That awkward time between Christmas and New Year can be an odd one. You’re stuffed from Christmas, genuinely have no idea what day it is, but you’ve still got to keep the kids entertained and store some energy for the obligatory New Year celebrations.
This is often a time when families look to do a staycation in the Peak District; perfect to decompress after the Christmas rush. Plus, a brisk walk in the hills is just what everyone needs to balance out all those mince pies. Check out our best Peak District view walks for inspiration.
So if you are wondering what’s on this Twixmas in the Peak District, then read on…
Looking for that perfect Peak District gift for someone special this Christmas? If you know someone who absolutely loves the Peak District and you’re stuck with what to get them, then check out our Peak District inspired gifts for all the family.
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1. Lights of Abraham
27th to 30th December 2026 (4pm-8pm)
Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Click here for more information and to book
Following the success of previous years, the Lights of Abraham return to the Heights of Abraham this Christmas, with a brand-new route and new illuminated installations for 2026.
Your evening begins with a moonlit cable car ride across the river and above an avenue of colour. At the summit, follow the illuminated trail through the gardens, woodland and boardwalks, with plenty of festive surprises along the way. Look out for the neon forest, giant illuminated swans, interactive stepping stones, an ice garden and other colourful installations. There are also firepits where you can toast marshmallows, plus festive food and drinks available along the route.
Pushchair friendly, although there are some steep sections. Wheelchair accessible. Not suitable for dogs.
2. Millers Dale Bridge Abseil
Running sessions throughout Twixmas
Start times: 10am or 1pm
Click here to read our review
Click here for further information and to book
Don’t forget to use your Peak District Kids discount code: kids5%
Join Peaks and Paddles for an unforgettable adventure! With a head for heights, you’ll descend 90ft into the stunning Chee Dale Valley; safely secured by rope at all times and guided with full instruction to help you get the most from your experience.
Combine your abseil with the scenic Chee Dale stepping stones walk for a fabulous day out.
Each participant gets at least four goes (and more if you’re quick!). Suitable for ages 5 and above, the session lasts around 1 hour 45 minutes, with start times over Twixmas at 10am or 1pm.
3. Matlock Farm Park and the New Years Day Brunch
Details for New Years Day Brunch TBC
Open all year round (closed 25th and 26th December)
Click here to read our review
Click here for further information
Matlock Farm Park, just outside the National Park, is open throughout the Twixmas period, making it a good option for a family day out between Christmas and New Year.
You can enjoy the usual farm park activities, including meeting and feeding the animals, animal encounters and the various indoor and outdoor play areas. The heated Rainforest Indoor Play and Coffee Lounge is particularly handy if the weather isn’t playing ball, while the undercover Enchanted Hamlet Adventure Play gives children another option.
Matlock Farm Park also traditionally holds a New Year’s Day Brunch, with discounted entry and brunch available at the café. The 2027 event has not yet been announced, so we’ll update this section with the details once they are released.
The farm park is open all year round, but is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
4. Sleeping Beauty at Buxton Opera House
Performances continuing through to Saturday 2nd January 2027
Click here to book
Head to Buxton Opera House for some festive family fun with Sleeping Beauty, this year’s spectacular Christmas pantomime.
When Princess Aurora falls under a wicked curse and into a 100-year slumber, her happily-ever-after seems lost forever. But with the help of a handsome Prince, a good fairy and plenty of panto mischief, can true love’s kiss save the day?
Expect a sensational cast, glittering costumes, toe-tapping tunes and plenty of laughs, all wrapped up in the traditional pantomime magic that Buxton Opera House is known for. The production is written and directed by Paul Kerryson, the team behind Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella.
The pantomime runs from 4th December 2026 to 2nd January 2027, with several performances taking place between Christmas and New Year.
There are also relaxed, audio described, captioned and BSL-interpreted performances during the run.
5. Christmas at Poole’s Cavern
1st December 2026 to 3rd January 2027
Click here to book
It looks like Santa’s Grotto at Poole’s Cavern isn’t returning in 2026, with the cavern instead offering a new festive experience this Christmas.
The natural cavern will be transformed with festive lighting throughout December and into the New Year. You can explore the illuminated cavern on a guided tour, or opt for the new self-guided app tour. The self-guided experience also includes a festive cave scavenger hunt, giving children something extra to look out for as they make their way through the cavern.
There is also a Christmas Underground: Brass & Voices evening on Sunday 13th December, featuring Fairfield Brass Band in the Visitor Centre followed by a Christmas sing-along inside the cavern. With the music echoing around the natural cave, it promises to be a very atmospheric Christmas concert.
Poole’s Cavern is part of Buxton Country Park, so it’s easy to combine your visit with the short Solomon’s Temple walk, which is great for kids and has fantastic views from the top. Afterwards, head into Buxton for something to eat.
5. Naughty Listers Rebel Alliance at Deception Escape Rooms, Matlock
Open every day throughout the Christmas holidays
Click here to book
Fancy something a little different over the Christmas holidays? Head to Deception Escape Rooms in Matlock and join the Naughty Listers Rebel Alliance in Operation S.T.U.C.K., a Christmas-themed escape room where you’ll need to work together to rescue Santa and save Christmas.
The Parkinsons have finally managed to trap Santa and steal all the presents they believe they deserve. Now it’s up to the elves, and you, to rescue Santa before morning and stop the Naughty Listers from getting away with it!
This is a particularly good Christmas activity for older kids and teenagers, who will enjoy the puzzles, problem-solving and challenge of working together against the clock.
6. Christmas-themed goat walks and indoor petting sessions at Red House Stables
Christmas holiday dates to be announced
Click here to book
Get up close to the adorable goats at Red House Stables this Christmas with a festive goat walk or cosy indoor petting session.
The goat walks take you out into the countryside with the friendly goats, while the indoor petting sessions are a great option when the weather is less than inviting. You can also meet the guinea pigs during the indoor sessions.
It’s a lovely, hands-on experience for animal-loving families and something a little different to do over the Christmas holidays.
7. Visit a Peak District cavern
All of the caverns in Castleton and Buxton are open throughout the Christmas holidays. They’re a fantastic day out for a Peak District rainy day as the weather above ground really doesn’t matter when you’re underground.
Open caverns include:
- Peak Cavern (Castleton)
- Speedwell Cavern (Castleton)
- Blue John Cavern (Castleton) – you pass this cavern on our Mam Tor walk.
- Treak Cliff Cavern (Castleton)
- Poole’s Cavern (Buxton) – read our review here. The cavern is also at the start of our Solomon’s Temple walk.
8. Christmas at Chatsworth
Closed for Christmas Day and Boxing Day and then reopens 27th December 2025 to 3rd January 2027
Click here for more information and to book your tickets
Christmas at Chatsworth runs well beyond Christmas itself, making the Twixmas period a quieter time to visit compared to the busy run-up to Christmas.
Step inside one of the grandest houses in the country and see Chatsworth transformed for the festive season. Each year, the house has a spectacular Christmas theme, while the 105-acre gardens come alive with an illuminated light trail.
The 2026 Christmas theme is due to be announced in mid-September, so we’ll update this section once it’s revealed.
Christmas tickets include admission to the decorated house, gardens and light trail, farmyard and playground, as well as car parking. There is also a separate Christmas in the Garden ticket, which includes the illuminated garden trail.
Click here for our full guide to visiting Chatsworth with kids.
9. Hathersage Swimming Pool
Open year round
Click here to read our review
Click here to book
There’s something rather special about swimming outdoors in the Peak District, even in the depths of winter. Hathersage Swimming Pool is heated throughout the year, so you can enjoy an outdoor swim even when it’s cold outside.
The pool has a winter timetable, with public swimming sessions available throughout the season. It can be particularly busy during the school holidays and festive period, so booking ahead is recommended.
It’s also worth remembering that this is an outdoor pool, so don’t forget your dressing gown and plenty of warm clothes for afterwards!
10. National Stone Centre
Open year round, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day
No booking necessary
Check out our guide to visiting the National Stone Museum
Pan for gems, hunt for fossils and learn about the geology of the Peak District at the National Stone Centre, just five minutes from the National Park boundary and close to Cromford and Matlock.
Entry is free, although there are small charges for activities such as gem panning and the geo-trail. There’s also a café, rock shop, small exhibition and playground.
You can easily combine a visit with a walk along the High Peak Trail to Black Rocks, or continue further towards Cromford Canal. Allow around 2-3 hours if you want to explore the centre, do some activities and stop for something to eat at the Blue Lagoon Café.
11. Peak Wildlife Park
Open year round, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Click here to book tickets
Click here to read our review
For an easy family day out over the Christmas holidays, head to Peak Wildlife Park just outside the National Park near Leek.
Meet penguins, lemurs, meerkats, zebras, deer and plenty of farm animals, with the chance to walk through some of the animal enclosures and get closer to the residents. Younger children will particularly enjoy the hands-on experiences with the farm animals.
It’s not a traditional zoo with big cats and elephants. Instead, Peak Wildlife Park offers a more immersive experience, with plenty of opportunities to see animals at close quarters.
Peak Wildlife Park is just 1km outside the National Park boundary and is also one of the best family days out in Staffordshire.
12. Get outdoors
At this time of year, nothing quite beats a brisk walk in the hills followed by a pub lunch. Check out our pub walks in the Peak District, and if you do plan on dining at one of our suggested pubs, we recommend booking a table at least a couple of days in advance.
You can check out all our family walks here, or you may specifically be looking for Peak District pram friendly walks. Alternatively, if it’s not too icy and cold over the Peak District Twixmas, check out our guide to family bike rides in the Peak District.