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- Things to do in Derby this week including Christmas at Calke Abbey!
Things to do in Derby this week including Christmas at Calke Abbey!

Morning Derby! ☀️ Monday’s here, strutting in like a bossy headteacher, but don’t let it get you down. We’ve got a week packed with festive fun to keep you grinning like a kid with an advent calendar. Let’s dive in, shall we? 🎄✨
In today’s Local Scoop:
Bublé Christmas by Candlelight at Derby Cathedral
Christmas at Calke Abbey
Our scrumptious scoops for the weekend 🍽️
Let’s get to it.
— Local Scoop Derby
WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK?
Bublé Christmas by Candlelight at Derby Cathedral
📍 - Derby Cathedral
📅 - Wednesday 18th December
⏰ - 7:30 PM
🎟️ - £40
📷 - @derbycathedralmusic
Fancy a bit of Bublé with your Christmas cheer? 🎄 Grab your tickets for a night with a live Big Band and the UK’s number one Michael Bublé tribute act belting out all the festive bangers.
Think singalongs, a bit of dancing in the aisles (or at least a sway), and all the feel-good vibes you need to get into the Christmas spirit. It’s beginning to look a lot like… well, you know the rest. 🎤✨

Wednesday 18th December
Tuesday
Christmas Quiz Night - Great Northern Classics
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Looking to celebrate Christmas with work colleagues, friends or families. Great Northern Classics will be hosting a 50 question Quiz on Christmas and Automotive themes. Café Miura will be offering soft and alcoholic drinks and nibbles.
Learn More
Karl Loxley - The Songs of Christmas - Derby Cathedral
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Rated by Sir Tom Jones as having one of the best theatrical voices he'd ever heard! Join Karl Loxley for an unforgettable Festive Musical Celebration featuring timeless classics such as 'White Christmas', 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year', 'O Holy Night', 'A Spaceman Came Travelling', 'I Believe In Father Christmas' and many more.
Learn More
Benefits Advice Drop In - Session - Council House
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
FREE confidential benefit advice from Derby Advice. Please bring as much information as possible about your, benefits, rent, income, pensions and savings.
Learn More
Wednesday
Wine Down Wednesday - The Crescent
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Looking for a midweek treat? The Crescent’s got you covered with their Wine Down Wednesday offers! Enjoy a cheese board and a bottle of wine for one at just £15, or share the joy with friends – a cheese board and a bottle of wine for four people is only £20. Prefer to skip the wine? A platter for one is £5, or go for the sharing platter at £12.
Learn More
Cult Classics Musical Theatre Night - Nordic Bar
7:30 PM
Step into the spotlight for West End Wednesday, where the best of Midlands talent brings the stage to life!
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Thursday
Twistin Tots Christmas Party - Darley Abbey Villiage Hall
9:45 AM - 11:45 PM
Twistin Tots Christmas Parties are loads of fun and suitable for all the family. Anyone can attend - you do not have to be a Twistin Tots' customer.
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Darley Abbey Art Group - Village Hall
1:30 PM - 3:45 PM
Art Group that is based within Darley Abbey Village Hall offering a lace to paint and offering friendly advice and support.
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The Stillsy Christmas Light Show - Mackworth
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Christmas Musical Lightshow synchronised to over 14,000 led’s raising funds for their charity Treetops Hospice
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The West Mill Christmas Party
7:00 PM
Get in the festive mood at The West Mill on Thursday 19th December! The perfect festive event for friendship groups, small businesses, past/future West Mill couples or even families who are up for a good laugh.
Learn More
Friday
Charity Day at Needle King Tattoo
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The studio will be hosting a Charity Day, where all proceeds from tattoos and piercings will be donated to a charitable cause, to be decided by clients. Clients can book appointments for small or large tattoos, piercings, or visit the studio to make a donation.
Learn More
Go Carolling Day - Middleton Lodge Care Home
10:00 AM
Derby Heights and Middleton Lodge become one to perform festive carols.
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Gaucho Stu Pop Up - 189 Allestree
5:00 PM
A new pop up to Bar 189, Gaucho Stu are serving amazing sounding plates of all things beef! Whether it's a steak sandwich, flat ribs, ragu or loaded fries, or even vegan chilli, they'll have you covered.
Learn More
A Night with Elvis - Bob Badwal
7:00 PM
Learn More
Saturday
Shining Together at Christmas - Lunar Mind
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
A FREE Christmas event dedicated to supporting individuals in need and promoting self-care during this festive time.
Learn More
Giant Snow Globe - St Peter's Church
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Create Enchanting Christmas Memories in a Giant Snow Globe! Step inside the globe to capture the perfect Christmas photo, complete with a festive backdrop. Don't forget to bring a friend or family member to take the picture!
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Meet & Greet Santa - The Crescent
1:00 PM
Learn More
Over 30's Day Club - Christmas Special - Popworld
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Learn More
Sunday
Santa Paws - The Farmhouse Mackworth
9:00 AM
A planned route starting and ending at The Farmhouse. A small donation of £2 per dog, which will go to The Ark rescue centre, Ashbourne. Prizes for waggiest tail and best dressed pup!
Learn More
Santa Paws - Kings Corner Oakwood
9:30 AM
Bring your Dog to visit Santa Claus £5 per ticket and treats included with photo opportunities. Breakfast will be available for Puppy parents!
Learn More
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SCRUMPTIOUS SCOOPS
🍽️ Fine Dining, Riverside Views, and Michelin Stars at Darleys!
📍 - Darleys Restaurant, Darley Abbey Mill, DE22 1DZ
⏰ - Closed: Monday & Tuesday
⏰ - Lunch: Wednesday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
⏰ - Dinner: Wednesday to Saturday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
⏰ - Sunday Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
📷 - @darleysrestaurantderby
Looking for a spot to satisfy your cravings while treating yourself to a Michelin-starred dining experience? Well, Darleys has got you covered! This award-winning restaurant offers the perfect balance of elegant dishes, exceptional service, and stunning riverside views that will leave you saying, “Oh, fancy!” 🎩✨
And hey, the scenery’s not bad either! Sip a glass of wine on their terrace while soaking in the view of the river – because you deserve the best of both worlds: fab food and killer views! 🌅🍹

They also have two outdoor terraces. You can enjoy al-fresco drinks overlooking the River Derwent
🍰 Treat Yo’Self at The Little Shed in Allestree! 🫖
📍- 3a Park Lane, Allestree, DE22 2DR
⏰ - Monday – Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
⏰ - Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
⏰ - Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📷 - @thelittleshed
If you haven’t popped into The Little Shed in Allestree yet, what are you waiting for? This little gem is serving up everything from a proper English brekkie to cakes that’ll make your taste buds do a happy jig. Whether you're after a flat white fix or fancy indulging in their legendary afternoon tea, it's the spot for all things delicious. Check out their afternoon tea with a festive twist during December!

Afternoon Tea - £19.95 per person with the option to add a glass of fizz too!
BIZ BITE OF THE WEEK
We are Padel Derby 🎾
📍 - Derwent Parade, DE24 8BW
📅 - Book 60 or 90-minute slots
🎟️ - Rackets £2.50 | Balls £6.50 | Prices from £40
📷 - @wearepadel_derby
Fancy a whack at something new this week? Get yourself down to We Are Padel Derby – home to the best indoor courts where you can have a laugh, get competitive, or just give this fast-growing sport a go. Never played before? No problem. They’ve got intro sessions for beginners, so you can meet other clueless newbies and have a go without the embarrassment!
Rackets are yours for £2.50, balls for £6.50, and there’s a stash of drinks and snacks on hand to keep you fuelled up. Whether you’re rallying with mates, trying to impress on a date, or just escaping the house for an hour, it’s a guaranteed winner.

Book 60 or 90-minute slots
ACTIVITY ALLEY
Mince Pies & Motors at Great Northern Classics
📍 - Osmaston Road, DE24 8AE
📅 - Saturday 21st December
⏰ - 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🎟️ - Free entry | Parking £1.50/hour
📷 - @greatnorthernclassics
Get your festive fix at Mince Pies & Motors! Think classic cars, Christmas vibes, and a free mince pie to sweeten the deal. Plus, the 12 Days of Christmas grand prize winner will be announced on the day. It’s a proper festive rev-up for car fans and mince pie lovers. Don’t miss it! 🎄🚘
🎤 A Night with the Stars – Rick Sheehan’s Christmas Cracker
📍 - 204 Abbey Street, DE22 3SU
📅 - Saturday 21st December
⏰ - Doors open 7:30 PM
🎟️ - Free entry – call 01332 320096 to book or pop them a message on Facebook.
📷 - @ye_olde_spa_inne_derby_
Get ready for a night of festive laughs and entertainment as award-winning comedian and vocalist Rick Sheehan takes the stage at Ye Olde Spa Inne! This Christmas Special promises funny impressions, brilliant vocals, and plenty of festive cheer to get you in the holiday spirit.
FRESH EXPERIENCES
Matlock Christmas Market – Festive Fun for Everyone
📅 - Saturday 21st December - Sunday 22nd December
⏰ - 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
📍- Hall Leys Park, Crown Square, Matlock
Get ready for a proper festive blowout at Matlock’s Christmas Market! With over 150 stalls, live music, a roller-skating rink, Santa’s Grotto, snow machines, and even Elvis & Taylor Swift tribute acts, there’s something for everyone. Throw in fairground rides, mulled wine, and fire breathers, and you’ve got the ultimate Christmas weekend. Don’t miss it! 🎅✨
🎄 Christmas at Calke Abbey
📅 - Friday 20th to Monday 23rd December
⏰ - 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
📍- Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derby DE73 7LE
🎟️ - Tickets available online – visit Calke Abbey’s website
📷 - @ntcalkeabbey @curly_magpie
Fancy a festive day out with a bit of sparkle? Calke Abbey’s got it all – dazzling lights, nature-inspired decorations, and even tunnels to explore after dark. Grab some pigs in blankets in the Stableyards, browse the market for last-minute pressies, and try not to bump into Father Christmas and Mrs Claus (they’re everywhere). It’s Christmassy vibes with a Calke twist – perfect for the family!
LIVE MUSIC
Wednesday
Cult Classics Musical Theatre Night - Nordic Bar - 7:30 PM
Slade UK - Flowerpot - 9:00 PM
Thursday
Rockin Around The Durk & Ski - Hairy Dog - 7:30 PM
Xmas Open Mic Night - Spondon Liberal Club - 7:30 PM
Karaoke Thursdays - The Friary - 8:00 PM
The Sugar Tree - The Golden Eagle - 9:00 PM
The Upbeat Beatles - Flowerpot - 9:00 PM
Friday
Sing Christmas - Derby Cathedral - 12:45 PM
Far Away Cows - Meadow Road - 4:00 PM
Festive Friday Beats Dorothy Ella & Cassette Roulette Live - Nordic Bar - 6:00 PM
A Very Infirm of Purpose Christmas - The Victoria Inn - 6:30 PM
Mick Moonshine - Holly Dolly Christmas - 7:00 PM
Mad Friday Karaoke Night - The Jonty Farmer - 7:00 PM
Ourkid Oasis Tribute - Dubrek Studios - 7:00 PM
Clark Traceys Jazz Champions - Museum of Making - 7:30 PM
The Double 2s Band Live - The Old Talbot Hilton - 7:30 PM
Last Resort Nu Metal Tribute - Hairy Dog - 8:00 PM
The Modest - Bembridge Drive - 8:45 PM
Ultimate Coldplay - Flowerpot - 9:00 PM
Saturday
Rockmageddon - Hairy Dog - 4:00 PM
Martin Gregory Live - Spondon Liberal Club - 5:00 PM
Joey Greener & Cassette Roulette Live - Nordic Bar - 6:00 PM
Gerry Cinnaman & Noel Gallaghers High Flying Carpets - The Venue - 7:00 PM
Blind Aces - The Needles Pub - 8:45 PM
Live at Chaddesden Jubilee Club - 9:00 PM
Clampdown UK - Live at The White Horse - 9:00 PM
Live Entertaintment 5 Heads Xmas Special - 9:00 PM
Duran Duran Experience - Flowerpot - 9:00 PM
Sunday
Skarantinos - The Smithfield - 4:00 PM
Chilled Sounds at The Nordic Bar - 7:00 PM
All About Everything Live - Half Moon Inn - 8:00 PM
Fleetwood Bac - Flowerpot - 9:00 PM
WEEKEND WEATHER
Friday
8°C 🌡️ 5°C | Partly cloudy changing to sunny intervals by late morning.
Saturday
10°C 🌡️ 7°C | Partly cloudy changing to sunny intervals by late morning.
Sunday
6°C 🌡️ 2°C | Overcast
Temperature readings taken from the Met Office the night before publication
THANKS!
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