Chesterfield town centre will host a new Christmas Market alongside its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On from 20 to 22 November 2026. The three-day market is a new addition to the town's events calendar and will feature festive entertainment, artisan shopping, seasonal food and family activities in the town centre.
Organised in partnership with Dowse Events, the Christmas Market will open from 10am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 11am to 7pm on Sunday. Each day will include music and entertainment. Visitors will find a variety of food and drink stalls offering festive refreshments, as well as unique artisan goods and Christmas gifts.
Christmas Lights Switch-On on Sunday 22 November
The Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place on Sunday 22 November. A programme of entertainment will run from 12pm, featuring a brass band, roaming street entertainers and traditional fairground rides. Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet the Grinch at intervals throughout the day.
A stage show will begin outside the Town Hall at 4.30pm, followed by the official lighting of the Christmas lights at 5.30pm. The Town Hall location provides more space for the crowd and allows activities to spread across the town centre.
Local traders and support
The council expects around 70 per cent of traders at the market to come from Chesterfield and the surrounding area. The market will feature independent retailers, artisan makers, craft producers and food vendors alongside established market traders.
The Christmas Lights Switch-On will be delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council with support from the Chesterfield Town Board Pride in Place programme. A full entertainment schedule will be announced closer to the event.