Due to the ongoing regeneration of Chesterfield town centre and market, our Christmas celebrations will feel a little different this year – but there’s still lots going on!
We've tried to answer some of your questions below.
A five metre artificial Christmas tree with warm white lights will be in the Market Place, close to the Market Hall and the NatWest Bank.
The tree is in a new location this year due to the regeneration works taking place in New Square. This change of location meant that the safety features needed for a real tree including guide ropes and power outlets were not available. The artificial tree is a freestanding design which still provides a wow factor.
We will have a real tree again for Switch-on 2026.
There will be Christmas lights around the town centre, and the Pavements shopping centre and the Market Hall will be decorated for the festive season.
Santa's grotto is back for 2025 in the Market Hall.
It is open from 23 November on weekends, as well as every day in the last week before Christmas.
Find out more about Santa’s Grotto including all the opening times, relaxed sessions and how to book.
Santa will also be reading children a story in Tipi Christmas on Sunday afternoons.
Santa’s Grotto is £9.50 per child, plus a one-off booking fee of £1.50 per family (up to four children).
This is still one of the most affordable grottos locally, and children will receive a present when they visit Santa.
Unfortunately, we have had to increase the price to this level to cover staffing and other costs which have increased over the last few years.
You will be able to see Santa and hear him read a story for free in Tipi Christmas on Sundays.
We have a variety of themed markets taking place through the festive season, including the Artisan Market, Record Fair and the market at our Christmas lights switch-on event.
There isn't a multi-day Christmas Market due to the ongoing regeneration works in New Square, but it is something we are looking at for future years.
We are still delivering a fantastic Christmas entertainment schedule throughout the festive period.
This includes old favourites like Santa’s grotto in the Market Hall, and the Christmas lights switch-on event, but also some exciting new activities like Tipi Christmas, street performances around the market, and story time with Santa.