Derby ice rink set to return this Christmas alongside giant snow globes and dancing elves

Families in Derby are in for a treat this festive season, as two of the city’s bustling districts announce their full roster of festive-themed events - providing countless hours of fun for people of all ages.

An ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, giant snow globes, and performances by dancing Christmas elves will sprinkle Derby with festive cheer this December.

Family-friendly entertainment including stilt walkers and gingerbread men will no doubt bring magic to the streets of Derby.

Here is the list by date of all the fun festive events that are happening in the Cathedral Quarter, and St Peters’ Quarter areas in Derby.

Derby Cathedral Ice Rink: December 2 - 31

The ice rink in the Cathedral Quarter is one of the city’s popular festive attractions.

It is reported last year, more than 12,000 people donned their skates and enjoyed this exciting festive feature in the heart of the city centre.

You don’t have to be a skating expert to enjoy whizzing around on the ice as you see Derby whoosh past you.

Hourly sessions are available and prices include skate hire.

Tickets start from £10.

Giant Snow Globes: December 2 - 23

There will be giant snow globes in Derby, ready for the perfect family photo opportunity.

The snow globes are free to use, just join the queue, get ready to climb in and strike your best Christmas pose.

Locations of snow globes are Market Place and St Peter’s Cross.

Santa’s Grotto: December 9 - 22

You can visit the big man himself on various dates in December at Derby QUAD.

This is a real treat which magically transports you to the North Pole for an immersive  360-degree Northern Lights Experience.

Make fun memories and get photos taken of your special time, at one of the most fabulous times of year.

You can even enjoy a heartwarming arts-based gift from Santa - what’s not to love?

Tickets cost £4.

Spot Christmas characters around the city - dates TBC

If you’re walking around the city during the most magical time of year, you may bump into Christmas themed characters such as gingerbread men, the Ice Queen and Ice King for photographic fun and cute Christmas memories.

Festive competitions where you can win prizes

Enter Winter Wonderland Competition: November 28 - December 17

You have a chance to win a cool £100 voucher when you vote for your favourite Winter Wonderland window.

You simply have to take a stroll through the city centre and enjoy the creative efforts of shop owners as they give their windows a festive makeover.

You could also spot some cheeky elves causing mischief, but don’t be distracted by them - keep your eyes on the prize.

Once you’ve seen all the creative displays, vote for your favourite window using the Cathedral Quarter or St. Peters Quarter LoyalFree app or by scanning the QR code found on the Window Wonderland logo sticker.

The display that registers the highest number of votes will be crowned winner of this year’s Winter Wonderland Competition.

Enter Golden Ticket Prize Draw - December 10

If you’re feeling lucky, take part in The Golden Ticket Prize Draw, which gives away a whopping £2,000 to local shoppers from December 10.

Brad Worley, BID manager at Cathedral Quarter said: “We have worked really hard to create a family-friendly Christmas atmosphere in Derby during December.”

Eve Taylor, BID project executive at Cathedral Quarter said: “We want to bring Derby to life this Christmas so people can enjoy the city while doing their Christmas shopping.

“We are celebrating the lead up to Christmas with some festive entertainment, and we know visitors to Derby will love what has been arranged.”

The range of festive entertainment has been funded by the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement District (BIDs).

For more information about these events visit their website by clicking here.