Sugarplum Christmas Market

Sugarplum Christmas Market takes over Derby Market Hall on Saturday 5 December, from 10am to 6pm. It's a one-day pop-up dedicated entirely to sweets, with artisan chocolates, freshly baked cakes, gourmet brownies, fudge, pastries and desserts from local makers and bakers. There are also dessert-inspired drinks and sweet-inspired surprises on the go, so it's a good spot if you're looking to stock up on treats for the holidays or just fancy a proper sugar rush on a Saturday morning.

It's not just about the stalls, though. The day includes themed entertainment, live performances, interactive activities and music, and a children's workshop run by Snap and Chat Connect for ages 4-10, so it works as a family outing as much as a shopping trip. If you're taking kids, that workshop gives them something to do while you browse the cakes.

The venue itself is worth a mention if you haven't spent much time there. Derby Market Hall is a Grade II-listed Victorian market hall, restored and still complete with its original roof, and it's been a hub for shopping, dining and entertainment since 1866. To mark its 160th anniversary this May, it launched 160 Years of Derby Market Hall, a free audio guide produced with Derby Uncovered, Absolute Vocals and Andrew Edwards that tells the building's story, architecture and history. Even when there isn't a special event on, the hall still houses an on-site butcher, bakery, fishmonger and deli, international street food and a distillery that crafts cocktails on-site, with Make & Trade spaces on the first floor where local artists and makers create bespoke products.

Entry to the market is free, and it runs from 10am to 6pm on Saturday 5 December at Derby Market Hall, Market Place, Derby DE1 2DB.