Christmas comes to Derby Market Hall with packed festive programme

Derby Market Hall is set to be at the heart of this year’s Festive Derby celebrations, with a packed programme of family-friendly events, seasonal markets, live entertainment and festive experiences running throughout the Christmas season.

You can get a head start on your gift shopping at the Artisans Uncovered Christmas Market on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November, featuring local makers, unique gifts and seasonal delights.

Then the celebrations will gather momentum on Saturday 28 November, when Derby’s Christmas Lights Switch On, presented in partnership with Smooth Radio, officially launches Festive Derby. On the same day, families can visit the Cathedral Quarter Santa’s Grotto, sponsored by Cathedral Quarter BID, where children can meet Santa and his elves, receive a special gift and capture festive memories with their own photographs.

Visitors can also enjoy Derby’s Ethical Christmas Market, featuring a range of independent traders selling handmade jewellery, pottery, decorations, artwork and unique gifts, while Festive Afterglow: A Christmas Cabaret brings Christmas classics, festive favourites and live entertainment to the historic venue.

Throughout the festive season, Derby Market Hall will host a variety of special events and markets, including seasonal Farmers’ Markets on 29 November and 19/20 December, the Sugarplum Christmas Market packed with sweet treats and family entertainment on 5 December, and Aspire Wrestling’s Christmas Chaos spectacular on 12 December, featuring the festive showdown of Santas versus Grinches.

A packed programme of festive entertainment will run throughout late November and early December, featuring live music, community performances and seasonal celebrations from local artists and groups. Alongside the entertainment, visitors can get creative with festive workshops, including Christmas wreath glass painting and crochet sessions, enjoy a cocktail masterclass at The Spirit Run, and discover plenty of opportunities to make special memories with family and friends throughout the season.

The celebrations continue right through to the end of the year with a family-friendly New Year’s Eve Countdown event featuring a children’s disco, photo booth, glitter tattoos and an early countdown that allows younger visitors to join in the excitement before bedtime.

Councillor Gurkiran Kaur, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for City Centre, Culture and Tourism, said:

“Derby Market Hall will be at the centre of our festive celebrations this year, offering a fantastic programme of events, entertainment and seasonal experiences for families, residents and visitors alike.

“From meeting Santa and browsing Christmas markets to enjoying live music, workshops and special events, there are so many opportunities to come together and celebrate the season. We’re delighted to welcome people into this iconic venue and support the independent traders, performers and community groups helping to make Christmas in Derby so special.”

For full event details and booking information, visit the Derby Market Hall website. Derby Market Hall will be open as normal over the festive period (Tuesday-Wednesday 8am-3pm, Thursday 8am-5pm, Friday-Saturday 8am-10pm, Sunday 10am-4pm), except:

• Monday 21 December: Open 8am-3pm
• Thursday 31 December: Open 8am-10pm
• Friday 25 December – Wednesday 30 December and Friday 1 January: Closed.

For details of what’s going on elsewhere in the city this Christmas, visit the Festive Derby website