The big Santa will be found in Market Place(Image: Derby City Council)

Derby city centre Christmas plans revealed - with one new exciting feature

by · Derbyshire Live

Derby is in for a festive treat this year, as plans for what could be the best Christmas lights yet are unveiled. A lights trail and the UK's biggest illuminated Santa are on the cards for residents this winter as the city prepares for the festive period. The new trail will illuminate the streets of the city centre from early December.

There will be several light installations from The Spot, near Derbion, 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 rings wrapped in festive foliage at The Spot, the trail will wind its way through the heart of the city.

Visitors can 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 and then onto a tunnel of light which will run through Cornmarket. As you enter Market Place, the colourfully lit Christmas presents will be returning with a big Christmas tree as a backdrop.

The huge boxes, each decorated with a neat bow on top, first appeared back in 2019 and are designed and supplied by Blachere Illumination, a company that prides itself on being the "largest supplier of festive lighting in the UK". The presents received a mixed reception from locals when they were first put in place four years ago, with Councillor Nadine Peatfield branding the attraction as "embarrassing" at the time. This year the presents won't be the main attraction, however.

The giant presents have been lighting up Market Place since 2019(Image: Derby Telegraph)

You’ll also find the highlight of the trail - the UK’s largest light-up Santa installation - near the presents in the Market Place. The huge Father Christmas will be sure to put a smile on children's faces - although you may need sunglasses to protect yourselves from the dazzling lights.

Cllr 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."

Business owners hope the attractions will bring plenty of footfall, particularly in Derby's watering holes. Jon Sellars, area manager for Amber Taverns, who earlier this year reopened the Thomas Leaper as the Iron Ram, said: “It’s exciting that the council have invested in the light trail, which can be enjoyed by everyone in the city.

"It will be a great addition to the Cathedral Quarter, and as a business situated on Iron Gate, we welcome anything that encourages footfall into the city centre. We have loads of Christmas parties booked already, which will see our social gaming area on the first floor put to good use, and we will also be welcoming increased numbers in the city for their work parties and family festive gatherings.

The Iron Ram is just one of the Derby businesses set to benefit from the lights trail(Image: Derby Telegraph)

"Christmas is a great time for pubs, and we look forward to providing Derby residents with a year to remember."

Irongate will be illuminated up to Cathedral Square, where a giant gold star will sit below the Cathedral. You can also enjoy a festive drink in the cosy tipis of the Nordic Bar, and then, when you have had time to rest, you can whizz around the ice rink with family and friends. Afterwards, you can enjoy food from a variety of food stalls at Market Place, including loaded fries, grilled sausages, doughnuts, and crepes.

Anyone interested in viewing what's in store around the city centre this Christmas can do so by looking at the trail map - follow the link here. You can also pick up an activity sheet from the ice rink or Nordic bar for little ones to fill in along the way and be in with the chance of winning 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.

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, which is powering the giant Santa, added: "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, November 30, just in time for the launch of Festive Derby - an event compiling all of the above - after the city's Christmas Lights Switch-On event.