Derby's festive spirit boosted by Cathedral Quarter & St Peters Quarter events
Music, colourful Christmas elves, a free Santa’s Grotto and giant snow globes all arrive in Derby this month to sprinkle the city with festive cheer – and ‘yule’ love it!
Live music, including brass bands, vintage vocals, and a choir, will entertain shoppers at Derby’s Waterfall and St Peter’s Cross on the first three Saturdays in December. Each event will run from 11am until 4pm and will feature a number of local acts.
Adding to the festive entertainment at both locations on the 10th & 17th December, visitors will also find a huge snow globe, ready for the perfect family photo opportunity! The snow globes are free to use; just join the queue and get ready to strike your best Christmas pose!
Families can also take advantage of a free visit to see Santa at the Cathedral Quarter Grotto, based on Sadler Gate. Although the ticketed event is now fully subscribed, families are still welcome to turn up and wait to see Santa if they haven’t booked. The Cathedral Quarter BID will accommodate where possible, but there may be a little wait as ticket holders will be prioritised. The grotto is open on the 3rd, 10th & 17th December from 10am – 4pm.
As well as all this festive activity, Iron Gate will be lit up - thanks to a unique illuminated animation situated in the top windows of the old Bennetts department store building. Working in partnership with QUAD, the installation features festive images which are sure to put a smile on the faces of passers-by.
A festive treat for all!
These family-friendly events have all been organised by the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), to encourage more people to shop local in the run up to Christmas.
Brad Worley, Manager of the BIDs, said: “We have worked really hard to create a family-friendly Christmas atmosphere in Derby during December, and we want Christmas visitors to come into Derby to enjoy all the events and activities.
There’s still time for visitors to enter Derby’s Golden Ticket Prize Draw too. Organised by both BIDs, Derby shoppers could boost their budgets and enjoy prizes of shopping vouchers.
Golden Ticket Entry slips are available in businesses across both the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter, and shoppers can post them in any of the 20 special post boxes located across the city centre. The deadline is December 11th. Four winners will each receive £500’s worth of vouchers to spend in both Quarters’ businesses of their choice.
Brad adds: “The BIDs want to celebrate Derby and Christmas, and we know that shoppers will love what we have organised. Everyone’s welcome, and we think we’ve created something special in the city.
“Our Window Wonderland Competition is also still running, with businesses across both BIDs decorating their shop windows in time for Christmas.
“Shoppers who vote for their favourite window will be entered into a free prize draw to win one of three £50 shopping vouchers to spend in shops within the two Quarters. To vote, simply log on to the Loyal Free app or scan the QR code on your shop window.”
Visitors to the area can also take a spin around the Cathedral Quarter sponsored Ice Rink, open in Derby’s Market Place from 5th – 31st December.
To help with the cost of Christmas, daily parking in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter is available at Chapel Street Car Park for just £3 from 5th – 31st December.
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Three community groups share funding from Alfreton and Somercotes funeral directors Three community projects supporting local children, families and people experiencing bereavement read more | |
| Halloween Themed Open Day to Raise Funds for Derby College Group's Animal Unit Families are invited to a fang-tastic day out at Broomfield Hall this October, as Derby College Group' read more | |
| Derbyshire Calls On Government To Rethink A38 Junctions Cancellation Economic growth, new homes and jobs across Derbyshire could be put at risk if the Government drops planned impro read more | |
| Pirate Takeover proves a hit across Amber Valley Pirates, performers and plenty of families brought Amber Valley's town centres to life this summer, as Amber Valley Borough Council' read more | |
| Ripley's zoo history brought to life in colourful new mural A colourful new mural celebrating Ripley's remarkable zoo history has transformed the back of the town's Town Hall. read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Pottery Close Halloween Event Taking a Break This Year The popular Halloween event at Pottery Close will not take place this year, as the organisers have not had enough time to prep read more | |
| Food waste recycling is coming to Amber Valley From June 2026, Amber Valley Borough Council will introduce weekly food waste recycling across the borough as part of a phased roll-ou read more | |
| Stallholder Bookings Now Open For The Tansley Big Day Out We're excited to announce that Tansley's Big Day Out 2026 will take place on 6th & 7th June 2026! read more | |
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
