Thousands turn out for the start of Christmas in Derby!

Christmas is officially underway in Derby as thousands of people gathered in the city centre for the Christmas Lights Switch On. Festive Derby 2025 launched on Thu 27 Nov with live music, a spectacular parade, ice-skating and the Sadler Gate Night Market.

Crowds enjoyed a fun-filled stage show outside Riverside Chambers from 5pm, presented by Smooth Radio presenter Darren Parks. Performers included local bands The Public Eye and Cassette Roulette.

Dragon dance from DANS Dance Company and Dhol Frequency Drummers and Bollywood Dancers from Surtal Arts also took to the stage following the dazzling Derby Lantern Parade.

The parade, which was the climax of Surtal Arts’ Season of Light, had the theme ‘Peace and Friendship’ and saw families, children and young people from schools and the community parade through the city streets with vibrant lanterns.

Panto stars from Dick Whittington joined the fun, including award-winning dame Morgan Brind, and Wendi Peters – the fearsome Queen Rat – and helped push the plunger. They were joined by Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, Councillor Ajit Atwal, the Mayor of Derby – and Santa!

The early evening event tied in perfectly with Love Sadler Gate’s annual Sadler Gate Night Market, which saw shoppers flock to purchase from the event’s artisan stallholders and independent traders.

The Market Place was also packed as people headed to The Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink and Nordic Bar, which were open for a sneak preview officially launching on Sat 29 Nov. Families met the festive stilt walkers on their walkabouts, and enjoyed fairground rides at The Spot, while the beautifully decorated Derby Market Hall was buzzing with people shopping, eating and drinking to the tune of West End star David Kettle’s Christmas concert.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:

What an incredible night! Derby truly showed up –looking out from the stage, the crowd of thousands stretched as far as the eye could see. It was fantastic to be surrounded by so many happy, smiling faces.

As always, a huge thank you to all our partners and sponsors. Together, we've delivered another brilliant Festive Derby, and the fun has only just begun!

This year Festive Derby features events and attractions brought to you by Derby City Council, The Cathedral Quarter BID, St Peter’s Quarter BID and a range of other city partners.

Follow the Festive Derby Light Trail from St Peter’s Cross to Irongate, taking in the revamped Osnabruck Square and Derby Market Hall, and discover picture-perfect moments at every turn. The dazzling display is brought to you by the Cathedral Quarter and St Peter’s Quarter Business Improvement District (BIDs) and Derby City Council.

Derby Market Hall will be bursting with festive cheer. Families can meet Santa at The Cathedral Quarter Santa’s Grotto from Saturday 29 November. Each child will receive a special gift and families can take their own photographs with Santa and his elves. There will also be speciality pop-up markets and free festive live entertainment – find all the details on the Derby Market Hall website.

Keep little ones entertained with Family Festivities at Markeaton Park, plus there will be a host of other shows, events and entertainment for all ages, including Merry Elwin the Adventurous Elf at Chapel Street Arts Centre and Dick Whittington at Derby Arena.

Add on fantastic festive shopping and a wealth of places to eat and drink and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect Christmas experience. Find out everything that the city has to offer on the Festive Derby website.