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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Autumn at Chatsworth
20th September-6th November 2026
Venue: Chatsworth House
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/autumn/
Enjoy an autumnal adventure at Chatsworth; choose from a wide range of walks, seasonal shopping and estate produce fit for a harvest supper. Pre-book garden, and farmyard tickets for complimentary parking.
Christmas Marquee
17th October-24th December 2026
Venue: Chatsworth Farm Shop
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/farm-shop-christmas-marquee/
Find everything you need for the season in the Christmas Marquee at Chatsworth Farm Shop, in Pilsley. Open until Christmas Eve, you can browse and buy decorations, tableware, home fragrance, and toiletries,...
The Nutcracker
3rd-4th November 2026
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/
New English Ballet Theatre (NEBT) presents a bold reimagining of The Nutcracker, performed live on stage to Tchaikovsky’s original, much-loved score. Blending classical tradition with imaginative storytelling,...
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
4th-8th November 2026
Venue: Derby Theatre
Website: derbytheatre.co.uk
Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Based on the beloved 1968 film adaptation of Ian Fleming’s classic children’s book. This...
Autumn Book and Craft Market
7th November 2026
Venue: Derby Market Hall
Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/autumn-book-and-craft-market/
Derby Book Festival's Autumn Book and Craft Market returns in 2026. In the run-up to Christmas, they will be showcasing a host of regional makers, illustrators and creatives selling book-related crafts....
Christmas at Chatsworth
7th November-3rd January 2027
Venue: Chatsworth House
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas/
This Christmas, step inside The 12 Days of Christmas as one of the season’s best-loved songs is brought to life in new and unexpected ways. This year’s experience celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship...
Christmas in the Garden
7th November-3rd January 2027
Venue: Chatsworth Garden
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas-in-the-garden/
Explore a festive light trail in the Chatsworth Garden. The light trail will culminate in a spectacular animated light and sound show projected onto the house. Tickets include farmyard entry and parking...
Christmas Market
7th November-13th December 2026
Venue: Chatsworth House
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas-market/
The Christmas Market returns with gifts, decorations, and seasonal food and drink. With live music too, it's a lovely way to welcome in the festive season. Parking must be booked in advance.
Fireworks on the Farm!
7th-8th November 2026
Venue: National Forest Adventure Farm
Website: www.adventurefarm.co.uk/news/our-events/fireworks-on-the-farm/
Enjoy a fantastic 15 minute firework display set to music, taking place at approx 7pm! With live music to bring out your best dance moves, use of their fun field and animal barn from 2pm till 6pm, walkabout...
The Nutcracker
7th November 2026
Venue: Vaillant Live
Website: vaillantlive.co.uk
Rediscover the wonder of one of the world’s most cherished ballets. Whether beginning a new family tradition or revisiting a beloved classic, Imperial Classical Ballet®’s Nutcracker promises an evening...
High Peak Baby Bank
9th November 2026
Venue: Pavilion Gardens
Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/high-peak-baby-bank/
The next Fill A Bag Sale is here! Whether you’re stocking up on everyday essentials or prepping for the colder months ahead, go along to grab some incredible bargains while supporting your local baby...
Relaxed Christmas at Chatsworth
9th-10th November 2026
Venue: Chatsworth House
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/relaxed-christmas-sessions/
These Christmas at Chatsworth sessions have been adapted for children, families and neurodivergent individuals who may benefit from a calmer experience. Audio and visual displays will be adapted to help...
The Borrowers
13th November-23rd January 2027
Venue: New Vic Theatre
Website: newvictheatre.org.uk
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the New Vic Theatre is bringing back its much-loved 2014 production of The Borrowers. Perfect for families, this enchanting festive production follows a courageous journey...
Autumn Fair 2026
14th-15th November 2026
Venue: Pavilion Gardens
Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/autumn-fair-2026-pavilion-gardens/
A new event celebrating the autumn season. With a wide variety of exhibitors and stallholders selling created, crafted and handmade produce and products. Also hot food and drink, live music, and children’s...
Step Into Christmas
17th November 2026
Venue: Buxton Opera House
Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/
Get ready to Step Into Christmas for this magical, feel-good show! This spectacular Christmas concert is the ultimate way to kickstart your festive celebrations, guaranteed to fill your heart with holiday...
The Nutcracker
18th November 2026
Venue: Tamworth Assembly Rooms
Website: www.tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk
Crown Ballet® is delighted to return to the UK to mesmerise audiences with their enchanting production of The Nutcracker. A true masterpiece of Tchaikovsky’s repertoire, The Nutcracker is a charming...
Indoor Market
19th November 2026
Venue: Pavilion Gardens
Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/indoor-winter-markets/
As the weather turns chilly, visit the cosy Octagon Lounge throughout the winter months for the newly launched Indoor Markets. Escape the cold and wander through a vibrant set-up filled with passionate...
ABBA Christmas by Candlelight
20th November 2026
Venue: Derby Cathedral
Website: derbycathedral.org/events/concerts/abba-christmas-by-candlelight/
Deck the halls with disco this Christmas season. An ABBA Christmas By Candlelight features some of the most iconic pop songs of all time including Mamma Mia, Voulez Vouz, Thank You for the Music, Dancing...
Robin Hood (2026 Pantomime)
20th November-10th January 2027
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/
Get ready for a festive adventure packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, show-stopping songs, stunning sets and costumes, and heaps of audience participation. This brand-new panto from the Garrick’s award-winning...
Winter Light Trail
20th November-3rd January 2027
Venue: Trentham Gardens
Website: www.winterlighttrail.co.uk/trentham
Visitors to Trentham Gardens can look forward to all-new interactive activities, immersive soundscapes and larger-than-life illuminations as they embark on a brand-new, mile-long route for 2026’s enchanting...
A Christmas Carol
21st November 2026
Venue: Pavilion Arts Centre
Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/
On Christmas Eve night, the miserly and cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge embarks upon a journey through his past, present, and future. Along the way, he learns to appreciate the true meaning of...
Buxton by Lamp Light
21st November 2026
Venue: Pavilion Gardens
Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/buxton-by-lamp-light/
A fantastic day of festive entertainment for the whole family. The celebrations begin with the indoor and outdoor Christmas markets, open from 10am until 7pm. The main event will begin at the Palace Hotel,...
Mayoral Charities Dickensian Christmas Market
22nd November 2026
Venue: Pavilion Gardens
Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/dickensian-christmas-market-2026/
The annual Mayoral Dickensian Market with craft and gift stalls with a Dickensian theme. Enjoy plenty of stalls, family fun and all for a good cause! Free entry. 10am – 4pm.
The Railway Children
27th November-2nd January 2027
Venue: Derby Theatre
Website: derbytheatre.co.uk
All aboard for an enchanting journey into a world of steam trains, adventure and courage. Packed with unforgettable characters, moments of fun and acts of kindness, this enduring story has captivated generations....
Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink 2026
28th November-31st December 2026
Venue: Derby Market Place
Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/cathedral-quarter-ice-rink-2026/
Get ready to lace up your skates as the city's covered real ice rink returns to bring festive magic to the city centre. Whether it's little ones taking their first wobbly steps on the ice or grown-ups...
Christmas Lights Switch On & Festive Derby Opening
28th November 2026
Venue: Derby Market Place
Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-lights-switch-on-lantern-parade/
Celebrate the start of Festive Derby. Join Derby City Centre's Christmas countdown as festive lights illuminate the city. Enjoy free live entertainment, community performances presented by Smooth Radio,...
Derby's Ethical Christmas Market
28th November 2026
Venue: Derby Market Hall
Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/derbys-ethical-christmas-market/
Shop ethically for Christmas! Find beautiful presents for everyone on your list with a range of stalls including jewellery, decorations, pottery and more, all whilst supporting ethical trade and positive...
Sleeping Beauty
4th December-2nd January 2027
Venue: Buxton Opera House
Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/
Buxton, your dreams have come true... Sleeping Beauty is a spellbinding pantomime bursting with laughter, festive magic, and fun for the whole family! Expect a sensational cast, glittering costumes, and...
Snow White
4th-31st December 2026
Venue: Derby Arena
Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/
Award-winning Little Wolf Entertainment return with a lush extravaganza, featuring fantastic frocks, lavish sets and bucket loads of laughs. This dazzling panto adventure is packed full of spectacle, slapstick...
Help! Santa’s Missing
10th-23rd December 2026
Venue: Chapel Street Arts Centre
Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/
Chapel Street Arts Centre transforms into a world of magic, mystery, and laughter as audiences of all ages are invited to join the search for Santa Claus himself. Packed with humour, heart, and holiday...
Scrooge Cirque Extravaganza
15th-16th December 2026
Venue: Vaillant Live
Website: vaillantlive.co.uk
The ultimate Christmas show is heading for Derby this December! The show is an enchanting mix of musical theatre with cirque wow factor, suitable for the whole family, featuring international circus acts...