Things to do in Derby this weekend including The Cathedral Quarter Christmas Grotto!

Good morning Derby! ☀️ It’s Friday, the weekend is knocking, and it’s time to shake off the weekday grind. Whether you’re on the hunt for festive fun or just looking to unwind, we’ve got the perfect plans to keep you entertained. Let’s see what’s happening! 🎄✨

In today’s Local Scoop:

• Cathedral Quarter Christmas Grotto

• A Very Bublé Christmas at Derby Cathedral

• Our scrumptious scoops for the weekend 🍽️

Let’s get to it.

— Local Scoop Derby

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK?

Cathedral Quarter Christmas Grotto
📅 - Running till 22nd December
⏰ - 10:00 AM
📍- Derby Museum & Art Gallery
🎟️ - £4.50 per child (Suitable for ages 0-12 years)
📷 - @cathedralquarterderby

Santa’s landed in Derby, and he’s swapped his sleigh for a spot in the Cathedral Quarter! Pop into this festive grotto for a cosy chat with the big man himself, grab a gift for the kiddos, and snap a pic that’ll keep nan happy all Christmas. It’s just £4.50 per child, and honestly, where else can you get this much festive cheer on a budget? 🎅

Friday

• Festive Afternoon at The Nutbrook Coffee Shop
  1:00 PM
  Enjoy mulled wine, a festive platter, and a hot drink in Nutbrook’s winter wonderland. Tickets are £49.95 for two or £29.95 for one. Book now: 07738165277!
  Learn More

• Winter Fair - Lees Brook Academy
  4:00 PM
  Explore a variety of stalls featuring local handmade treasures—think jewellery, soaps, candles, wax melts, cakes, sweets, and more. Perfect for ticking off that Christmas list!
  Learn More

• Jamaican Street Food and Live Music
  6:00 PM
  Enjoy Jamaican street food, an impressive drinks selection, and live music at The Kings Head in Hilton! A perfect mix of flavour, fun, and tunes to liven up your evening.
  Learn More

Saturday

• Bridge The Gap Child Mental Health C.I.C - Open Cafe
  10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  The Derby Cares Café will be open as part of the Cathedral Quarter Small Business Saturday. They will have Christmas crafts and a selection of relaxation kits/fidget toys to purchase from their gift shop.
  Learn More

• Christmas at Pickford’s House - Derby Museums
  11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  Enjoy a Giant day of games, activities, and holiday cheer perfect for all the family.
  Learn More

• Free Christmas Car Meet Hosted by UK Car Events
  5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  Join UK Car Events at Great Northern Classics, Derby, for a festive evening of incredible cars, holiday vibes, and treats from Café Miura. Free entry (ticket required) with £1.50/hr parking. Don’t miss out!
  Learn More

• Derby Concert Orchestra’s Christmas Concert
  7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
  Enjoy an evening of Christmas classics, singalong carols, and holiday film music.
  Learn More

• Winter Paws - Park Farm Shopping Centre, Allestree
  10:00 AM
  Bring your dog along to Allestree Pet Supplies in the Park Farm Centre to experience the magic of the Winter Wonderland. Meet Santa and his Elves in their wonderland Grotto and have their photo taken followed by a special treat from Santa himself.
  Learn More

Sunday

• Auto Jumble - Great Northern Classics
  10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  Got car parts or automobilia to sell? Join the monthly traders' event at Great Northern Classics, Derby! Free admission and parking for standholders (validate at Reception), with Café Miura open for drinks and snacks.
  Learn More

• Knitwear Stall at Derbion
  10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
  Support the Friends of the Baby Unit by visiting their knitwear stall! Say hello, make a donation, or pick up some wonderful handmade items. Every penny goes towards life-saving equipment for the Neonatal Unit at Derby and Burton Hospitals Trust. Pop by and show your support!
  Learn More

• Christmas Gift & Craft Fair - Melbourne Animal Farm
  11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  Head to Melbourne Animal Farm’s Christmas Craft and Gift Fair on 7th–8th December, 11 AM–3 PM! Meet donkeys Casper and Eeyore, browse festive stalls, and enjoy free parking and entry. All proceeds support the care of the farm animals.
  Learn More

• Reiki Experience Workshop - Breathing Space
  4:30 PM - 5:45 PM
  Join Breathing Space, Derby, for a Reiki Experience Workshop — the perfect opportunity to feel the magic of this healing practice for yourself!
  Learn More

• Christmas Carolling
  5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  Join in for a festive evening of Christmas carolling, mince pies, mulled wine, and a hog roast, all in support of Mackworth Church. Hosted in The Folly, it’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit while supporting a great cause! Learn More

SCRUMPTIOUS SCOOPS

Spice Lounge – The Crown Jewel of Curry! 👑🍛
📍 - 10 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1NQ
⏰ - Monday – Thursday: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
⏰ - Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM
⏰ - Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📷 - @thespicelounge_derby

Looking for the best Indian food in town? Spice Lounge is where it’s at! Not only have they recently won the title of Best Indian Restaurant in Derbyshire but their menu is packed with dishes that will make your taste buds do a little dance. From mouth-watering starters like crispy samosas and chicken tikka to their legendary house specials like the spicy Jaipuri Chicken and the rich Raan Large Special, there’s something for every palate.

Rollin’ with the Sausage Royals 🥪 at Portobello Café
📍- 50 Queen Street, DE1 3DE
⏰ - Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
📷 - @portobelloderby

If hearty, homemade food is your thing, Portobello Café is the spot to hit. Run by the mother-daughter dream team, Susan and Hannah, this cosy café serves up everything from legendary sausage rolls and lemon drizzle cake to roast chicken sandwiches that taste like a hug in bread. With seasonal soups, fresh salads, and even catering services for your next big bash, it’s a slice of foodie heaven. Oh, and don’t leave without trying their famed chocolate tiffin – trust us, it’s life-changing. 🥪🍰✨

BIZ BITE OF THE WEEK

Beards, Balms, and Banter: The Dandy Gent Barbers
📍 - 10a Irongate House, Irongate, DE1 3FJ
⏰ - Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📷 - @thedandygent

If your beard’s looking more “Grizzly Adams” than “distinguished gent,” it’s time to visit The Dandy Gent. With a heritage rooted in proper old-school barbering (we’re talking grandad’s secret apothecary recipes), this Derby-based barbershop is the go-to for sharp trims, perfectly styled whiskers, and top-notch grooming products.

Whether it’s their handmade beard oils, moustache wax, or a splash of their Dandy-licious cologne, everything is crafted in-house with natural ingredients. Oh, and they’ll knock 10% off if you return the packaging—because even your beard can help save the planet. So, gents, ditch the scruff and get yourself sorted. The Dandy Gent’s got your back (and your beard). 🧔✨

ACTIVITY ALLEY

An Adventure With Lockheart And Hawkins
📍- Derby Arena
📅 - Saturday 7th December (Also Runs till January 3rd)
⏰ - Various times available
🎟️ - £14.50 (Adults), £11.00 (Children under 16 & concessions), Under 2s free

Fancy a bit of Victorian drama mixed with fairy tale magic? FairyTale – An Adventure With Lockheart And Hawkins is coming to the QUAD, and it’s got it all the academic chaos, steampunk vibes, and a globe-trotting mission to save the world. Join Professor Lockheart, freshly booted from Oxford, and Jack Tar Hawkins, a no-nonsense sailor, as they tackle folklore, peril, and probably each other in this quirky theatrical experience.

Rev your engines for the Christmas Car Meet!
📍 - Great Northern Classics, 274-278 Osmaston Road, DE24 8AE
📅 - Saturday 7th December
⏰ - 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎟️ - Free Entry (Ticketed)
📷 - @greatnorthernclassics

Rev up your engines and deck the dashboards—it’s time for the Christmas Car Meet! Hosted by UK Car Events, this festive gathering is the perfect blend of shiny motors, good vibes, and holiday spirit. Whether you’re a die-hard petrolhead or just fancy a bit of festive fun, head to Great Northern Classics for a relaxed evening of car-spotting, hot drinks from Café Miura, and great company.

Book your free tickets now (yes, free!) and get ready for a pit stop packed with Christmas cheer. Don’t forget to validate your parking and bring your best holiday jumper—it’s Christmas, after all!

FRESH EXPERIENCES

A Very Bublé Christmas at Derby Cathedral
📅 - Saturday 7th December
⏰ - 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
📍- Derby Cathedral
📷 @derbycathedral

If you’re dreaming of a festive evening dripping with Michael Bublé vibes (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), then Derby Cathedral’s Christmas Concert is your ticket to holiday happiness. Featuring the smooth tones of James Barrington Stephens, singalong carols, and the world premiere of Follow That Star by Matthew Eden, it’s got all the makings of a merry night out.

Martians, Pantomimes & Festive Twists
📍- Derby Museum & Art Gallery
📅 - Sunday 8th December
⏰ - 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
🎟️ £5 (Free for Derby Museums Friends)
📷 - @derbymuseums

Prepare to see Christmas in a whole new light as theatre wizard and storytelling maestro David Longford takes centre stage for a festive deep-dive into the weird, wonderful, and downright quirky. From pantomime classics to his Cinderella reimagining for The National Trust, and even his not-so-secret love for B-movies, David’s illustrated talk promises a mix of laughs, nostalgia, and a sprinkling of festive magic.

Perfect for adults who fancy swapping the mince pies for some creative cheer – spaces are limited, so book now before the curtain falls! 🎟️

LIVE MUSIC

Friday

• Attilia The Stockbroker - The Victoria Inn - 7:00 PM

• Lose Alone - Becket Street - 7:00 PM

• ABBA Tribute Band - Riddings Park Alfreton - 7:30 PM

• The Modest Live at The Springfield - Swadlincote - 9:00 PM

Saturday

• Bloody Head - Dubrek Studios - 7:00 PM

• Together - Indian Fusion Music Concert - St Peter’s Churchyard - 7:00 PM

• The Indie Night - Hairy Dog - 7:00 PM

• Korma Police - The Red Lion - 8:00 PM

• Last of Our Kind - The Castle Inn - 8:30 PM

• Steff Melodie - The Needles Pub - 8:45 PM

• Rock Buffet Horse & Groom Christmas Special - 8:45 PM

• Saturday Night Live at The Maypole Inn - 9:00 PM

• The Modest Live at The Red Lion Repton - 9:00 PM

• Shed The EGO Live at The Hollybush Ripley - 9:00 PM

• Ohasis at The Flowerpot - 9:00 PM

Sunday 

• Acoustic Sundays - Midland Place - 3:00 PM

• Peashooter Acoustic Show - Flowerpot - 4:00 PM

• Grace Petrie - Becket Street - 5:00 PM

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday
8°C 🌡️ 6°C | A chilly and mostly sunny morning with gentle winds. Clouding over during the afternoon before Storm Darragh brings very strong winds and heavy rain Friday evening and overnight.

Saturday
9°C 🌡️ 5°C | Remaining wet and very windy Saturday, with gales expected.

Sunday
5°C 🌡️ 5°C | Breezy on Sunday with rain turning showery before clearing overnight.
Temperature readings taken from the Met Office the night before publication

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Local Scoop Derby today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves Derby as much as you do.

The Local Scoop Derby

MESSAGE US!

Have feedback for us or want to get your business in front of Derby locals? Email us at [email protected] or DM us at @local_scoop_derby