Free or low cost things to do this Christmas in Chesterfield

By Mollie Brown - 8 December 2022

Looking to keep the family entertained this Christmas in Chesterfield? We’ve put together a list of free or low-cost activities that all the family can participate in.

Whilst there are some costs which are hard to avoid at Christmas – gifts and all the food for example – there are plenty of ways to feel jolly without splashing the cash.

1. Find the Chesterfield Elves

The Chesterfield Elves are hiding in shop windows around Chesterfield town centre, waiting for you to find them.

Santa has hidden a letter with each of the elves which spells out a magic word. Collect all the letters, unscramble them and spell out the special Christmas word for a chance of winning an Annual Family Pass for Matlock Farm Park.

You can either participate in the Elf Trail interactively by scanning a QR code on the elves and find the secret letter hidden on a webpage, or collect a paper entry form from the Visitor Information Centre in Chesterfield.

Are you ready to find the Chesterfield Elves? Click here to find clues as to where the elves are hiding…

2. See the twinkly Christmas Lights

Wait until dusk and take a walk through Chesterfield town centre to enjoy the twinkly and colourful Christmas lights. To help keep you warm, purchase a take-away hot chocolate from one of Chesterfield’s food and drink venues, or to keep the activity low-cost, you could take your own hot chocolate in a flask.

The Children’s Hospital Charity’s snowflake appeal is back in various locations across North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire. Look out for the snowflakes on display, sponsored by local businesses, at the Homes-by-Holmes building on Saltergate (pictured above).

3. Visit Santa’s Workshop at Vicar Lane

Take the little ones to enjoy a free, interactive experience at Santa’s Workshop until Christmas Eve. Meet the elves, before writing a letter to Santa and posting it in a magical post box to the North Pole.

Find out where you can meet Santa in Chesterfield…

4. Enjoy our outdoor spaces

Heading out for a wander is an ideal low-cost activity, not only to stay active whilst we’re enjoying all the festive feasts, but also for some time out from the Christmas madness.

Need ideas for where to go? Check out our guide to the great outdoors to explore in Chesterfield…

5. Discover Chesterfield’s unique artwork

You may never of noticed before, but Chesterfield is full of hidden gems when it comes to artwork and culture.

Stretch your legs, and take a walk to discover all the unique artwork in our town, you might even spot the puppy pictured above! The artwork can be a great photo opportunity for children – don’t forget to share your images on social media by tagging in @DesChes and use #LoveChesterfield

Discover the unique artwork by following our Chesterfield Art Trail Walking Routes…

6. Participate in Tag Tap AR

Download the ‘TagTap AR’ app for free and take part in the interactive game experience, which combines the real world with computer-generated content.

Between 1st December – 20th December 2022, TapTag and Chesterfield FC are running a Christmas competition – earn points and you will be entered into a competition to win signed merchandise.

Visit the TagTap AR website to learn more…

7. Get crafty this Christmas

Christmas is a great time to make gifts for friends or family, create decorations for your home or use your baking skills to make some yummy treats.

Chesterfield Borough Council have put together a few ideas to do either by yourself, or to entertain the kids, and the best part is all of the tutorials are free!

Check out the crafts guide here…

8. Enjoy a brass band or carol concert

Get into the festive spirit as venues across Chesterfield host a number of brass band and Christmas carol concerts.

See which Christmas concerts are taking place over the festive period…

9. Find Christmas gifts to suit your budget

Finding gifts for family and friends doesn’t have to be stressful or break the bank! Lucky for you, Chesterfield’s independent retailers have you covered. Here are 5 gift ideas under £10.00:

Tea Drinkers Enamel Pin from West Studios – £7.00
Luxury hot chocolate cones from Cibo Bistro – from £2.50
Jellycat soft toys from Huckleberry Willow – from £9.00
Love Coco 700ml Coconut Bowl with Bamboo Straw & Oil from Mrs Green’s Eco Store – £6.00
Be Reyt Mug from Shop Indie – £10.00

To find out more about these products and for more inspiration, visit our Christmas gift guide…

10. Spread the Christmas cheer by supporting local

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by supporting local people and businesses.

Shopping local is the best way to support our independent businesses, and we have put together some shopping guides to help you source your festive food and gifts locally.

Looking to support your local people? For inspiration and ways you can get involved, check out how Chesterfield’s business community is supporting local people this Christmas.