Chesterfield is set to provide a magical festive period for families across the area, with a programme of packed events and activities – everything you need for the perfect Christmas.
Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield have once again partnered to launch the annual Christmas in Chesterfield campaign, promoting the exciting festive fun, delightful dining, and unique gifts which can be found in the local area.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, portfolio holder for the town centre and visitor economy, said: “We have a packed entertainment schedule organised in Chesterfield this winter, with many of the events being free or low-cost to come along to. We understand that the cost of living is still affecting everyone, particularly as the colder months are upon us, so as a council, we want to do all we can to provide you with things to do over the festive season that won’t cost a fortune.”
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, commented: “Christmas provides the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends and family, and I highly recommend people enjoy those precious moments whilst discovering our town’s superb bars, restaurants, and attractions. Once again, Destination Chesterfield has produced several blogs, articles, and guides for your perfect Christmas, and I would urge everyone to take a look and see what our town has to offer.”
Save the date for these great festive events
A Festival of Christmas Trees – at St Mary’s and All Saints Church (Crooked Spire) from Saturday 18 November to Sunday 3 December.
Visitors are invited to come and see over 100 colourful Christmas trees decorated by local people, community groups and businesses, including WI, scout and guide groups, schools and high street stores and venues. This is a free event, and one not to be missed.
Find out more about the event: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/a-festival-of-christmas-trees/
Chesterfield Pantomime, Aladdin – at The Winding Wheel Theatre from Friday 1 December to Tuesday 2 January.
Join the hero Aladdin on the journey of a lifetime as he soars through the skies in his quest for fortune and true love. A family extravaganza that’s simply Genie-us!
The Chase star Anne Hegerty is to headline the Chesterfield Pantomime this Christmas. Instantly recognisable as The Governess from ITV’s long-running, multi-award-winning teatime TV programme.
See the full list of performance dates at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-pantomime/
Santa’s Grotto at the Assembly Rooms, Market Hall from Sunday 19 November to Sunday 24 December – at various times (see website for more details on dates, times and how to book).
Families are invited to visit Santa in his Chesterfield Grotto and share their Christmas wishes. Each child will be given a wrapped gift. Tickets are on sale now and are priced at £7.50 per child.
There will also be six relaxed sessions for children with learning disabilities or sensory and communication disorders. The flashing lights will be off, background lighting will be increased and children will have a little longer to meet with Santa.
Find out more about the venues where you can meet Santa in Chesterfield this festive season: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/meet-santa-in-chesterfield/
Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch On and Market – Sunday 19 November, from noon to 6pm in Chesterfield town centre.
Join us to turn on the Christmas lights across the town centre. There will be a stage show to entertain the crowds, market stalls to visit and the opportunity to meet this year’s special guest – Paddington™.
Paddington™ will be appearing in Rykneld Square at 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
Get more information about the event at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-christmas-market-and-lights-switch-on/
Revolution House, open Thursday 7 to Wednesday 24 December – from 11am to 3pm (Thursday to Sunday). Revolution House High Street, Old Whittington, S41 9JZ.
There will be a Christmas exhibition titled ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ which uses whimsical objects from the museum collection to illustrate the famous Christmas song.
You can also see Revolution House decorated for a 17th Century Christmas with displays of greenery, a kissing bough, and colourful flower arrangements provided by our volunteers.
A Christmas Carol Concert will be taking place outside Revolution House on Thursday 7 December at 6.30pm where you will be able to see the Holymoorside Brass Band in the garden for traditional, festive carol singing.
Find out more: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/christmas-at-revolution-house/
Chesterfield Canal – Santa cruises, various dates
The John Varley ll will be sailing from Tapton Lock (S41 7JB) and the Madeline from Hollingwood Hub (S43 2PF). Here you can take to the water this Christmas to meet Santa on Chesterfield Canal. There will be two different boats in operation.
More information on the cruises can be found at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/santa-special-trips-at-chesterfield-canal/
Santa Fun Run at Queen’s Park – Sunday 24 December (Christmas Eve), starting at 10am (1.5km) and 10:30am (5km)
The Chesterfield Santa Fun Run features participants dressed in Santa suits running around the park, with a 1500m race and another one of 5k. Chesterfield Santa Fun Run is Supporting local charities, Ashgate Hospice and CSALS.
More information can be found online: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-santa-fun-run/
Chesterfield Escape Rooms – ‘Elves on the Shelves.’ Available to book between 10 November – 31 December.
The popular Escape Rooms on Soresby Steet has a brand-new Christmas game this year. Can you find all six elves in a game of hide and seek? Prices range from £55 for 2 players to £120 for 6 players.
See more things to do in Chesterfield here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/festive-things-to-do/
Christmas at Barrow Hill Roundhouse – From Saturday 9 December to Sunday 10 December.
Enjoy a family day with a difference at the Barrow Hill Roundhouse this Christmas. Activities include visits from Santa and Christmas Songs. Plus, join in with Christmas Crafts such as making a festive train lantern and funny festive masks.
Find out more: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/christmas-at-barrow-hill-roundhouse/
Everything you need for the perfect Christmas
Gifts galore and delicious food and drink available in Chesterfield’s independent shops
Find perfect gifts for all the family with Christmas shopping opportunities in Chesterfield.
Check out our guides to the best gifts, hampers, food, and drink – all from local businesses: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/christmas-gift-ideas/
Looking for inspiration? Check out our guide to 50 retailers you should know in Chesterfield – containing lots of great ideas for sourcing that special gift. https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2023/05/50-independent-retailers-in-chesterfield/
Magical Markets in Chesterfield town centre
Chesterfield Borough Council has lots of speciality markets planned from November onwards including the Record Fair, the Artisan Market, and the Vegan Market, as well as the Market Hall, which is open Monday to Saturday 8.30 am to 5 pm where you can pick up a range of foods and gifts for the Christmas festivities.
The general market will also be trading every day from Thursday 14 to Sunday 24 December.
More information can be found at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/chesterfield-market-at-christmas/
Delicious festive food & drink in Chesterfield’s bars and restaurants
From street food to fine dining, and cocktail bars to cosy cafés – you will find a perfect venue for your festive parties and get-togethers in Chesterfield.
Here is a list of 50 fabulous food and drink businesses you should experience: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2023/10/50-food-and-drink-businesses-to-try-in-chesterfield/
To find out more and keep up to date with the latest events, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas
