Christmas lights switch-on events taking place in and around Derbyshire in 2024

It's that time of the year again, when the early Christmas trees are being set up, decorations and advent calendars have started to line the shelves and our bank accounts are starting to drain from festive shopping. So we've made a list of where you can brighten up your nights in the lead-up to December 25 with an array of Christmas lights switch-on events in and around Derbyshire.

So where are the best spots to be dazzled by extravagant displays of the festive season? Well there are a variety of free displays from the city centre to villages and towns across Derbyshire.

Derby Christmas Lights Switch-on and Lantern Parade

Where: Full Street, opposite Cathedral Green

When: Saturday, November 30, from 4pm

Price: Free

Derby will be hosting its Christmas lights switch-on at the end of November in a free-to-attend event, taking place just opposite Cathedral Green. The new location for the switch-on was decided earlier this year in October, and will be located next to an ice rink and Nordic bar. There will also be a programme of free live entertainment in Cathedral Green, followed by a stage show full of local and community acts presented by Smooth Radio.

Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch-on and Market

Where: A variety of locations across Chesterfield town centre

When: Sunday, November 17

Price: Free

Chesterfield will be hosting their annual Christmas lights switch-on alongside live music, and a range of different entertainment acts for the whole family. There will be a Christmas market as well to help visitors with getting into the festive mood as well as a bit of possible Christmas shopping. This year's special guest will be Bluey, the beloved children's cartoon character. The street entertainment will start at 12pm followed by a free stage show from 3pm, and finally the main switch-on is due at 4.45pm.

Swadlincote's 'The Lights Before Christmas'

Where: Swadlincote town centre, High Street/West Street

When: Saturday, November 30, 4pm - 7pm

Price: Free

As well as a lights switch-on, Swadlincote town centre will also be hosting an arts and crafts fair taking place at Sharpe's Pottery Museum from 11am to 7pm, with a variety of stalls selling unique gifts for Christmas. The actual switch-on will take place at 6.30pm with live festive music, illuminated street performances, fairground rides and hot food and drink.

Milford & Belper's Christmas Lights Switch-on 2024

Where: A variety of locations

When: Sunday, November 24

Price: Free

In this double bill of Christmas lights action, Milford will be taking the lead with their lights switch-on taking place at 4.45pm by Belper Town Mayor, Councillor Sue Devine. Then after the first stop the mayor will be joined by Santa and his elves to travel to Belper to switch on the lights at 5.45pm, being joined by Sally Pepper, ex-BBC Radio Derby DJ and the host of Truly Madly Derby podcast. The marketplace will have a whole host of stalls run by local charities and voluntary groups, with live music due to start at 6pm.

Long Eaton Christmas Lights Switch-on

Where: Long Eaton town centre

When: Thursday, November 28

Price: Free

The event will take place around the Market Place from 5.30pm to 8.30pm with the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Sue Beardsley, officially doing the switch-on at 7pm. There is also going to be a big line-up of charity stalls, as well as traditional entertainment alongside the festivities. Dovedale Primary School pupils will be taking part in a lantern parade procession from Long Eaton Town Hall and arriving at the Market Place at 6.30pm.

Ashbourne Christmas Lights Switch-on

Where: Market Place

When: Saturday, November 16

Price: Free

Festive entertainment will start from 4pm with the theme of "Santa and his elves" which will entail elf acrobatics, hula hoopers, bouncy stilt walkers as well as "candy cane girls" who will be distributing candy canes to children. The lights will be switched on at 5.30pm by the Mayor of Ashbourne.

Christmas Weekend Bazaar and Christmas lights Switch-on in Buxton

Where: Pavillion Gardens

When: Saturday, November 16, from 10am to 7pm and Sunday, November 17, from 10am to 4.30pm

Price: Free

This event will be running over two days with activities for all the family, including a Santa's grotto, food and drinks on the promenade and the big lights switch-on at 6pm. The event will be hosted at the Pavilion Gardens over two days and will include a whole host of market stalls for avid Christmas shoppers.

Burton Christmas Lights Switch-on

Where: Market Place

When: Sunday, November 24

Price: Free

The family-friendly event will be running from 2pm ahead of the switch on at 5pm with the funfair running until late. The event will see a whole host of live music, talent shows and fun and games. Additionally there will be a host of food and drink stalls, a fun fair and a fireworks display to mark the occasion.

Alfreton Christmas Event and Lights Switch-on

Where: Alfreton House on Main Street

When: Saturday, November 23

Price: Free

Alfreton's Christmas celebrations will be getting under way at 2pm with a whole day of entertainment, stalls and even a Santa's grotto in the lead-up to the Christmas lights switch-on. The event will run from 2pm until 6pm with stalls, stages, a fair and grottos.

Ripley Christmas Market and Lights Switch-on

Where: Ripley Market Place

When: Sunday, November 24

Price: Free

Ripley are gearing up for their all-day event leading up to the switching on of the Christmas lights. Events taking place during the day include free children's rides, performances from local groups and a special guest appearance from Santa. Amber Sound FM will be broadcasting live from the event throughout the day.

If you would like to see your Christmas event added to the list, please email louis.corbett@reachplc.com.