Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
What's On in Derbyshire
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Christmas at Chatsworth
8th November-4th January 2026
Venue: Chatsworth
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas/
Discover the magic of Christmas at Chatsworth with a decorated house, garden light trail, and seasonal crafts and activities at the farmyard. Pre-booking essential.
The Little Mermaid
14th November-24th January 2026
Venue: New Vic Theatre
Address: Newcastle-under-Lyme
Website: www.newvictheatre.org.uk/productions/the-little-mermaid/
Dive into a world of magic and wonder this Christmas for a breathtaking adventure beneath the waves! In a colourful coral reef, a young mermaid with a heart full of dreams spends her days hoping for a...
Festive Derby
20th November-15th March 2026
Venue: Derby
Website: www.derbylive.co.uk
There is a massive Festive Derby season! It all kicks off on Thursday 27th November with the Christmas Lights Switch On, featuring the Surtal Arts’ Lantern Parade and the main stage show. Plus, enjoy...
Foster for East Midlands Councils
20th November-15th March 2026
Venue: Across the East Midlands
Website: fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk
Foster for your council – give a child a safe, loving home. The Foster for East Midlands Councils recruitment hub, run by Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire Councils, will guide...
Genius Tuition Derby
20th November-15th March 2026
Venue: Genius Tuition Derby
Website: www.geniustuition.co.uk
With experienced and qualified teachers, Genius Tuition deliver quality teaching and learning with the aim of developing their students academically and socially. To find out more, visit the website.
S4 Swim School
20th November-15th March 2026
Venue: Various Venues
Website: www.s4swimschool.uk
With over fifteen years of experience, S4 remains a trusted name in swimming lessons, offering small, friendly group sessions that build confidence, technique and fun. New students are welcomed with a...
St Giles Hospice Rudolph Run
20th November-15th March 2026
Venue: You choose your location!
Website: www.stgileshospice.com/rudolphrun
This December, schools and groups across the region are invited to take part in the St Giles Hospice Rudolph Run! Walk, run, or gallop your own festive fun run, at your own pace, in your own space. Each...
Start Your Fitness Journey with Places Leisure
20th November-15th March 2026
Venue: Alfreton, Ripley, and William Gregg VC Leisure Centre
Website: www.placesleisure.org
With a Premium membership you can benefit from unlimited gym, unlimited swim, unlimited classes and can add up to 4 juniors - T&Cs apply. To find out more, visit the website.
Cinderella
21st November-11th January 2026
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/cinderella-2025
Don't miss this year's hilarious, fun-filled, family pantomime Cinderella. With hilarious comedy, beautiful sets and costumes, and a magical cast, Cinderella promises to be their funniest and most spectacular...
Winter Light Trail
21st November-4th January 2026
Venue: Trentham Gardens
Website: www.winterlighttrail.co.uk/trentham
Be part of the magic at Trentham Winter Light Trail this Christmas! Wander through the illuminated gardens and discover new installations, interactive experiences and enchanting surprises at every turn....
Oliver Twist
28th November-3rd January 2026
Venue: Derby Theatre
Website: derbytheatre.co.uk/event/oliver-twist/
Join the courageous young orphan, Oliver on his journey from the workhouse to the streets of Victorian London as he navigates the city’s gritty underworld in search of family, love and a place to call...
Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink 2025
29th November-31st December 2025
Venue: Derby Market Place
Website: www.festivederby.co.uk/whats-on/
Get your skates on and glide onto this year’s ice rink in the city centre, with views of the Nordic Bar! The covered ice rink has plenty of space to stand and watch. Spectators can join in the fun by...
Festive Entertainment and Music
29th November-31st December 2025
Venue: Derby City Centre
Website: www.festivederby.co.uk/whats-on/
Get into the Christmas spirit with festive music and entertainment. A delightful range of festive characters, lively singers, heartwarming choirs, and merry brass bands will be spreading cheer and animating...
Nordic Bar
29th November-31st December 2025
Venue: Derby Market Place
Website: www.festivederby.co.uk/whats-on/
Gather your friends and family together this festive season. Wooden benches, stunning festive foliage arrangements, disco balls and twinkling lights will welcome you in for a seat by the firepit. Relax...
Aladdin
5th December-1st January 2026
Venue: Buxton Opera House
Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/aladdin/
Will Aladdin outsmart evil Aveajaffa and what will his meddlesome mother Dame Twankey have to say? Expect masterful music, mesmerising costumes, and all the pantomime mayhem you know and love! Guaranteed...
Dick Whittington
5th-31st December 2025
Venue: Derby Arena
Website: www.festivederby.co.uk/whats-on/dick-whittington/
This Christmas, join Dick Whittington on his search for fame and fortune as he sets off for London where the streets are paved with gold, or are they? Featuring stunning sets, fantastic frocks, and side-splitting...
Sleeping Beauty
5th December-4th January 2026
Venue: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Website: www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk
When the wicked fairy’s evil curse causes the princess to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an enchanted sleep, can anyone rescue her from the magical slumber before it is too late?...
Tortoise and the Hare
8th December-3rd January 2026
Venue: Derby Theatre
Website: derbytheatre.co.uk/event/the-tortoise-and-the-hare/
Get ready to 'shell-abrate' Christmas 2025 in the Derby Theatre Studio with yet another toe-tapping, laugh-out-loud retelling of a children’s classic. Full of puppetry, fantastic storytelling and original...
Cinderella (Pantomime)
12th December-4th January 2026
Venue: Regent Theatre
Website: www.atgtickets.com/shows/cinderella-pantomime/regent-theatre/
This Christmas, the Regent Theatre invites audiences to the most spectacular ball in the land, with the family pantomime, Cinderella. Will Cinderella make it to the ball? Will the Fairy Godmother work...
The Three Little Pigs The Musical
11th January 2026
Venue: Buxton Opera House
Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/three-little-pigs-2026/
Get ready for a funny and heart-warming adventure in The Three Little Pigs The Musical - a fresh take on the classic story that’ll have you squealing with glee and howling with laughter! This version...
Bluey's Big Play
13th-15th February 2026
Venue: Regent Theatre
Website: www.atgtickets.com/shows/blueys-big-play/regent-theatre/
Based on a brand-new story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, with music by series composer Joff Bush, Bluey’s Big Play is bursting with fun, games, and family moments audiences know and love. Featuring brilliantly...
Circus Spectacular
16th February 2026
Venue: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Website: www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/circus-spectacular/
The circus is coming to town! Featuring international circus acts, amazing magic and lots of laughs. Circus Spectacular will have everyone laughing and cheering along in this fantastic circus style variety show.
Clay Play!
18th February 2026
Venue: Sharpe’s Pottery Museum
Website: www.sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk/event/clay-play-5/
A fun, hands-on family activity where children and adults alike can explore the wonderful world of clay. Guided by the friendly volunteers, you’ll learn simple techniques to mould, shape, and decorate...
Chinese New Year Extravaganza
19th February 2026
Venue: Pavilion Arts Centre
Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/chinese-new-year-extravaganza-2026/
Jinlong is back with the Chinese New Year Extravaganza, an unforgettable show filled with vibrant colours, awe-inspiring performances, and endless fun! This sensational event brings one of the biggest...
Pop Princesses
19th February 2026
Venue: Buxton Opera House
Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/pop-princesses-2025/
This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa and Lizzo, plus a few of the...
Dino Tales
21st February 2026
Venue: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Website: www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk
Calling all dinosaur rangers – Jurassic Rescue needs your help! There’s a baby Ankylosaurus that needs rescuing before The Doc gets his evil hands on it… With a captivating story and an entire herd...
Dino Tales
22nd February 2026
Venue: Tamworth Assembly Rooms
Website: www.tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk
Calling all dinosaur rangers - Jurassic Rescue needs your help! There's a baby Ankylosaurus that needs rescuing before The Doc gets his evil hands on it… With a captivating story and an entire herd of...
The Gruffalo’s Child
9th-10th March 2026
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/the-gruffalos-child
The perfect wintery production adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning storybook. Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation....