Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas gift

Mon 20 Nov 2017

Christmas is nearly upon us and with that comes the task of finding wonderful and exciting gifts for your loved ones.

This year, why not treat them to something a little different? Together, In Derby have been 'making a list' and 'checking it twice' to provide you with endless gift inspiration that your friends and family will adore!

Stuck for fun things to entertain the kids (and visiting family members) over the festive period? Why not treat the whole family to tickets to see one of our amazing Christmas shows? Derby LIVE and Derby-based producers Little Wolf Entertainment will be staging the dazzling, star-studded, family pantomime, Beauty and the Beast! From Tuesday 5 – Sunday 31 December, Derby Arena will be transformed into a magical theatre space, with spectacular pyrotechnics and amazing special effects. Bringing together sensational sets and costumes, hilarious comedy, fabulous music and dazzling dance routines, the talented cast features Derby's very own Gwen Taylor as the Enchantress, and Ben Faulks (CBeebies' Mr Bloom) as Idle Jacques. Tickets are priced from £14.75 with concessions, group, and family tickets available, so go on, 'Be our guest!'

As well as this, the Guildhall Theatre will play host to the swashbuckling family Christmas adventure - Prince Stroppy Pants and the Christmas Caper. Buxton based Babbling Vagabonds will be returning to Derby LIVE's Guildhall Theatre this Christmas, from Thursday 7 – Thursday 28 December, with their fantastic new family show, suitable for all ages.

Once upon a time there lived a King, who had a son. The Prince was the bossiest, stroppiest, snottiest Prince that ever did live. He's so spoiled and fussy that everyone calls him Prince Stroppy Pants. One day the King promises his son anything his heart desires if the Prince will become more King-like. "I want Father Christmas' Magical Sleigh and I WANT IT NOW!!!!" At once, the King sets off to fetch Santa's sleigh. When the King's Steward proclaims himself Lord Protector in the King's absence, cancels Christmas and throws Prince Stroppy Pants in the deepest, darkest Royal Dungeon he knows that it's down to him to escape and find the missing King.

Audiences will follow the Prince along his perilous journey through swamps and dark, dark forests full of weird creatures to the North Pole on his quest to find his father. Will he succeed on his Christmas mission? Tickets are priced at £10 - £13.50, with concessions, family tickets and group rates available.

For the all year round theatre/music/comedy lovers, theatre tokens for a huge variety of performances across 2018 such as; 'Professor Brian Cox Live!', 'The Wizard Of Oz' and 'Russell Brand Re:Birth' are also available to purchase from the Derby Live website, and our Sales & Information Centre.

If you are looking for a fun activity gift suitable for all ages, why not purchase an ice skating session the Cathedral Quarter's 3aaa Christmas Ice Rink – a fabulous festive treat! Opening for its 7th Year in Derby's Market Place, the fun begins on 1 December and runs until 31 December 2017. Tickets are on sale and are priced between £6.50 and £8.50, with concessions up to £7.50.

For the sport lovers, Derby Arena's 250m indoor cycle track is open to all and is a great way to have fun whilst exercising. For beginner and novice riders, our 'Introduction to track cycling' sessions are available to purchase now - have a go at cycling on the velodrome track with one of our coaches. Learn the basics of track cycling and build confidence in your abilities! The cost of a 1 hour session gift voucher is £15.30 with cycle hire, helmet and gloves included in the price - shoes are also available for hire.

For the more experienced riders, why not gift one of our 4 session track cycling vouchers – an excellent gift to burn off any extra Christmas calories! The voucher covers 4 consecutive track cycling sessions and costs £80 (this price includes the cost of bike and shoe hire). All cycling vouchers can be purchased from the Derby Arena website, or the Sales and Information Centre on Derby Marketplace.

If you are after a gift for someone who prefers watching sports to taking part, Derby Arena is playing host to the National Men's & Women's Omnium Championships on Sat 17 Feb 2018. Why not welcome in the new year with a thrilling track cycling competition! The HSBC UK National Men's and Women's Omnium Championships will consist of qualification and heats. Both events will have separate competitions for male and female riders. The omnium will be made up of 4 events and is disputed over a single day held under British Cycling and UCI rules. Tickets for this event are just £10 and can be purchased online of from the Sales & Information Centre.

For more information on these items, please visit inderby.org.uk.