Christmas in the Peak District

There's a unique magic that takes hold of the Peak District over the festive season. Whether it's the hills’ blanketed with snow, finding hidden shops with one-of-a-kind trinkets, or a roaring fire warming your cold toes after a long walk. 

The Peak Venues team 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!

Planning a festive break in the Peak District? Here are some of the key Christmas events, markets, light switch-ons and seasonal activities taking place across Derbyshire and the Peak District in 2026.

Your Christmas shopping doesn’t need to be a hard slog. Enjoy looking around amazing independent retailers in the Peak District and Derbyshire. Many of them can be found in our pretty market towns of Bakewell, Ashbourne, Buxton, and Wirksworth. They can also be found at the Christmas Markets, dotted around the Peak District on the run up to Christmas.

Bakewell Christmas Market

Be in the heart of the Bakewell Christmas Market Saturday 14^th and Sunday 15^th November 2026 9.00am - 5.00pm 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 nearby to the Bakewell Christmas market at The Barns or Rivermeade.

Chatsworth House Christmas Market

One for the whole family is a visit to The Chatsworth Christmas Market from 7^th November - 13^th December 2026. Browse a wide range of locally produced gifts and decorations from the 100-plus stalls. Enjoy live music and great seasonal food and drink. A must for a winter wonderland family day out.

Stay nearby to Chatsworth House and their Christmas market and events at South View or Sydnope Hill Farm.

Thornbridge Hall Christmas Market

Another brilliant Christmas market to visit during your time in the Peak District is the Thornbridge Hall Christmas market. Held at the house and gardens across 3 weekends, the Christmas market at Thornbridge has over 40 stalls each weekend featuring local makers and traders, as well as live entertainment, mulled wine and plenty of shopping.

The Christmas market opens 10am - 4pm on Friday and Sunday and 10am - 6pm on Saturday. The weekend dates for the markets:

• Friday 20^th - Sunday 22^nd November 2026

• Friday 27^th - Sunday 29^th November 2026

• Friday 4^th - Sunday 6^th December 2026

Stay nearby to the Thornbridge Hall Christmas market at Thornbridge Lodge, Cliff House or Applehoe Cottage.

Buxton Pavilion Gardens Christmas Fair & Santa’s Grotto

Mark it in your diary, the Buxton Pavilion Gardens Christmas Fair with Santa’s grotto takes places Saturday 5^th and Sunday 6^th December 2026 between 10am – 5pm. Go and see the beautiful Pavilion Gardens at Christmas in Buxton with the whole family where there's a Christmas Fair at the Octagon Hall and lounge with a huge variety of Christmas stalls offering a mix of Christmas gifts, jewellery, original artwork, photography, ceramics, woodwork, handmade cards, children’s toys and ladies clothing - all with a free entry.

Stay in our nearby Buxton properties including Oak Tree Farm, The Crewe & Harpur, Buxton Lodge and Hurdlow Grange.

Haddon Hall Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market 2026

The Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market at Haddon Hall is a must-see for all you artisan lovers. 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 morning (9.15am - 12.45pm), afternoon (1pm - 4.30pm) and evening twilight sessions (3pm - 4.30pm), with early bookings recommended to not miss out.

The Mercatum is held between Wednesday 11^th November – Sunday 20^th December 2026 (Wednesdays to Sundays, closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

Sydnope Hill Farm and River Cottage are within easy reach of Haddon Hall.

Matlock Victorian Christmas Market

Take a day trip and visit Matlock Victorian Christmas Market from Saturday 19^th December 2026 and Sunday 20^th December 2026 between 9am - 6pm. The largest Christmas market in Matlock with an array of 150+ stalls offering hand-crafted and local produce, artisan goods and delicious seasonal foods. A great festive day out, particularly for the children, as they can also visit Santa in his grotto, enjoy fun fair rides and live music! 

Make a weekend of it and stay with the whole family in Matlock & Matlock Bath, including at Holly Bush Farm or The Red House.

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 the Christmas period hosts many festive events including the main event of the Christmas light switch on held on Saturday 21^st November 2026 from 4.30pm 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, including Hillcroft, Redhurst Barn, The Green Man.

Leek Christmas Lights Switch On

This year the wonderful Leek Christmas lights switch on event is being held on Friday 20^th November 2026. There will be plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy across the town centre, including paying a visit to Santa in his grotto and having a browse of the indoor Butter and Trestle Market and the outdoor market stalls. There will also be children's rides, live music and food and drink. The switch on will take place at 6.30pm.

Stay nearby at The Green Man, a spacious converted pub great for group getaways in the Peak District during Christmas.

Christmas in Castleton

Castleton looks stunning at Christmas and is one of the most beautifully lit villages. The Castleton Christmas lights switch on is held on Saturday 21^st November 2026 with a festive light display where Santa parades in by tractor.

Castleton has lots of things to see and do during Christmas including enjoying Carols by Candlelight in Treak Cliff Cavern. Taking place at weekends in December, with carols for around an hour followed by hot mulled wine and mince pies afterwards. Santa’s grotto and horse drawn carriage rides throughout December too.

Make a weekend of it and stay nearby at Hugh Cottage or The Derwent.

After a day exploring the Peak District and its winter walks, Christmas markets, festive villages and seasonal events, there are few better ways to warm up then settling into one of the Peak District’s many cosy country pubs. From roaring log fires and locally brewed ales to hearty pub classics, festive specials and the occasional glass of mulled wine. The region is full of characterful places to eat, drink and unwind during the Christmas celebrations.

Our top Peak District pubs to visit this Christmas are:

• The Royal Oak in Hurdlow

• The Ashford Arms in Ashford-in-the-Water

• The Red Lion in Litton

• The Packhorse in Little Longstone

• The Bulls Head in Foolow

• The Blind Bull in Little Hucklow

• The Church Inn in Chelmorton

• The White Lion in Great Longstone

• The Yorkshire Bridge Inn in Bamford

• The Beeley Inn in Beeley

• The Flying Childers in Stanton in the Peak

• The Stables Bar at Monsal Head

With more than 3,000 miles of Rights of Way across Derbyshire, the Peak District is a wonderful place to enjoy winter walks during a Christmas break. From frosty woodland trails and open hilltop views to scenic routes between festive villages, there are plenty of ways to get outside and experience the countryside in the colder months. Just don’t forget to warm up warm! Here are our top 3 festive walks in the Peak District National Park:

Mother Hill (Mam Tor)

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 good 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 Instagram-able) 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.

It's safe to say that the Peak District and 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 are our top 4 stately homes transformed into Christmas wonderlands:

​1.  Christmas at Haddon Hall

Each room will be sparkling with Christmas baubles, twinkling lights, candles and Christmas trees. With fires roaring and the sound of carols filling the rooms certainly captures the mood of this wonderful season. Evening candlelight tours from the 18^th of December to 23^rd December 2026 shows the hall in a completely different and magical light. Haddon Hall also holds their Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market from 11^th November to 20^th December 2026.

2. Christmas at Hardwick Hall

Experience Elizabethan magic at Hardwick Hall during the Christmas period. Explore the handmade decorations by the Hardwick team or interact with the enchanting displays with the festive experience crafted to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. 2026 dates for Christmas at Hardwick Hall have yet to be released, so make sure to check back here soon for more information.

​3. Christmas at Chatsworth

Discover the magic of Christmas at Chatsworth House and Gardens from Saturday 7^th November 2026 – Thursday 3^rd January 2027, pre-booking is considered essential for any Christmas events at Chatsworth as tickets sell quickly. Experience Chatsworth House decorated with a theme, a garden light trail and seasonal crafts and activities at the farmyard.

Chatsworth’s 2026 theme is due to be announced in mid-September. Last year saw a sensory Christmas celebration inspired by The Enchanted Garden where guests were transported to the hidden magic of the natural world in midwinter, exploring 20 rooms transformed with light, sound, shadow play, seasonal decorations and towering Christmas trees.

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

You can arrive at Chatsworth at any time after 9am on the day of your visit. All tickets must be pre-booked. View opening times on the Chatsworth website.

4. Thornbridge Hall Christmas House Tour

Thornbridge Hall host guided tours of the decorated house and gardens throughout Christmas with their 2026 dates yet to be announced. Last year entries to the guided tour included a slice of Mince Pie Crumble, Mulled Wine and all-day garden entry.

There is also the Christmas market held at Thornbridge Hall enjoy over 40 festive stalls each weekend hosting local makers, creators, bakers, and traders, making it ideal for finding unique Christmas gifts for your loved ones.

The Christmas market opens 10am - 4pm on Friday and Sunday and 10am - 6pm on Saturday. The weekend dates for the markets:

• Friday 20^th - Sunday 22^nd November 2026

• Friday 27^th - Sunday 29^th November 2026

• Friday 4^th - Sunday 6^th December 2026

Buxton Opera House​

The Buxton Opera House hosts a wide variety of shows and plays perfect for kids including their Step into Christmas concert on Tuesday 17^th November 2026. Ideal for kickstarting your festive celebrations, the concert is packed with all your favourite Christmas classics with dazzling performances, stunning festive visuals, and a sensational live band.

Also experience A Christmas Carol bought to life for the family Saturday 21^st November 2026, Musicals at Christmas performed by the Buxton School of Performing Arts on Sunday 6th December 2026, and The Princess and the Frog held between Saturday 12^th December - Wednesday 23^rd December 2026.

Santa’s Enchanted Journey

Held throughout December, Santa’s Enchanted Journey 2026 is a festive steam ride for all the family to enjoy with services running from the end of November until Thursday 24^th December 2026. Enjoy a festive welcome to the beautifully decorated Wirksworth Station platform on arrival from their jolly elves.

Experience a steam train ride from Wirksworth and return in a seasonally decorated period carriage. Festive entertainment from Santa's team of elves is provided during the journey and a visit from Santa to your seat who has a present for every child. Hot chocolate and cookies for every passenger on board.

Christmas at Matlock Farm Park

Dates for the Christmas events held at Matlock Farm Park are yet to be confirmed. Last years’ Festive Village Santa Experience saw Santa and his Elves bringing delights and surprises from the North Pole entertaining guests as they made their way around our Festive Village.

This year includes breakfast with Santa in their café, relaxed Santa sessions suited for those with additional needs, such as Autism, and the Matlock Farm Park Christmas experience with Santa’s grotto. Also available at Christmas time at Matlock Farm Park are festive pony rides, Christmas carol singing with brass band music, Christmas treasure trails and market stalls (selected dates only).

Stay at Rock Mill by Peak Venues makes for the ideal base for exploring the Peak District at Christmas offering a stylish alternative to our larger group properties. Located in the historic village of Stoney Middleton, Stay at Rock Mill is home to 16 luxury dog friendly self catering holiday apartments, sleeping from 1 to 6 guests.

Perfect for solo travellers, couples and small families, Rock Mill Apartments has been created with modern living in mind, with sleek kitchens, light-filled living spaces and comfortable bedrooms. Everything you need for a relaxing Christmas break. Guests can make use of the brilliant onsite facilities such as secure bike storage, EV charging points, muddy boot wash, dog wash and dryer station for muddy paws, outdoor children’s play area and more!

Visit the Stay at Rock Mill Website

Head to the Yondermann Cafe and try their new Christmas menu throughout December, filled with homemade treats and food done properly. Enjoy an authentic Derbyshire experience in the beautiful Peak District. From their giant Christmas Yorkshire pudding, filled with roast turkey, homemade stuffing and more, along with a festive sausage roll, hot baguettes and irresistible sides.

Yondermann Cafe

Make your Christmas truly special with a festive stay in the Peak District with Peak Venues where you can celebrate together, all under one roof. Our large Christmas houses and cosy cottages in the Peak District give you the flexibility to celebrate your own way. From converted farmhouses and characterful country homes to big houses for large groups and even converted pubs you can stay in, our festive stays are ideal for family Christmases, multi-generational get-togethers, friends’ getaways and group celebrations.

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