30pm
Find the elves on the shelves and make an elf and reindeer
Christmas Crafts FREE
Buxton Library
Mon 23 Dec – 10am to 12pm
Christmas Story Time FREE
Swadlincote Library
Mon 23 Dec – 10.30 to 11am
Old and New Christmas stories for under 8s.
Winter Holiday Club
Infinite Wellbeing, Heanor
Mon 23 & Tue 24 Dec; Thu 02 & Fri 03 Jan – 9am to 1pm
Fun holiday club for primary school aged children who are entitled to Free School Meals.
More info here
Christmas Eve FREE
Collective Hub, Swadlincote
Tue 24 Dec – 10am to 2pm
Festive biscuit decorating, reindeer food making, party games and dances plus other crafts and activities.
More info here
Budding Baker Christmas Workshops with Three Bears Cookery
The Fellowship Room, St Matthews Church, Darley Abbey
Fri 27 Dec – 10am to 12.30pm (Snowman cookies)
Fri 03 Jan – 10am to 12.30pm (Double chocolate pinata cupcakes)
Everything is included in the workshop along with refreshments and craft activities while your bakes are in the oven. Plus you get to take away your yummy bakes along with the recipe card. Suitable for ages 2 and over though under 8s need to be accompanied by an adult.
£18 per child (10% sibling discount)
Book here
Imagination Gaming FREE
Buxton Library
Fri 27 Dec & Thu 02 Jan – 10am to 2pm
Learning and playing some of the coolest, smartest, most fast-witted and amusing board games from across the world. Booking essential.
Book via 01629 533460
Imagination Gaming FREE
Ilkeston Library
Mon 30 Dec & Fri 03 Jan – 10am to 2pm
Learning and playing some of the coolest, smartest, most fast-witted and amusing board games from across the world. Booking essential.
Book via 01629 533275
Outdoors (by date)
Derby Lantern Sculpture Trail FREE
Various Locations
Until Tue 31 Dec
Commissioned by Surtal Arts with support from Arts Council, eight emerging artists from Derby and Derbyshire will create 11 stunning giant lantern sculptures in a trail through the city.
More info here
Winter Footprints Trail FREE
Ilam Park, Dovedale
Until Sun 05 Jan
Join us on a self-guided adventure to uncover the hidden footprints of our winter wildlife. Track down all 10 and see if you can identify the creatures that they belong to.
More info here
Elf Trail
Shipley Country Park
Sat 21 to Sun 29 Dec – 10.30am to 2pm
Find the clue cards to help you complete the Elf’s activity sheet and receive a candy cane. £2 per child. Sheets available from the Visitor Centre.
Children's Christmas Treasure Hunt and Woodland Adventure
Shining Cliff Woods
Sun 22 Dec
A family session sprinkled with Christmas woodland magic. Tickets: £16.50
Book here
Boxing Day Raft Race FREE
Matlock
Thu 26 Dec
Decorated rafts are paddled down the Derwent from Matlock, through Matlock Bath and final reach the finishing line at Cromford Meadows in aid of the RNLI.
More info here
Kids Woodland Adventures with Woodland Connections
Shining Cliff Woods
Sun 29 Dec – 11am to 2pm
Take a break and enjoy some quiet time over the Christmas period whilst you drop the kids off with us for some adventures outdoors!
Book here
Or why not join Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s 12 Days Wild? Discover some winter wildlife and do some wild acts to help nature from Wed 25 Dec to Sun 05 Jan.
For more info or to sign up for daily inspiration, click here
Parties (by date)
Daytime Disco FREE
Belper Coop Shops
Thu 19 Dec – 4 to 7pm
Dancing fun plus a Solstice/Festive art activity. Just drop in.
Find out more here
Christmas Parties
Little Moo’s Play Barn
Sat 21 Dec – 10am to 12pm (0-5s); 1 to 3pm (0-5s)
Sun 22 Dec – 1.30 to 3.30pm (under 1s)
Udderly magical activities!
More info on Instagram @littlemoosplaybarn
Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Party
Moorways Sports Village
Sun 22 Dec – 11am to 12.30pm or 1pm to 2.30pm
Santa’s Grotto with present, meet and greet including Elsa and Santa, tuck shop and sweet stall, best fancy dress competition, festive games, party bags, soft play fun.
Tickets: £15 children (adults free)
More info on Instagram @everyoneactive_moorwayssv
SEN Christmas Party
Genesis Soft Play, Alfreton
Sun 22 Dec – 4.30 to 6.30pm
A magical party designed just for SEN families including a visit from Santa with a gift for each child, party games and activities, a party bag, decorate a cupcake competition, soft music and low light plus a hot drink and tasty mince pie for parents/carers.
Tickets: £11.95
Pre-booking essential – call 01773 417014
The Grinch’s Disco
Buttermilk Coffee House
Sun 22 Dec – 3 to 5pm
Enjoy dancing, games, face glitter, pass the parcel, delicious snacks and a party bag to take home. Spaces are limited. Suitable for age 1+.Tickets: £17.95
Book here
Meet Elsa
Buttermilk Coffee House
Mon 23 Dec – 1 to 3pm
Dancing, games, face glitter, pass the parcel, delicious snacks and a party bag.
Book here
Fake New Year’s Eve Party
Riddings Community Centre
Tue 31 Dec – 7 to 9pm
More info and book via bookings@riddingsparkcommunitycentre.com or 07506 870766
Family Friendly NYE Party
Electric Daisy, Derby
Tue 31 Dec – 5 to 9pm
Live music, sparklers, mud kitchen, early countdown, street food, bar and toasted marshmallows!
Tickets: £4 pp or £14 family ticket (2 adults, 2 children)
Book here
Family Rave
Twinlakes Park
Tue 31 Dec – 10am to 5pm
Slip into your favourite party outfit and crank up the energy as the fantastic Twinlakes DJ spins the high-energy beats beneath vibrant lights! Games, crafts, countdown, photo ops.
Tickets: over 108cm £15.25; 95-108cm £10.88; under 95cm free
Book here
Santa Experiences (by location)
Calke Abbey
Breakfast with Santa
Sat 21 & Sun 22 Dec – 8.30 to 10.30am
Start your day with a hearty breakfast and enjoy a visit from Father Christmas, who will be stopping by with gifts for all good boys and girls. Pre-booking essential.
Book here
Denby Pottery Village
Afternoon Tea with Santa
Until Sun 22 Dec
Enjoy a fun and festive Afternoon Tea with Santa, upstairs at Bourne’s Coffee Shop & Bistro. Includes story time with Santa, festive games with Santa’s Helpers and a small Christmas craft gift bag for every child.
Book here
Denby Pottery Village
Breakfast with Mrs Claus
Mon 23 & Tue 24 Dec – 9 to 11am
Storytime and festive games with with Mrs Claus, as well as a small Christmas craft gift bag for every child.
Book here
Denby Pottery Village
Magical Santa Experience
Until Tue 24 Dec
Enjoy a personalised visit to meet Santa in his cosy cabin, receive an elf observation report and hand-pick a present from a large selection of gifts for all ages.
‘Special midweek offer – visit for £16 with code BOOMSANTA24
Book here
Derbion Shopping Centre
Santa’s Magic Cabin
Until Tue 24 Dec
Book your tickets now to meet Santa, his elves and Snowy Joey.
Book here
Derby Museum and Art Gallery
Christmas Grotto
Until Sun 22 Dec
Meet Santa, snap some photos and receive a special gift in the magical surroundings of the Museum’s atmospheric wood-panelled Jacobite Room with its cosy fireplace. Festive trail. Coffee House open. Drop in available but booking advised. Ages 0-12.
Tickets: £4.50
Book here
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Santa’s Enchanted Journey
Sat 21 to Tue 24 Dec
Help Santa complete Mrs Claus’ to do list!
Tickets: from £40 for table of 2
Book here
Erewash Museum
Story with Santa
Sat 21 Dec
Join Santa in his cosy reading corner to hear a festive story, sing songs and receive a present. Make magic reindeer food, create a Christmas decoration and receive a festive party bag containing a delicious snack.
Tickets: £7
Book a timeslot (essential) – museum@erewash.gov.uk or 0115 907 1141
Ilam Park, Dovedale
Breakfast with Father Christmas
Sat 21 & Sun 22 Dec – 9 to 10.30am
Enjoy a traditional English breakfast in the Manifold Tea Room and meet our special guest, Father Christmas!
Tickets: adults £20; children (3+) £15; 2s and under £5
Book here
Kedleston Country House
Singalong with Santa
Sun 22 Dec – 11am to 4pm
Come along and meet Santa Claus in his magical grotto! Discover who has been naughty or nice, sing festive songs together, and tell him what’s on your Christmas list.Tickets: children £15
Book here
Kedleston Hall
Breakfast with Father Christmas
Sat 21 Dec – 8 to 9am
The elves will greet you on arrival and Father Christmas will provide gifts and photo opportunities.
Book here
Midland Railway
Santa Special Trains
Sat 21 to Tue 24 Dec
Sit back and let us get you into the Christmas Spirit with our Santa Special Event.
Tickets: from £14.95
Book here
Peak Rail
Santa Specials
Sat 21 to Tue 24 Dec
Santa and his helpers will help you get Christmas off to a magical start.
Tickets: from £40 for table of 2
Book here
The Play Village, Ashbourne
Father Christmas Experience/Breakfast with Santa
Sat 21 to Tue 24 Dec
Delight in a magical encounter with Father Christmas in his enchanting grotto. 2 hours of themed role play in the beautifully decorated village. Christmas gifts, songs, stories and food/drinks.
Tickets: Father Christmas Experience £24.50 per child; Breakfast with Santa £19.50 per child
Book here
Theatre (by location)
Belper Community Hall
Polaris the Snow Bear
Sat 21 Dec – 4pm
A classic Badapple Productions family show for ages 4+, with comedy, puppets, songs, mayhem and a touch of snowy wonder!
Tickets: adults £12.50; children £8.50
Book here
Bolsover Castle
The Magic Miner’s Lantern: A Winter’s Tale FREE
Wed to Sun until 05 Jan – 10am to 4pm
Audio drama at Bolsover Castle
Find out more here https://fabulists.weebly.com/the-magic-miners-lantern.html
Buxton Opera House
Jack and the Beanstalk
Until Wed 01 Jan
Jack and his mother live a simple life, until one day Jack acquires some magic beans from the market and grows his very own giant beanstalk. The place he discovers at the top of the beanstalk is beyond his wildest dreams.
Tickets: from £19.50 - £28
Book here
Derby Arena
Cinderella
Until Tue 31 Dec
Everyone gets to go to the ball with Derby’s annual pantomime spectacular.
Tickets: from £24
Book here
Derby QUAD
Fairy Tale: An Adventure with Lockheart and Hawkins
Until Fri 03 Jan
An Oxford University Professor is thrust into a world of fantasy and adventure on a secret mission across Europe, steeped in fairy tales and folklore.
Tickets: from £14.50
Book here
Derby Theatre
A Christmas Carol
Until Sat 04 Jan
An exciting, magical and vibrant adaptation of Charles Dickens’ treasured novel, recommended for audiences aged 7+.
Tickets: from £15
Book here
Derby Theatre
Chicken Licken
Until Sat 04 Jan
Expect beautiful puppetry, fantastic storytelling, amazing live music and original songs. Suitable for age 3+.
Tickets: from £15
Book here
Nottingham Play House
The Ugly Duckling
Until Sat 04 Jan
A brand-new version of a classic tale, filled with music and magic. Perfect for ages 3-8.
Book here
Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton
Rumpelstiltskin
Until Mon 23 Dec
A new spin on the traditional tale, exploring Rumpelstiltskin’s story as it’s never been seen before, featuring puppetry, songs and so much more to keep your little ones entertained!
Tickets: £9
Book here
The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton Upon Trent
The Night Before, The Night Before Christmas
Sat 21 to Tue 24 Dec
Join the Babbling Vagabonds for their enchanting Christmas show. Follow two brothers on a quest to collect all the words in the world, only to be swept into magical adventures by a swirling snowstorm. Mischievous goats, clever hedgehogs and a funny little man spinning straw into gold with puppets, storytelling, shadow play and pop-ups to delight the whole family.
Tickets: adults £15; children £12
Book here
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