The ultimate Derby advent calendar: 24 fun things to do in Derby in the lead-up to Christmas
Believe it or not, Christmas is now just five Fridays away! And come December 1st, we'll all be scrambling to open our advent calendars and enjoy a daily chocolate treat.
Whether you’re a superfan of Christmas (Will Ferrell’s Elf has nothing on you), or you’re Team Scrooge, it doesn’t hurt to start organising your social life now to make life a little easier as you approach the big day.
There are lots of fun things to do here in Derby throughout the festive season, so to help you keep your calendar in check, we have created The Ultimate Derby Advent Calendar, comprising 24 fabulous things to do in December.
We've tried to include things to do for all ages and price points, so don your cracker crown and get ready for a month of festive fun.
The Ultimate Derby Advent Calendar
Friday, December 1 - Buy a 'real' advent calendar from Boots
Advent calendars are fun no matter what surprise they’re holding, and Boots in the Derbion has a wide range such as Cadbury Dairy Milk for £8 or Rituals filled with beauty products and candles for £87.90.
Location: Boots, Derbion, London Road, Derby DE1 2PL
Saturday, December 2 - Derby Christmas Lights Switch-On
See the beautiful city of Derby shine bright at the special event that has fun activities scheduled throughout the day.
Take festive photos with the family in giant snow globes and enjoy stage shows and a delightful lantern parade.
Location: Derby Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby City Centre
Sunday, December 3 - Visit Westmill Christmas Market
It wouldn't be Christmas without visiting a festive market and the one at Westmill sounds ace.
You can browse stalls for artisan gifts and there will also be food and drink to enjoy on the cobbles.
Location: The West Mill, Darley Abbey Mills, Darley Abbey, Derby DE22 1DZ
Monday, December 4 - Buy a Christmas Tree
The first week of December is the perfect time to put your tree up. If you already have a tree then take it out from storage and start prepping it for decoration.
If you buy a real tree every year for Christmas, then Mr Christmas Tree, which is one of the top-rated sellers in Derby could be your next stop.
The family-owned business has a wide range of trees from 3ft to 40ft in height (just check out the whopper above), so there really is something to suit all tastes.
Location: Spondon Wood Farm, Ockbrook, Derby DE72 3RY
Tuesday, December 5 - Buy Christmas Tree Decorations
Once you have an idea of what sort of tree you’re working with, you can get cracking with the decorations.
Collyers Nurseries have cute decorations including Santa Stop signs plus festive Poinsettia plants that you can get from their large garden centre.
Location: 260 Nottingham Road, Borrowash, Derby DE72 3FR
Wednesday, December 6 - Make a Festive Wreath
There is something so very special about seeing the fruits of your labour up on display.
Imagine friends and family admiring a beautiful wreath, only to be told that you made it!
The Farmhouse At Mackworth restaurant and events space is hosting a wreath-making workshop where you will get help from a professional florist in creating your own wreath.
The price of £55 per person includes all wreath materials, a glass of mulled wine, and mince pie.
Location: The Farmhouse At Mackworth, Ashbourne Road, Mackworth, Derby DE22 4LY
Thursday, December 7 - Celebrate Christmas Jumper Day
Wear a sparkly jumper and help raise money for charity Save The Children.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor who is the charity’s brand ambassador has also collaborated with Chinti & Parker, a luxury cashmere womenswear brand to create a jumper whose profits will go to Save The Children Fund.
DAPP Derby is a preloved store that also sells Christmas jumpers on a budget.
Location: 23-27 St Peters Street, Derby DE1 2AA
Friday, December 8 - Ice skating in Cathedral Quarter Rink
See Derby city centre whoosh past as you take to the ice rink and unleash your inner Jayne Torvill or Christopher Dean.
Location: Derby Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby City Centre
Saturday, December 9 - It's time to watch a panto (oh yes it is!)
Panto season raises bellyful of laughs and sends spirits soaring sky high.
This year Mother Goose is here to delight crowds at Derby Arena, whose production stars Coronation Street’s Todd Boyce, Morgan Brind, and more.
Location: Derby Arena, Royal Way, Derby DE24 8JB
Sunday, December 10 - Watch the Santa Run
This event puts the fun into running, although you can also take part by skipping, dancing, hopping and walking your way down the 2.5km or 5km routes.
Hundreds of Santa’s will be seen dashing through Markeaton Park, towards the footgolf course, through the craft village, Cheer Station and Lakeside Walk.
Location: Markeaton Park, Markeaton Lane, Derby DE22 4AA
Monday, December 11 - Beer and Cheese Tasting Night
Suds & Soda is an independent craft beer shop and tasting room that hosts a Funk & Fromage beer and cheese tasting evening.
It’s not a ticketed event, cheese is free to enjoy but people are expected to pay for the beer.
Location: Suds & Soda, Friary Works, 119 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1EX
Tuesday, December 12 - Hunker down with a new book
It’s a tradition in Iceland to give books as gifts and enjoy reading them on Christmas Eve.
The wildly popular activity known as Jólabókaflóðið is the perfect way to enjoy a bit of downtime by snuggling up, hot cocoa in hand, and immersing yourself in a good book.
Waterstones have an excellent range of festive reads including Murder On The Christmas Express by Alexandra Benedict and more.
Location: Waterstones Derby, 78-80 St Peters Street, Derby DE1 1SR
Wednesday, December 13 - Watch It's A Wonderful Life at Derby Odeon
Could it be the ultimate Christmas movie? Quite possibly, because you can’t beat some good old James Stewart during the festive season.
Just don’t forget to pack tissues for this heartwarming, tear-jerker of a film.
Location: Odeon Luxe Derby, Meteor Centre, Mansfield Road, Derby DE21 4SY
Thursday, December 14 - Window Wonderland in Derby City Centre
Window shopping can be a fun experience and Derby city centre is the place to be this Christmas.
Window Wonderland is a competition where local businesses give their windows a festive ‘glow-up’ and the public nominates the best window by voting.
Expect beautiful windows of handcrafted entries, we’d recommend grabbing a coffee and taking a walk through the city centre as you decide who did it the best.
Location: Various across Derby City Centre
Friday, December 15 - Buy Christmas PJs from Primark Derby
Christmas PJs are the best loungewear to chill out in and Primark’s pocket-friendly range starts from just £9.
Location: Primark Derby, 28-31 Corn Market, Derby DE1 2DG
Saturday, December 16 - Walk at Darley Park
A brisk and bracing December walk to clear those cobwebs is a brilliant way to enjoy the great outdoors. Take a walk around Darley Park which is based on River Derwent.
It is also the gateway to Derwent Valley, a World Heritage site packed full of history and culture.
Location: Darley Abbey Park, Darley Abbey, Derby DE22 1EN
Sunday, December 17 - Buy Costco mince pies
There are mince pies, then there are next-level Costco mince pies.
They’re not traditional in any way and this a good thing, as Costco’s cheeky version is topped with a layer of sponge and a moderate mince pie filling.
Location: Costco, Wyvern Way, Derby DE21 6RS
Monday, December 18 - Watch Derby Theatre’s festive Cinderella show
This new version of the classic story aims to thrill new audiences with its contemporary festive twist.
Location: Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, Derby DE1 2N
Tuesday, December 19 - Sip festive cocktails inside giant fairy-lit Tipi Tents
Fancy fabulous Christmas cocktails in a Nordic-themed bar made by expert mixologists from Mambo Mobile Bars? Look no further than the giant Tipi Tents that will take up residence in the city centre.
It will be fun for the whole family, as there will be plenty of non-alcoholic options too, so everyone can have a joyful time.
Location: Derby Market Place, Derby City Centre
Wednesday, December 20 - Enjoy a pint in cosy Farmhouse at Mackworth pub
There is nothing as inviting as a warm pub on a wintry Wednesday and The Farmhouse at Mackworth will not disappoint.
Grab a drink from the bar and enjoy it beside the roaring fire, or in the restaurant section that also has a fire feature at this 18th century farmhouse site.
Location: The Farmhouse at Mackworth, Ashbourne Road, Mackworth, Derby DE22 4LY
Thursday, December 21 - Enjoy festive drink at Nixon Coffee
Cradle a hot cup of Joe in a quaint coffee shop that also just happens to be packed to the rafters with rich cultural heritage.
Original Levi’s Jeans were sold on the site by former owners Nixons and glancing around the shop, you can see Levi’s certificates of authenticity, changing room fixtures, and more.
The coffee from a local artisan coffee roaster, whose range includes a festive hazelnut flat white, is pretty perfect too.
Location: 1-7 Abbey Street, Derby DE22 3SJ
Friday, December 22 - Dinner and jazz at The Hound Dog
Jazz music played by artists from across the world, brings an international flavour to Derby.
The Hound Dog is Derby’s newest jazz club and bar whose incredible events include the critically acclaimed Trish Clowes who will be performing on the final Friday before Christmas Day.
Enjoy a three-course dinner, kick back with some festive tipples, and enjoy Trish’s thrilling quartet.
Location: The Hound Dog, 6 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1BU
Saturday, December 23 - Enjoy Christmas ice cream and dessert from Just-Ice
No matter if you’re hosting this Christmas, or you’re looking for a personal treat (we recommend diving straight into the tub with a giant tablespoon), make a trip to Just-Ice Ethical Ice Cream in Derby.
Their festive ice cream flavours of Christmas Caramel Spice, Jolly Gingerbread, Brandy Snap sure are making us hungry, whilst the raved-about chocolatey yule log is one incredible showstopper.
Location: Just-Ice, The Bakehouse, Abbey Yard, Darley Abbey, Derby DE22 1DS
Sunday, December 24 - Listen to Christmas carols at Derby Cathedral
Enjoy Christmas carols that will be sung by boys, girls, Junior Choral Scholars, and Lay Clerks of the Cathedral Choir.
Booking is not required, so just turn up and enjoy dulcet notes in the beautiful surroundings of the city’s cathedral.
Location: Derby Cathedral, 18-19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP
Information is correct at time of publishing. It is advised to check with the venue before travelling out.