There's a unique magic that takes hold of the Peak District over the festive season. Whether it's the hill's blanketed with snow, finding hidden shops with one-of-a-kind trinkets, or a roaring fire warming your cold toes after a long walk.
Peak Venues have gathered together all our local knowledge to bring you a guide packed full of Christmas events and ideas to get you into the festive spirit. So get comfy with a glass of something mulled, a mince pie and start planning your visit with our guide!
Peak District Christmas Markets
Be in the heart of the Bakewell Christmas Market Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th November 2024 9.00 am - 5.00 pm and enjoy a weekend of seasonal entertainment. The traditional English Christmas Market features traders from the popular Bakewell Monday market. Come and see the selection of speciality festive foods and wines from the local producers in the Peak District.
Stay in Row - Win. The Barns and Rivermeade
One for the whole family is a visit to The Chatsworth Christmas Market from 9 November - 1st December 2024 . See the magical Christmas decorations on display throughout the grand house and catch a glimpse of the twinkling lights on the festive light trail amongst the 105 - acre gardens. Browse a wide range of locally produced gifts and decorations from the 100-plus stalls. A must for a joyous Winter Wonderland family day out.
Stay at Roslyn House, South View and Sydnope Hill Farm
Mark it in your diary Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December 2024 10am – 5pm , and go see the beautiful Pavillion Gardens at Christmas in Buxton with the whole family where there's Christmas Fairs at the Octagon Hall offering a variety of gifts and produce.
Stay in our nearby Buxton properties Oak Tree Farm, The Crewe & Harpur, Buxton Lodge and Hurdlow Grange
The Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market at Haddon Hall is a must-see for all you artisan lovers. Held over two long weekends, it offers a truly festive atmosphere with music, winter scents, and twinkling lights. Browse the array of street food traders from the area, and also Haddon's own restaurant. The market takes place over four long weekends, with both morning and afternoon sessions. The morning sessions start at 9.30 am and the afternoon sessions are from 1.30 pm.
The markets are on the following dates: 13 November – 15 December 2024 (Wednesdays to Sundays)
Sydnope Hill Farm is within easy reach of Haddon hall.
Take a day trip and visit Matlock Christmas Markets from 21st December 2024 - 22nd December 2024 9:00 am - 6:00 pm . The largest Christmas market in Matlock with an array of 200 plus stalls offering hand-crafted and local produce, artisan goods and delicious seasonal foods. A great festive time out, particularly for the children, as they can also visit Santa in his Grotto, fun fair rides, live music and a fantastic ‘grand finale’ Fireworks display!
Make a weekend of it and stay with the whole family at Holly Bush Farm.
Christmas Lights Switch On
What better way to get in the festive spirit than to watch a Christmas Light Switch On! There are several events held across Peak District towns :
Ashbourne Christmas Light Switch On
Explore the nearby market town of ‘Ashbourne’ which during Christmas hosts many festive events including the main event of the ‘Christmas Light Switch on’ held on Saturday 16th November 2024 5:30pm in the ‘Market Place’. Enjoy the sparkling lights, festive music, entertainment and of course the traditional Carol Singing. There are also many Christmas art and craft workshops in the market town where you can have a go at making your own Christmas gifts, tree decorations, Christmas cards and even sew your own festive wreath. See our properties near Ashbourne, Redhurst Barn and The Green Man
Leek Light Switch on
This year this wonderful event is being held on 15th November 2024. There will be plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy, including paying a visit to Santa in his grotto and having a browse of the indoor Butter & Trestle Market and the outdoor market stalls. There will also be children's rides, live music and food and drink. Organised by Leek Town council
Castleton Christmas Light Switch On
16th November 2024 - 15th December 2024 12:00pm - 5:00pm. You can witness the wonderful light switch on in Castleton and witness the beautiful little village all lit up for Christmas. Santa will also be there to join in the fun and festivities.
Our top Country Pubs
Country Pubs with roaring fires and hearty food. Why not spread Christmas cheer, with cheers over a beverage or glass of mulled wine in a genuine country pub (or several!) next to a roaring log fire. Great pubs and cafes with even better food are at the heart of the Peak District.
Our top Peak District pubs to visit this Christmas are:
1. The Royal Oak in Hurdlow
2. The Ashford Arms in Ashford
3. The Manners in Bakewell
4. The Packhorse in Little Longstone
5. The Bulls Head in Foolow
6. The Blind Bull in Little Hucklow
7. The Church Inn in Chelmorton
8. The White Lion in Great Longstone
9. The Yorkshire Bridge Inn in Bamford
10. The Devonshire Arms in Beeley
11. The Flying Childers in Stanton in the Peak
12. Ladybower Inn in Bamford, Hope Valley
Winter Wanders
With over 3000 miles of Rights of Way across Derbyshire, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to getting outside and enjoying the countryside. Just don't forget to wrap up warm! Here are our top 3 festive walks:
Mother Hill
Mam Tor is a tourist favourite but head here early doors and be rewarded with incredible sunrise views and the peaceful solitude of Mother Hill all to yourself. You can ascend the summit from Mam Nick car park in 20 mins so great for the young and old. Make it a little more challenging and take on the famous Ridge Walk to Lose Hill and Castleton - one of the best in the country and a great group activity for New Year's Day.
Walk the Edges
If you want a walk with fantastic views but without a strenuous hike up to a summit, check out our blog for this accessible circular walk on the three edges of White Edge, Froggatt Edge and Curbar Edge. There's also a pub halfway, perfect for a pitstop or to build up your strength for the rest of the walk.
Read the Blog
Take on the Dragon's Back
A.K.A Chrome and Parkhouse Hill. The famous Dragon's back requires a steep a head for heights and sturdy legs for the climb to the top, but it is worth the effort. You will be rewarded with some of the best (and most instagrammable) views in the Peak District. Don't worry if you don't fancy the steep ascent, there is path around the bottom of both hills so everyone can join in.
5. Stately Homes transformed into Christmas wonderlands
It's safe to say that the Peak District & Derbyshire has its fair share of stately homes, royal residences and medieval manor houses. If you have never been to one of our landmark houses then Christmas is definitely the time to take a tour.
Here is our top 3
1. Afternoon Tea and Candlelight Tour Haddon Hall
Afternoon Tea served from 4.00 pm in the Restaurant followed by a tour of the Hall at 5.00 pm.
£55.00 per person (For a small additional charge it is possible to order Prosecco to accompany your afternoon tea – to arrange this please simply ask on arrival)
You are welcome to arrive from 3.45 pm to allow time to park, cross the A6 to the Hall entrance in the beech hedge, and make your way up the driveway to the Restaurant located up the steps on the top floor of the Stable Block. Please dress warmly for your tour and wear comfortable shoes.
Places are limited and booking is essential and we regret that tickets cannot be refunded.
This is an adults only event (16 +)
Hardwick Wintertide
Come back and build memories at Hardwick once again as the season of Elizabethan magic will be here from the 17th of November 2024 to the 5th of January 2025!
This year, Hardwick Wintertide is brimming with holiday joy, twinkly lights, and the spirit of togetherness. Whether it's exploring the handmade decorations by the Hardwick team, following the mischievous Lord of Misrule around the mansion, or interacting with the enchanting displays, our festive experience is crafted to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Please note that last entry to the Hall is at 14.15 on standard opening days, and 19:45 on evening opening days.
9 November 2024 –5 January 2025
Step into a sensory Christmas celebration inspired by Henry and the Lion’s Christmas Feast, an enchanting new story created in collaboration with Joseph Coelho OBE. This year's Christmas at Chatsworth invites you to explore the sights, sounds, and scents of the season through a festive adventure.
Follow young Henry Cavendish—a curious, budding scientist and grandson of the 2nd Duke of Devonshire—as he searches for the elusive Chatsworth lion. Meanwhile, the lion is on its own quest for the ultimate Christmas feast!
Join Henry, the lion, and a band of playful mice as you journey through more than 20 beautifully decorated rooms, each filled with twinkling lights, seasonal scents, and delightful surprises. With every step, let your imagination roam, seeing Christmas magic from fresh perspectives and discovering the wonder within each space.
Christmas at Chatsworth tickets include:
- admission to the house
- admission to the garden
- admission to the farmyard and playground
- one car parking space per transaction
If you visit between 9 November and 1 December inclusive, your ticket also includes access to the Christmas market.
You can arrive at Chatsworth at any time after 9am on the day of your visit. View opening times.
Prices
Adults: from £32.00
Children (3-16 years): from £8.00
Children aged 2 years and under do not require a ticket.
Embrace the magic of Christmas at Thornbridge Hall with our enchanting "Never Ordinary" House Tours. This one-hour guided experience will lead you through the beautifully decorated Great Hall, showcasing two grand 15-foot Christmas trees, the charming Music Room, the cozy Family Sitting Room, and the festive Family Kitchen set perfectly for Christmas dinner. Plus, unwind with a complimentary mince pie and mulled wine in the House Bar.
The tour runs three times daily, unless other events are scheduled. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, but walk-ins are welcome on the day if space allows. (Online bookings close the evening prior.)
Price: £20 per person (includes Tour & Garden entry, plus access to the Christmas Markets when available).
6. Festive Activities for the Kids
See what's on this a festive season at the Buxton Opera House
Santa's Enchanted Journey 2024
Returning for 2024! Santa’s Enchanted Journey – a festive steam ride for all the family to enjoy!
A festive welcome to our beautifully decorated Wirksworth Station platform from our jolly elves
Steam train ride from Wirksworth and return in a seasonally-decorated period carriage
Festive entertainment from Santa's team of elves during the journey
A visit from Santa to your seat who has a present for every child
Hot chocolate and cookies for every passenger on board
Matlock Farm Park at Christmas
November - December
Festive Village Santa Experience 2024! We’ve had confirmation from the BIG man in red that he’s returning to Matlock Farm Park to see all of our wonderful visitors. Santa and his Elves will be bringing delights and surprises from the North Pole to thoroughly entertain you as you make your way around our Festive Village.
If you're still looking for somewhere to hunker down for Christmas, maybe we can tempt you with a stay in one of our fabulous properties:
Published on November 5, 2024 in Whats On