It may feel like summer has only just arrived, but plans for the 2024 Festive Derby celebrations are well underway. Derby City Council and the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District (BID) are delighted to announce that the city’s popular ice rink will return this Christmas – and tickets are on sale now.

The undercover ice rink was a popular attraction for all ages during the 2023 festive season, with more than 12,000 people donning their skates. This year, the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink will be located at Cathedral Green, and the fabulous Nordic Bar will also be back alongside it from November 30 until New Year’s Eve.

Whether you’re able to dance on the ice or you’re just trying to stay on your feet, there’s no better way to get in the Christmas mood. Skaters and spectators will be able to enjoy views of the river, Derby Cathedral and the Museum of Making amid twinkling lights.

Skaters of all ages and abilities can enjoy whizzing around on the ice in our hourly sessions, with prices including skate hire. For those feeling a bit wobbly on the ice, free skate aids will be available. 

The eye-catching tipis of the Nordic Bar will be returning next to the ice rink, thanks to Sami Tipi and Mambo Bars. You’ll be able to head in from the cold and take in the stunning festive foliage arrangements, disco balls and twinkling lights as you take a cosy seat by the firepit.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said:

The Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink has become a well-loved fixture of Christmas in Derby and it’ll be exciting to see it return in this stunning new location. This year’s Festive Derby is shaping up to be another one to remember and we can’t wait to welcome everyone into the city centre to enjoy it.

Like last year, there will be a tantalising array of drinks, from steaming speciality hot chocolates to mulled wine and festive cocktails. More tasty treats will be available from our on-site food vendors. The Nordic Bar will host a programme of entertainment including live music, children’s entertainment, quiz nights and more!

Jodie Bidder, co-founder of Sami Tipi, said:

We were absolutely blown away by the warm embrace from everyone in Derby last year! We’re thrilled to be back, bringing our tipis for another season of magic. Derby, get ready for more festive sparkle under the Tipis.

Brad Worley, Manager for Cathedral Quarter BID, said:

We’re thrilled to be sponsoring the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink once again, in partnership with Derby City Council. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Cathedral Green to enjoy a magical Christmas experience.

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

Festive light installations will lead you through the City Centre to the magical Cathedral Quarter, where there’ll be festive entertainment to enjoy on selected weekends.

Last year’s visitors were left feeling truly festive, so don’t miss out – book your tickets now.

We left with an afterglow that the cold couldn’t cut! Overall, a magical and memorable day out for the whole family! Christmas has officially started!

What's Good To Do

….the perfect (and warm!) setting to relax and soak up the merriment

Derby Days Out

Tickets for the ice rink are on sale now, with standard tickets priced at £11 during peak sessions and £9 for off-peak sessions. Under 16s tickets are £8.50 during peak sessions and £6.50 during off-peak sessions.

There are family and group discounts available, starting at groups of 4+, with larger discounts available for bigger group bookings. There will also be special sessions for toddlers and their parents/carers.

Of course, the festive season wouldn’t be complete without Derby’s annual panto spectacular at Derby Arena. This year we’re teaming up with Morgan Brind and the multi award-winning Little Wolf Entertainment  again to present Cinderella from Fri 6 - Tue 31 Dec.

As if that wasn’t enough, The Lost Boys will be back following the success of their interpretation of A Christmas Carol in 2023. They will bring their irreverent style to present Fairy Tale: An Adventure with Lockheart and Hawkins at QUAD from Sat 7 Dec - Fri 3 Jan. 

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.