New light trail to illuminate Derby this Christmas

The Festive Derby Light Trail will see several stunning light installations lead from The Spot all the way to Cathedral Square, taking in the Market Place, where the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink and Nordic Bar will be situated.

Starting with the beautifully wrapped rings at The Spot, with festive foliage and twinkling lights, the trail will wind its way through the heart of the city. Grab a bite to eat and let the kids enjoy the festive rides before heading down to St Peter’s Cross to see the jolly Rudolph arch, complete with his red nose, and then onto a tunnel of light which will run through Cornmarket.

As you enter the Market Place, the colourfully lit Christmas presents will sit with the Christmas tree as a backdrop and you’ll also find the highlight of the trail - the UK’s largest light-up Santa installation, powered by Tomato Energy. It’ll be the perfect spot for a festive family shot!

A curtain of light will illuminate Irongate up to Cathedral Square, where a giant gold star will sit below the Cathedral.

After all that walking why not enjoy a festive drink in the cosy tipis of our Nordic Bar and then, when you have had time to rest, take a whizz around the ice rink with family and friends. Afterwards you can enjoy food from a variety of food stalls on the Market Place, including loaded fries, grilled sausages, donuts and crepes.

You will be able to find a map of the trail at festivederby.co.uk soon, or download the LoyalFree app to follow the trail – and check in at each location to enter our free prize draw. You can also pick up an activity sheet from the ice rink or Nordic bar for little ones to fill in along the way. You could win a Nintendo Switch, with other prizes including tickets for next year’s Darley Park Weekender, or tickets to enjoy the ice rink or panto in 2025!

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “We’re already getting excited about this Christmas in Derby. The new light trail promises to be a magical addition to our packed festive programme. It’ll light the way through the city centre to the Cathedral, providing plenty of fantastic photo opportunities along the way!”

Brad Worley, Manager for Cathedral Quarter and St Peter’s Quarter Derby BIDs, added: “The BIDs are thrilled to bring this amazing light installation trail to the city. 

“There are some truly impressive installations and we hope people will take some memorable photos and share with friends and family, as well as entering the fantastic prize draw. We want people to explore the city and experience what our wonderful businesses have to offer this festive period.” 

Dominika Walker, Regional Community Engagement Lead for Tomato Energy, said: “At Tomato Energy, we’re lighting up the holiday season in more ways than one! We're absolutely delighted to support this year's Festive Derby and proud to sponsor the UK’s largest illuminated Santa. 

“We hope it will not only bring joy to the community but also spark conversations about efficient energy use during the festive season. It's our way of spreading holiday cheer while showcasing how cutting-edge technology and sustainability can go hand in hand.” 

The Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink and Nordic Bar will open on Saturday 30th November, as Festive Derby is officially launched with a Christmas Lights Switch-On event.

Tickets for the ice rink are on sale now and, of course, the festive season wouldn’t be complete without Derby’s annual panto spectacular at Derby Arena. Morgan Brind and the multi award-winning Little Wolf Entertainment are back with Cinderella from Fri 6 - Tue 31 Dec.

Derby has a great selection of festive events this year and more information can be found at festivederby.co.uk or pick up a guide from November.

Tickets can be purchased on the Derby LIVE website, at the Sales and Information Centre Sales & Information Centre, Guildhall Theatre, Market Place, Derby, DE1 3AE or call 01332 255800.