Magical family experiences coming to Derby this Christmas

Santa and his elves will be in Derby to create some magical family Christmas experiences this festive season.

From meeting Santa at Derby Market Hall to helping solve a festive mystery at Chapel Street Arts Centre, there are plenty of opportunities for families to make special memories in the run-up to Christmas.

Tickets have just gone on sale for the Cathedral Quarter Santa’s Grotto, which returns to Derby Market Hall from Saturday 28 November until Christmas Eve. Meet Santa and his elves in his cosy grotto, receive a Christmas gift and capture photos you’ll treasure forever. Anyone visiting Santa will also receive a festive trail to complete throughout December.

Visitors can also make the most of everything Derby Market Hall has to offer, browsing its independent traders for unique gifts, seasonal treats and festive inspiration. Santa's Grotto is suitable for children aged 0-12 years, and advance booking is essential.

Families can also look forward to Help! Santa's Missing, a Christmas production from The Lost Boys and Derby LIVE. Following the success of last year’s show Merry Elwin the Adventurous Elf, this brand-new, interactive show will be at Chapel Street Arts Centre from Thursday 10 to Wednesday 23 December.

Perfect for families with younger children, the festive adventure follows two unlikely detectives as they race to solve the mystery of Santa's disappearance before Christmas is ruined. Audiences will help crack clues, solve puzzles and uncover secrets in an immersive experience filled with humour, festive magic and family fun.

Councillor Gurkiran Kaur, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for City Centre, Culture and Tourism, said:

Christmas is a time for making memories with family and friends, and we're delighted to be bringing a fantastic programme of festive events to Derby once again.

Whether you're visiting Santa at Derby Market Hall, helping to solve a Christmas mystery at Chapel Street Arts Centre, or enjoying one of the many other festive activities taking place across the city, there are lots of opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit.

Brad Worley, Cathedral Quarter and St Peter’s Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Manager, said:

Christmas is a special time in Derby, and we're delighted to be supporting Santa's Grotto at Derby Market Hall once again. It's a wonderful opportunity for children and families to enjoy the magic of Christmas together while also discovering everything our city centre has to offer.

The festive fun doesn’t stop there. This year's Festive Derby programme also includes Surtal Arts’ Lantern Making Workshops at Derby Market Hall and venues across the city from Tuesday 20 October to Saturday 21 November. Participants can create their own eco-friendly lantern ahead of the Surtal Arts Lantern Parade on Saturday 28 November, which forms part of Derby’s Christmas Lights Switch On celebrations.

The switch on coincides with the opening of the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink. Families can lace up their skates and enjoy a spin on the undercover rink, with skate aids available for younger children and dedicated toddler sessions for children aged five and under. Afterwards, visitors can warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine from the neighbouring Nordic Bar, making it the perfect festive day out in Derby.

Families can also enjoy Snow White, Derby LIVE and Little Wolf Entertainment’s spectacular family pantomime at Derby Arena, alongside a packed programme of festive events and entertainment throughout the season.

Check out the Festive Derby website for the full list of what’s on. Tickets for the Cathedral Quarter Santa’s Grotto are £5 per child (no charge for accompanying adults). Santa’s grotto is a small, intimate space, so larger family groups may be asked to take turns entering the grotto to ensure everyone can enjoy their visit comfortably.

Tickets for Help! Santa’s Missing are £15 for adults, £10 for under 12s. There will be a BSL sign-interpreted performance on Saturday 19 December.