Fun things to do in Derby between Christmas and New Year include Lego trail and Northern Lights show

Presents may have been painstakingly wrapped and ripped open, turkeys will have been devoured and Brussels sprouts waved goodbye for another year.

As you face down that odd six-day period where the nation collectively has no clue about what day it actually is, you may start to wonder how you can fill up that time to entertain yourself or your family.

There are fun activities to do in Derby as some places will be open during that time.

Here are a few things that can keep yourself and loved ones busy with, whilst having an ace time in one of the best cities in the world!

Fun things to do in Derby between Christmas and New Year

Opening times are correct at time of publishing, however it is advisable to check with the venue before travelling out.

Lego trail at Derby Museum & Art Gallery

Keep little ones entertained with a fun Lego trail at Derby Museum.

Eagle eyed children will be encouraged to go on a hunt around the museum, trying to locate 10 miniature figures dotted around the building.

It costs £1 to take part, and a prize awaits those lucky enough to complete the trail.

The museum is open December 28 - 31, 2023.

Here are the opening hours.

Thursday 28 - Saturday 30, 10am - 5pm

Sunday 31, 10am - 4pm

Address: The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS

For more information visit Derby Museum website by clicking here.

Magical Northern Lights exhibition at Derby QUAD

If you really wanted to get away for a Christmas break but couldn’t this year, how about getting on to the next best thing… a Northern Lights experience?

With Derby QUAD, you don’t have to travel thousands of miles to see Northern Lights which can typically be viewed in Norway, Iceland and Canada.

Instead head to the Market Place and enjoy the immersive light experience which will transport you across the globe.

There is also a cafe onsite, so how about grabbing a festive hot chocolate and enjoying what the organisers say is a ‘not-to-be-missed experience’?

QUAD is open December 27 - 31, 2023.

Here are the opening hours.

Wednesday 27 - Thursday 28, 10am - 9pm

Friday 29 - Saturday 30, 10am - 10pm

Sunday 31, 10am - 7pm

Address: Market Place Cathedral Quarter, Market Place, Derby DE1 3AS

For more information visit Derby Quad website by clicking here. 

Blow away Christmas cobwebs with a stroll through Derby Arboretum 

Derby is a heritage rich city and you can’t get more historical than the Arboretum, which is Britain’s oldest park built in 1840.

At the time, the park was seen as a trend-setter and it is reported Central Park in New York was based on Derby Arboretum’s design. 

The park’s fascinating history features key player Joseph Strutt who commissioned and donated the park to Derby in 1840.

He wanted to create a botanical tree garden and he would have been pleased to see several trees in the park listed on the British Isles Tree Register today.

Opening hours: The park is open every day of the year, from 8am till approximately 4pm (depending on how dark it is, as per Parks Team).

Address: Arboretum Square, Derby DE23 8FZ

For more information visit Derby Parks website by clicking here.