Sip festive cocktails inside giant fairy light-lit tipis at Derby's pop-up Nordic bar

What’s better than a giant tipi tent filled with fairy lights? Three tipi tents, which is exactly what Derby people can look forward to next month!

Tipi tents will be set up in Derby’s Market Place from Saturday, December 2 until Sunday, December 31, 2023. It’s a great way to relax after a hard day’s work or even a long day of shopping. 

Take a seat inside the tipi covered by fairy lights and soak in the cosy atmosphere that will put you in the festive mood in a few seconds flat. You can get in the festive spirit even more by making your way to the Nordic Bar which aims to quench your thirst and put you in the party mood.

Read more: Christmas in Derby

Thomas Colombo, owner of Mambo Mobile Bars, is excited about serving delicious drinks to the good people of Derby.

He said: “We wanted to offer a Nordic themed experience and celebrate the beauty of Christmas, there will also be an ice-rink in Derby city centre which ties in nicely to the festivities.”

Thomas is also keen to offer handcrafted drinks that everyone can enjoy.

He said: “We are offering good quality drinks, we have a partnership with Freedom Brewery, so people can enjoy draught beer, and we also have mulled wine and excellent cocktails.

“A main focus is non-alcoholic drinks, as it is very important that we offer something for all tastes.

“So our wide offering also includes mocktails and a range of beverages including hot chocolate with all the trimmings of whipped cream and marshmallows.”

Fans of the epic Christmas movie The Holiday will also be excited by tipis, as they can indulge in mentally recreating that epic scene where Jude Law, his kids Sophie and Olivia, and Cameron Diaz, share a special moment in his homemade tipi fortress made from thick ivory bedsheets.

Of course, the tipi set-up here is more sophisticated as the tents from Sami Tipis are made from highly durable sailcloth. Snacks and drinks will be available to buy in the tipis and cocktails by Mambo Mobile Bars also sound impressive.

Take your pick from North Pole Lemonade, Gingerbread Mule, Spiced Passion Vanilla Mojito and Winter Garden, all also available as mocktails. There will also be wine, plus beer on tap from Staffordshire-based brewery Freedom.

Dining out in Derby

Kids and those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages can also enjoy mulled apple juice, so there really is something for everyone. 

Derby Live website says you can eat food from surrounding outlets. This may be a time to indulge in a cheeky Nando’s situated in Derby Market Place or grab pizzas or burgers from nearby BEAR café on Iron Gate. 

Entertainment

There will also be an exciting programme of events taking place in Tipis which includes theatre, comedy, quiz nights, and music to keep people of all ages entertained.

Live music performances will start on opening day and run right through December.

Here is the full list of live performances in Derby’s tipis

Cassette Roulette

This five piece band will play classics and modern favourites.

December 2, 8, 15, 22 from 7.30pm

December 29 from 6.30pm

Dorothy Ella

Local musician whose sassy, soulful performances charms audiences across the country will delight Derby crowds.

December 8, 15, 22 Dec from 5.30pm

December 29 from 4.30pm

Jemma Johnson

Enjoy music by this Derby based songwriter who grew up listening to David Bowie, Paramore and Damien Rice.

December 9, 16 Dec from 7.30pm 

December 23, 30 Dec from 6.30pm

Joey Greener

Listen to rising star and local musician from Chaddesden who is shaking up the indie music scene. 

December 3, 10, 17 from 6.30pm

December 24 from 5.30pm

December 31 from 6.30pm

Ellie Grice

Acoustic sounds from 50s to present day by Ella Grice will chill you out this festive season.

December 3, 10, 17, 31 from 4.45pm

December 24 from 3.45pm

For more information about Derby tipis visit Derby Live website by clicking here.