18 Christmas events taking place in and around Derby this festive season

Christmas is now less than seven Fridays away and we're officially getting into the festive spirit. We're ready for nights out on the town, dinners with friends and parties galore!

To help you make the most of the 2023 sparkly season we have put together an inclusive guide of the best festive things to do in Derby this year. The bumper list caters to all group sizes and budgets with offerings including everything from Christmas meal deals to luxury train rides.

We've also put together a list of our favourite festive menus from restaurants around the city, so you can get planning your Christmas do!

If we've missed a restaurant or venue off the list please email [email protected]

Where to celebrate Christmas in Derby 2023?

Bustler Christmas Streetfood Parties

Street food, festive cocktails and beers, plus live entertainment from bands, DJs, choirs and musicians sounds amazing.

There will also be arcades, karaoke and a silent disco meaning there is something for everyone.

Dates: December 14 - 16, 2023

Address: Bustler Derby, The Chocolate Factory, Siddalls Road, Derby DE1 2QD

Tickets: Tickets start at £5.50 for and go up to £54.60 which includes a reserved table, food and drink vouchers and table service for drinks orders.

For more information visit the website by clicking here.

Christmas Comedy Special at Annie’s Burger Shack Derby

Tucking into a burger and enjoying an evening of festive cheer with top stand up comedians sounds like a pretty fantastic night to us.

Enjoy acclaimed comedians such as Ricky Balshaw, Aaron Simmonds who was rated by The Scotsman, up and coming funnyman Aaron Twitchen and Dave Longley who is a hot favourite on the comedy circuit.

Date: December 2, 2023

Address: Annie’s Burger Shack Derby, Friary Street, Derby DE1 1JF

Tickets: A table for two costs £17.60.

For more information visit Annie’s website by clicking here.

Christmas Party in Derby Gaol

This is one of the quirkiest ways to celebrate Christmas - who knew celebrating festivities in jail was a thing? Derby Gaol is the site of an historic jail and is now a museum owned by an expert in all things supernatural, Richard Felix.

You will join Richard Felix and the Derby Gaol Team in gaol, there will be karaoke and music… perhaps even the ghost of Christmas Past!

Date: December 2, 2023

Address: Derby Gaol, 50 Friargate, Derby DE1 1DF

Tickets cost £19 per adult.

For more information visit their Facebook page by clicking here.

Seven-course Christmas lunch aboard Northern Belle

This festive lunch is an event all by itself and one that is a luxurious treat. This one very special lunch aboard a private luxury train is where you can play out your Agatha Christie fantasies - all without the murder and mayhem of course.

Board a legendary 1930s Pullman-style carriage, take in the crisp linen and liveried stewards will pour you a glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut NV Champagne as you look forward to Head Chef Matthew Green’s sumptuous menu.

Onboard entertainment includes a table magician and strolling musicians. Beverages will come courtesy of Fortnum & Mason tea and Northern Belle blend coffee.

Date: December 8, 2023

Address: Departing from Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield Train Stations

Tickets: £395 per passenger

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

Christmas Disco for grown-ups at The Old Bell Hotel Derby

Held in the beautiful Regency Ballroom, this Christmas party has it all - including a dress code of funky Christmas jumpers. Expect groovy tunes covering disco, pop and dance anthems from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Date: December 23, 2023

Time: 7.15pm - midnight

Address: The Old Bell Hotel Derby, 51 Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NQ

Tickets: £17.00

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

Fire and ice Christmas party nights at Derby Conference Centre

Dive into the Fire & Ice universe and indulge in a three-course meal, entertainment, and DJ playing festive classics and favourite hits.

Dates: The website says places vary daily, please check with the venue for current availability.

Address: Derby Conference Centre,  London Rd, Alvaston, Derby DE24 8UX

Tickets: Prices start at £39

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

Festive entertainment in Derby

If you want to flex your organisational skills and prefer a bespoke option, why not curate your own festive evening out?

G4 Christmas Concert at Derby Cathedral 2023

How about enjoying a Christmas meal at one of the restaurants on our list below, and then visiting Derby Cathedral to enjoy an evening of Christmas music?

This sell-out event is set in the beautiful cathedral where you can listen to music maestros Jonathan, Lewis, Mike and Duncan as they recall the musical experiences of their childhoods.

Listen to timeless classics such as When A Child is Born, Silent Night and All I Want For Christmas, as well as medleys to evoke the Christmas spirit.

Date: December 15, 2023

Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm

Address: Derby Cathedral Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP

Tickets: £39.50 – £64.50

For more information visit the website by clicking here.

Other evening musical events at Derby Cathedral include Derwent Brass playing Christmas At The Cathedral on December 8, 2023 and Rainbows Derby Christmas Event on November 29.

Restaurants in Derby offering Christmas menus to suit all budgets

The Dining Room

This independent eatery creates pretty dishes using seasonal ingredients. Enjoy two courses for £38.95 or three courses for £45.95.

Address: 121 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1EX

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

The European Restaurant

This quaint and characterful, family-run restaurant has stunning views across Derby city centre. Enjoy authentic Italian food during the festive period of two courses for £30 or three courses for £35.

Address: 22 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

Turtle Bay

Caribbean-inspired cuisine is on the menu at this vibrant eatery. Enjoy two courses for £24.50 or three courses for £29.50 with a free festive cocktail.

Address: 1-5 Wardwick, Derby DE1 1HA

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

Shalimar Gold

Tuck into Indian dishes at Shalimar. Meal deals include two courses for £25 per person when booking for 8 or more people.

Address: 15 Midland Road, Derby DE1 2SN

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

Littleover Lodge

A gastropub, sports bar and hotel all sit nicely in perfect harmony at this site in Littleover. Their Christmas menu which is available from Wednesday to Saturday features a two-course festive lunches from £21 and festive evening menus of three courses for £28.

Address: 222 Rykneld Road, Derby DE23 4AN

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

Lorentes

Chefs rustle up dishes sing native knowledge of Spanish cuisine, which will transport you to sunnier climes with dishes such as pisto and albondigas. Although prices for this year have yet to be released, last year’s festive lunch pricing was £30 per person, to give you an idea of cost.

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

The Viceroy

Indian dishes on offer here include butter chicken and hot chilli fish. Christmas party menus start at £24.95 per person.

Address: 8 - 9 Midland Road, Derby DE1 2SN

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

Anoki

This award-winning restaurant whose customer service is a delight offers various menus starting from two courses for £25 per person.

Address: 129 London Rd, Derby DE1 2QN

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

Seven Restaurant

This fashionable eatery boasting floor-to-ceiling windows is one of the prettiest places to celebrate Christmas in Derby. Enjoy two courses for £27.50 or three courses for £32.50.

Address: Wheelwright Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8SQ

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

Darley's Restaurant & Terrace

Featured in the Michelin Guide, this striking venue of a 19th-century silk mill offers stunning views across the river and weir. Dishes to enjoy from Darley’s festive menu include Norfolk turkey and roasted venison loin.

A three-course Christmas lunch at Darleys is £42.50 and a three course dinner is £50.00.

Address: Darley Abbey Mills, Derby DE22 1DZ England

For more information visit their website by clicking here.