*updated for 2025*
Here is the 2025 main Christmas Bumper Blog Post with everything going on in Derby for kids and families this festive season.
If you’re looking for a more specific round up then take a look at our other blog posts including:
As for the all the rest of the 2025 Christmas Events, take a look at the headings below and explore everything there is to do in the local area this Christmas.
Derby Christmas Events
- Family Friendly Christmas Markets
- Parks, Gardens, Stately Homes and National Trust
- Farms and other Christmas Days Out
- Christmas Train Experiences
- Council Events, Libraries and Community Events
- Indoor Play, Role Play and Kids Parties
- Shopping Centres and In Store Events
- Museum, Galleries and Theatre Activities
- Baby and Toddler Classes and Parties
Family Friendly Christmas Markets
FESTIVE DERBy – Derby city centre
Dates: Opens 27th November 2025
About: Nordic Bar, Ice Rink, Festive Light Trail
Prices: Free Entry. Charges apply for ice skating and some other activities
Derby Market Hall
Cathedral Quarter Santa’s Grotto
About: A festive grotto experience where children meet Santa and his elves, take their own photo, receive a small gift, and complete a festive trail.
Dates: 29/30 Nov, 6/7, 13/14, 19-24 Dec 2025
Prices: £4.50 per child
Derby’s Parks, Gardens, Stately Homes and National Trust
Markeaton Park
Family Festivities
Dates: Sat 6 Dec – 7 Dec from 11am
About: Enjoy festive food, music, Christmas crafts, free Elf Trail and much more
Prices: Free entry, some activities have charges, parking charges apply
ELVASTON CASTLE
Frozen Adventure
Dates: Sun 14 December 11am and 1.30pm
About: Step into a Christmas fairy tale, as your little ones enjoy a morning or afternoon with Elsa and Anna at Elvaston Castle.
Prices: £30 (1 child and 1 adult)
Meet Father Christmas
Dates: Monday 15 – Thursday 18 December 4.30-6.30pm
About: Meet Father Christmas in his cosy cottage, followed by activities and food with the elves in the castle.
Prices: £20 (1 child and 1 adult)
Creswell Crags
Santa’s Little Helpers’ Workshop
Date: Sat 29 Nov, Sat 6 Dec, Sat 13 Dec, Sat 20 Dec – 10.15 am & 11.45 am
Price: £10 per child – includes gift from Santa (adult free)
Santa’s Winter Hideaway
Date: Sat 29 Nov, Sat 6 Dec, Sat 13 Dec, Sat 20 Dec – 2 pm
Price: £10 per child – includes gift from Santa / £8 per adult – not suitable for under 5s
Abominable Snowman
Date: Sun 30 Nov, Sun 7 Dec, Sun 14 Dec, Sun 21 Dec – 10.30 am & 2 pm
Price: £10 per child (includes gift) / £8 per adult – not suitable for under 5s
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – Harley Gallery Trail
Date: 4 Oct to 4 Jan
Price: £1.50 trail sheet
Calke Abbey
Christmas at Calke
Dates: Fri 28 Nov – Tue 23 Dec, 10am-6.30pm
About: See the House and St Giles Church decked for Christmas from 11am – 3.30pm (last entry 3pm).
Discover the parkland after dark in the tunnels from 11am – 6.30pm (last entry 6.15pm).
Explore Calke lit up in festive lights from 4pm – 6.30pm.
Price: Included with Admission, free for NT members
Sudbury Hall
Once upon a Time at The Children’s Country House at Sudbury
Dates: Fri 21 Nov 2025 – Mon 5 Jan 2026
About: Step inside a fairytale as The Children’s Country House transforms into a Pinocchio story this Christmas.
Price: Included with Admission, no booking required
KEDLESTON HALL
Advent Trail at Kedleston
Dates: Fri 29 Nov 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026, 9-4pm
About: The trail along the surfaced ‘short walk’ path will lead you to find 25 doors for advent. Open each one for a festive challenge, question or discovery. Dogs on leads welcome.
Price: Included with Admission, no booking required
Father Christmas at Kedleston
Dates: 6/7, 13/14, 20-23 December 2025 11-2pm
About: Whether you are calling in for a walk, or visiting the Hall to see the Christmas decorations, you may bump into Father Christmas as he explores the site.
Price: Included with Admission, no booking required
Farms and Other Christmas Days Out
National forest adventure farm
North Pole Adventure
About: This magical journey, lasting over an hour and a half, transports you straight to the heart of the wondrous North Pole. Your tickets also include access to the Adventure Farm
Dates: 29/30th November, 6/7th, 12-14th. 19-24th December 2025
Price: £29-£56
Bluebell Dairy
Santa’s Enchanted Christmas 2025
About: The most magical and interactive Christmas event in Derbyshire! Each child ticket includes a toy from the chimney, a bear to take home from the Create-a-Bear workshop with the elves, a delicious hot chocolate (for adults too), access to the Farm Park from 9:30am, two captivating shows, a magical visit to see Santa, time to relax in the cosy Alpine Bar, and the chance to collect your special gift from the enchanting Toyshop.
Dates: Selected dates 29th November – 24th December
Price: Children £39.50-£49.50, Adults: £23.50-£28.50, babies under 1 FREE (no gift)
Matlock Farm Park
The Christmas Experience 2025
About: Includes: Entry to the Farm Park for the whole day! Reindeer food to take home for children, Decoration to take home for children, Letter for Santa, Grotto entry, Photo opportunities, Naughty or Nice check, Quality gift for Children, Return general entry day pass
Dates: Selected dates 29th November – 24th December
Price: Children £39.50-£49.50, Adults: £23.50-£28.50, babies under 1 FREE (no gift)
Breakfast with Santa
About: The most magical and interactive Christmas event in Derbyshire! Each child ticket includes a toy from the chimney, a bear to take home from the Create-a-Bear workshop with the elves, a delicious hot chocolate (for adults too), access to the Farm Park from 9:30am, two captivating shows, a magical visit to see Santa, time to relax in the cosy Alpine Bar, and the chance to collect your special gift from the enchanting Toyshop.
Dates: Selected dates 29th November – 24th December
Price: £27.50, Under 2s £10-15
CHURCH FARM ANSLOW
About: A festive breakfast session every Saturday and Sunday from 9 am, with a visit from Santa and a special gift for children.
Dates: Saturdays & Sundays 29th Nov-21st Dec
Prices: £28 children, £25 Adults
Honey Hope Farm, Duffield
Tinsel & Tidings – Santa’s Grotto & Christmas Market
About: A festive market accompanied by a “visit Santa” grotto. Includes stalls, seasonal activities and family-friendly fun at the farm.
Dates: 13th December
Prices: Free entry, Santa’s Grotto is £15
Woodisde Grove CAMPSITE
Santa’s Farm Park Experience
About: A visit to the farm park , meet Santa in his grotto, a present from Santa and crafts with the elves.
Dates: 29th & 30th November, 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th, 20th & 21st December
Prices: £15 per child
* FURTHER AFIELD * Alton Towers*, Warwick Castle*, Drayton Manor all have big Christmas Events on that you may wish to look into!
Christmas Train Experiences
PEAK RAIL – Rowsley South, Derbyshire
Santa Specials 2025
About: A magical steam-train ride through the Derwent Valley departing from Rowsley South. Children receive a gift, snack and drink; adults enjoy a glass of wine and mince pie. Santa visits each table/compartment during the journey.
Dates: Weekends in December plus Monday 22, Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 Dec
Prices: £40-£130 (Tickets sold in tables)
MIDLAND RAILWAY – Butterley
Santa Special Trains 2025
About: Festive steam-train rides from Butterley Station. Children meet Santa on board and receive gifts, cookies and colouring supplies. After the ride, enjoy a heated marquee with a puppet show and animatronics.
Dates: Selected dates between 30 November – 24 December 2025
Prices: Adult: £18.95-£20.95, Child: £16.95-£18.95, Baby: £4.95-£6.95, Private compartment (up to 6): £132-£152
Steeple Grange Light Railway
Steeple Grange Santa Special
About: Children aged 12 and under will receive a present from Santa.Rides on the Elf Train and refreshments for all are included in the ticket
Dates: 6th and 7th December 2025
Prices: £10
Garden Centres, Sport and Leisure
Spring Lakes watersports centre
See Also: Winter Light Trails
Santa’s Grotto
About: Each ticket includes entry for 1 child & up to 2 adults/guests into the grotto with Santa, for a photo opportunity & of course a wrapped present to take away.
Prior too & following your visit to see Father Christmas, please enjoy a stroll through our festive light walk and maybe indulge in a mulled wine, hot chocolate or some sweet & savoury treats!
Dates: 5th-7th, 12-14th, 18-23rd December
Price: £9.50 per child, 2 children together £16.50
Tea time with Frozen
Dates: Friday 12th December 5pm
Prices: Children: £13.50, Adults £6.50
Breakfast with Frozen
Dates: Saturday 13th December 9am
Prices: Children: £13.50 Adults £6.50
Breakfast with Mrs Claus
Dates: Sunday 14th December 9am
Prices: Children: £13.50 Adults £6.50
Teatime with the Elves
Dates: Friday 19th December 5pm
Prices: Children: £13.50 Adults £6.50
Breakfast with Santa
Dates: Sunday 14th December 9am
Prices: Children: £13.50 Adults £6.50
Dobbies Derby
Date: Sunday 23 Nov | 11am
About: Get into the festive spirit and build memories by coming down to our FREE Santa’s arrival event at your local Dobbies. We will give him a big community welcome with local groups and performers, special treats for all the family and photo opportunities with big guy himself.
Price: FREE
Date: 23,27.29,30 Nov – 6/7, 13/14, 19-24 Dec 2025
About: You’ll receive a warm welcome from the elves before you take part in our North Pole adventure. Children will get to experience snowy scenes, ice fish with the penguins, help the polar bears improve their ice hockey skills, shoot some snowball hoops and see where Santa’s reindeer live, all before getting the chance to meet Santa himself.
Price: £11 per child
Date: 29/30 Nov, 6/7, 13/14, 19-24 Dec 2025
About: Start the festive season with a morning full of magic: a cooked breakfast, a “Build‑a‑Buddy” soft toy activity, meeting Santa, and festive games. Children (3+ years) build their own toy and take it home; under‑3s get a pre‑made toy to decorate
Price: Children from £18‑£20 (depending on date) including toy, breakfast & activities; Adults from £9; event suited to children aged 3‑10 years.
MARKEATON GARDEN CENTRE
Santa’s Grotto at Markeaton
About: Santa’s on his way — and he’s bringing the magic with him! Visit Santa in his grotto and receive a gift.
Dates: Sat 13 & Sun 14 Dec 12pm–3pm, Sat 20 & Sun 21 Dec 12pm–3pm, Christmas Eve 11am–2pm
Prices: £9.50 per child (includes gift), NO BOOKING REQUIRED
Planters Bretby
Real Reindeers
About: Reindeers have arrived in the Plant Area
Dates: From 20th Nov – 23rd December
Prices: FREE
Shipley Park Garden Centre
Breakfast with Santa
About: A cooked breakfast for children and adults, followed by a meeting with Santa, photo opportunity and a personal gift for the child.
Dates: 29 Nov, 6/7, 13/14, 19-24 Dec 2025
Prices: £11.99-£17.99
Baby and Toddler Breakfast with Santa
About: Both you and your child can enjoy breakfast, followed by festive songs and games led by Santa Claus himself. He might even have a little present for those on the nice list!
Dates: 15-19 Dec 2025
Prices: £11.99-£12.99
Afternoon tea with Santa
About: Festive afternoon tea with savoury & sweet delights, along with a visit from Santa and photo opportunity for children.
Dates: 13/14, 20-23 Dec
Prices: £15.99- £17.99
TANSLEY BARN GARDEN CENTRE
Breakfast with Santa
About: A magical morning with a cooked breakfast for your family, a visit from Santa, gift for the child and photo opportunity.
Dates: 22, 29 Nov, 6/7, 13/14, 20-24 Dec 2025
Prices: £11.99-£17.99
Afternoon Tea with Santa
About: Enjoy a festive afternoon tea alongside a surprise appearance by Santa and a gift/photo opportunity for the kids.
Dates: 13/14, 20-23 December
Prices: £15.99-£17.99
Collyers
Visit Santa
Dates: 29/30 Nov, 6/7, 13/14 Dec 2025
Prices: FREE – donations welcome
GARDEN KING
Santa’s Grotto with Bear Making, Letter Writing & Bauble Colouring (inc. Festive Woods)
About: Before seeing Santa – build your own plush teddy, write letters to Santa and colour in your own bauble then see the big man himself in his lodge. This will be held in our beautiful purpose-built wooden events chalet by the woods.
Dates: 22/23, 29/30, 6/7, 13/14, 20-21 December
Prices: Children £35, Adults £6.50, Babies £6.50
Santa’s Grotto with Reindeer Food Making and Post Office (inc. Festive Woods)
About: Traditional group grotto experience. Here you will make reindeer food, write a letter to Santa, and see the big man himself in his lodge. This will be held in our beautiful purpose-built wooden events chalet by the woods.
Dates: 22/23, 29/30, 6/7, 13/14, 20-24th Decemb0er
Prices: Children £25, Adults £6.50, Babies £6.50
Wild Woods Soft Play with Santa in December (inc festive woods)
About: Join us at Wild Woods soft play where you can meet and greet Santa and his elf. After the soft play session, you can visit Santa’s toyshop near our woodland where children can choose a small gift from Santa
Dates: 30 November, 6/7, 13/14, 20-21 December
Prices: Children £20, Adults £3, Under 2s £15
Breakfast with Santa and Festive Woods
About: Meet Santa and his elf in the restaurant, enjoy breakfast, then explore the Festive Woods.
Dates: 13th and 20th December
Prices: Children £19.50, Adults £15, Babies £6.50
Santa Meet and Greet with Festive Woods
About: One-on-one visit with Santa in his lodge, choose a small gift, then explore the Festive Woods. this is NOT our full grotto experience, it’s a chance for a one-on-one Santa meet and greet. Dogs welcome, they will receive a dog toy when booked on.
Dates: 21 Nov, 12th and 19th December
Prices: £12 children, £3 adults
Grinch Meet & Greet with Festive Woods
About: Group meet and greet with the Grinch, photo opportunity, then explore the Festive Woods.
Dates: 22/23rd November
Prices: £6 child, £3 adults (photos additional cost)
Santa Baby & Toddler with Festive Woods (0-3)
About: A gentle Santa visit tailored for babies and toddlers, followed by a walk through the Festive Woods.
Dates: 26 Nov, 3,10,17th December
Prices: £12 per child (includes up to 2 adults) additional adults £3
Elsa Meet & Greet
About: Meet Elsa for photos and festive fun. This event includes entry to our Festive Woods too. Please note: Photos cannot be taken yourself in the room.
Dates: 22nd November
Prices: £6 child, £3 adults (photos additional cost)
Zoey from Kpop Demon Hunters Meet & Greet with Festive Woods
About: Meet Zoey for photos and festive fun. This event includes entry to our Festive Woods too. Please note: Photos cannot be taken yourself in the room.
Dates: 23rd November
Prices: £6 child, £3 adults (photos additional cost)
Reindeer Feeding at Garden King
About: Feed the real reindeer safely with help from the team.
Dates: 20-21, 24-28th November, 1-4, 8-12, 15-19th December
Prices: £15
Festive Woods
About: A festive lit woodland walk with twinkling lights and photo opportunities; suitable for all ages (does not include Santa
Dates: 22-23, 26,29,30 Nov. 1st-24th December
Prices: £3pp, babies £1
Council, Libraries and Community Events
Town Centre Christmas Switch on Dates HERE
Round Table Santa
Church Wilne Rotary Santa
Street Collection Routes 2025
Mon 8 Dec Spondon S’th
Tue 9 Dec Spondon N’th
Wed 10 Dec West Hallam
Thur 11 Dec Borrowash Sth
Fri 12 Dec Borrowash Nth
Tue 16 Dec Breaston
Wed 17 Dec Draycott
Thu 18 Dec Ockbrook
Santa will also be in his Grotto at Collyer’s Nursery, Borrowash Sat/Sun 29-30th Nov, 6-7th & 13-14th Dec
Christmas Tree Festivals
St. Chads Christmas Tree Festival
St Chad’s Church, Wilne Rd, Draycott. DE72 3QH
Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd November
10:30 am – 3:30pm
Christmas Tree Festival at All Saints Church, Mickleover
Christ Church Christmas Tree Festival
Saturday 6th December to Wednesday 24th December 9.30am – 6.30pm
St James Church Codnor Christmas Tree Festival
Friday 21st November, Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd
Libraries
ALL LIBRARY EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
Indoor Play and Role Play Areas
Infinity Derby
19th and 20th December 9am or 11am
2 hours play • Lunch box • Meet Santa • Present from Santa • Xmas disco • Craft room
£18.95 Full Price
Sat 13th & Sun 14th December | 10am or 1pm
2 hours play • Lunch box • Xmas disco • Letter to Santa • Craft room
£14.95 per child
Blossoms Play Cafe (0-4)
Afternoon Tea and Story Time with Santa
5th December, 12.30pm
£26.95pp
Breakfast with Santa
7th and 21st December, 9.30am
£15pp
Hero Town, Melbourne
Holly Jolly Kids Christmas Party
About: Role play, Santa visit and gift, festive craft, storytime, milk and cookies.
Dates: Monday 15th, Thursday 18th, Friday 19th December, 9am, 11.15am, 1.30pm
Prices: £13 per child (includes 1 adult) additional adults £5
Freddy’s play kingdom
About: Soft play, market, meet Santa in his grotto
Dates: Saturday 22nd November
Prices: £4 per child to meet Santa (free entry to market)
About: Soft play, market, meet Santa in his grotto
Dates: Saturday 13 December 2.30-4.30pm
Prices: £13.50 per child
About: Includes Breakfast and a visit from Santa
Dates: Sunday 21 December 10-12pm
Prices: £11 per child, adults can order breakfast in advance
In Store Events
DERBION
The Snowman at Derbion (Santa’s Grotto)
Dates: 22nd November-24th December 2025
Prices: £10 per child, £2 per adult
HOBBYCRAFT
Kids’ Clay Christmas Characters Bauble Making Workshop
Dates: 6/7th, 13/14th, 16th December 2025
Prices: £10
BUSTLER Derby
Winter Feastival
About: A festive street-food day out at the The Chocolate Factory with winter warmers, mulled drinks, artisan gifts, live music, DJs, kids’ silent disco and family-friendly activities.
Dates: Saturday 22 November, 12pm-9pm
Prices: Early bird £1 / General sale £5 / Students £1 / Kids under 13 free
Museum, Galleries, Theatre and Cinema Activities
MUSEUM OF MAKING (Derby)
Breakfast with Santa
About: Join Derby Museums for a festive breakfast where Santa will make a special stop. Enjoy pastries, hot drinks, juice, and a hot breakfast, followed by a visit from Santa with photo opportunity and gifts for children.
Dates: Sunday 30 November 2025, 9am–11am
Prices: Adults £15.50; Under 12s £19.50 (includes a gift); Under 2s £4.50 (includes a gift)
Pickford’s House Museum
Christmas at Pickford’s House: Frost Bite (8+)
About: A festive family event themed around a little extra “bite”, celebrating the Bram Stoker/Dracula link to Derby. Includes children’s making activities, photo opportunities and for an extra ticket the chance to see a toy-theatre performance of Snow White by Sarah Peasgood.
Dates: 6 December 2025, 11 am–3 pm
Prices: £3 standard; £10 including the toy-theatre performance
Showcase Cinema
The Polar Express PJ Party
About: Snuggle up in your cosiest pyjamas this Christmas Eve and enjoy a special screening of The Polar Express – each ticket includes a Cadbury selection box.
Dates: 23 and 24 December 2025, 10am
Prices: £8.99 Adult, £6.99 children
Baby and Toddler Class Specials and Parties
Electric Daisy Derby
Kids Rave: Christmas special!
About: Get all dressed up and join us for a festive afternoon of fun & dancing to all the kids favourite tunes and of course, the Christmas classics!
Dates: Saturday 29th November 2025 12:00pm til 4:00pm
Prices: £5pp (family £15.65)
Christmas Messy Play Party
About: Bring your little ones for a Festive fun-filled afternoon with Christmas themed messy play, crafting & a visit from Santa!
Dates: Sunday 14th and 21st December 12:00pm til 3:00pm
Prices: £8.50pp
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