Follow our Light Trail across Derby

Big Santa Christmas light sculpture

Photo taken by AV-IT Media

Brought to you by Cathedral Quarter, St Peters Quarter BIDs and Derby City Council.

Wander through Derby City Centre, from The Spot to Cathedral Square, where an array of stunning lighting installations will create a trail through the city leading up to the UK’s largest light up Santa, all perfect for a festive family shot.

From the beautifully wrapped rings at The Spot, with festive foliage and twinkling lights, the trail will wind its way through the heart of the city. Grab a bite to eat and let the kids enjoy the festive rides before heading down to St Peter’s Cross to see the jolly Rudolph arch, complete with his red nose and a giant gold star that will tower above you as you pose for a festive snap. 

As you enter the Market Place, the colourfully lit Christmas presents will sit with the Christmas tree as a backdrop and also you’ll find the highlight of the trail - the UK’s largest light-up Santa installation, powered by Tomato Energy. It’ll be the perfect spot for a festive family shot!

A curtain of light will illuminate Irongate up to Cathedral Square, where a giant gold star will sit below the Cathedral.

After all that walking why not enjoy a festive drink in the cosy tipis of our Nordic Bar and then, when you have had time to rest, take a whizz around the ice rink with family and friends. Afterwards you can enjoy food from a variety of food stalls on the Market Place, including loaded fries, grilled sausages, donuts and crepes.

Download the LoyalFree app from your smartphones app store and take part in the Festive Lighting Trail Prize Draw. Simply locate the trail via the apps trails page and check in at each location to be entered into a free prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a Nintendo Switch, tickets for next year’s Darley Park Weekender, or tickets to enjoy the ice rink or panto in 2025!

You can find a map of the trail in the Festive Guide below, which will be available from November, and pick up an activity sheet from the ice rink or Nordic bar for little ones to fill in along the way. You can also download the LoyalFree app to follow the trail.