This page is updated regularly as events are announced. If you would like to feature a relevant Peak District Christmas event that is not listed, please email us.
Christmas is a magical time wherever you are in the UK. But a Peak District Christmas is very special. The quaint little villages decorated in festive cheer feel like you’ve stepped in to a Dickens novel, and if there’s a light dusting of snow on Mam Tor and the Kinder Plateau, those escarpment views are even more spectacular. Plus the charming local pubs feel even cosier with the holly framing the roaring log fires, and we mustn’t forget the impressive decorations and markets at Chatsworth House.
If you’re planning to visit the Peak District at Christmas, or looking for Peak District Christmas Markets 2025, here are all the events you need to know about; this also covers many of the Christmas events in Derbyshire 2025, including where to see Santa in the Peak District.
As always, we will be keeping this list updated as dates are confirmed, tickets go on sale, and more information is provided, but do email us if you know of any changes.
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.
Where to meet Santa in the Peak District
If you specifically want to book at time slot to check in with the Big FC this Christmas then this is the guide for you. We have compiled all the best places in the Peak District to meet Father Christmas this year.
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1. Lights of Abraham
21st November to 30th December (4pm-8pm)
Click here for more information and to book
Following the huge success of last year’s winter lights trail, the Lights of Abraham will shine again this Christmas season. Beginning with a moon-lit cable car ride over a valley of colour, guests will arrive at the summit to set off on the trail. Featuring glittering archways, interactive stepping stones, a neon forest, giant illuminated creatures including majestic swans, and colourful surprises round every corner, it is a unique festive event not to be missed.
Pushchair friendly as all pathways are paved. Wheelchair accessible. Not suitable for dogs. Closing time may vary in peak periods. Popular dates and times are selling out quickly, booking is essential.
2. Tryumph Christmas Camp
22/23/24 & 29/30/31 Dec and 2nd Jan
8:30am-4pm with optional half-days and extra time until 6pm
Book for as many or as few days as you like
At Baslow Sports Field
For kids aged 4-11 (plus half-price mini-leaders 11-13)
From £32 per day
Click here for more information and to book
Get ready for a magical festive season at the TrYumph Christmas Camp, where every day is packed with creativity, excitement, and Christmas cheer! Children will dive into hands-on holiday themed fun like making snow globes, crafting Christmas tree decorations, designing gingerbread houses, and creating thank-you letters and New Year time capsules.
The sports sessions get a festive twist too, with Christmas Cricket, Tinsel Tennis, Holly Hockey, Frostball Football, and Snow-Ball Dodgeball bringing high-energy joy to every morning and afternoon.
Filled with magical Christmas memories such as visits from Santa, Christmas bake-offs, glow-disco parties, toy-inventing workshops, and winter-themed challenges – make this camp an unforgettable holiday experience.
With a perfect blend of arts, crafts, sports, and seasonal celebrations, TrYumph is the place where Christmas magic and active fun come together!
Use code PDK10 to get 10% off or get 4 free half days (plus 50% off top-ups with code FSM) if you qualify for free school meals based on benefits.
3. ‘Operation Save the Festive Sleigh’ Trail at Ilam Park National Trust
Monday 1st December to Sunday 4th January (10.30am – 14.30pm)
Click here for more information
Father Christmas is in a festive fix – he’s locked his magical Reindeer Flying Food in a chest and forgotten the code! It’s up to you or your team, to crack the clues hidden around Ilam Park. Solve puzzles, gather the secret numbers, and race back to the Welcome Team to unlock the chest!
Trail sheets can be bought for a suggested donation of £2. Booking not required.
4. Nature-inspired Festive Crafts for Kids at Longshaw Estate
Sunday 7th, Sunday 14th & Sunday 20th December (10:15-11:30, 11:45-13:00 & 13:45-15:00).
Click here for more information and to book
Get the family in the festive spirit and make nature inspired decorations and crafts in the Moorland Discovery Centre at Longshaw.
The festive craft sessions are designed for 3 to 11-year-olds. Adult supervision is needed at all times. Sessions will run in the warmth of the Moorland Discovery Centre at Longshaw Estate. Price – £8 per child.
5. Breakfast with Santa at The Peacock, Owler Bar
Saturday 13th & Saturday 20th December (8am-10am)
Click here for more information and to book
Start the morning with a delicious family breakfast in a cosy countryside pub, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From hearty plates showcasing meats supplied by The Ginger Butchers in Bakewell, to fluffy American-style pancakes with honey or chocolate spread for the kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
After breakfast, the magic really begins. Little ones can get stuck into Christmas activities before Santa’s cheeky elves, Tinsel and Sprout, guide them to meet the big man himself. Children will have the chance
to share their Christmas wishes, take a festive photo with Santa (don’t forget your camera!) and take home a special festive gift.
6. Afternoon Tea with Santa at The Maynard
Saturday 13th & Saturday 20th December (seating times: 12:30pm & 2:30pm)
Click here for more information and to book
Bring the whole family for a festive Afternoon Tea followed by a very special visit from Santa and his cheeky elves. Children can enjoy seasonal activities before Santa’s helpers, Tinsel and Sprout, lead them in to meet the man himself. They’ll have the chance to share their Christmas wishes, take a magical photo, and receive a festive selection box gift.
The menu features classic treats for adults, including turkey and cranberry finger sandwiches, pigs in blankets with brie and chutney, and indulgent desserts such as Christmas cake, pavlova, brownies, and cranberry scones with clotted cream. Children can look forward to sandwiches, pigs in blankets, veggie sticks with hummus, a gingerbread man, chocolate scone with Nutella, and a brownie. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request.
7. Peak Rail Santa and Santa Specials
6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, and 20th to 24th December
Click here for more information and to book
Santa and his Railway Helpers invite you to get Christmas off to a magical start by riding Santa’s festive steam train, through the delightful Derbyshire countryside. Join them on their special train at Peak Rail from Rowsley South Station.
READ OUR REVIEW: Peak Rail Santa Specials
As you sit back and enjoy the journey, a variety of professional entertainers will perform for you, Santa and his helpers will make their way through the train and meet everyone at their seat. Santa will have with him a wonderful age suitable gift for all the children.
Children will receive a drink and a snack each, whilst adults can sit back and enjoy a glass of wine and a mince pie. Dietary requirements can be catered for and bottle of water available upon pre-booked request.
8. Christmas Carol Concerts in “The Devil’s Arse” (aka Peak Cavern)
SOLD OUT
6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, and 20th to 24th December
Click here to book
It’s hard to imagine a more atmospheric and impressive venue for a Christmas Carol concert.
On arrival you are greeted by warm and friendly helpers with mulled wine and mince pies. The Brass band play a variety of Christmas favourites, both modern songs and traditional carols, and the audience joins in the singing. The mixture of humour and energy makes this the perfect festive fun in the run up to Christmas.
The concerts last for approximately 60-75 minutes and are seated for most of the time (12 Days of Christmas and Schnee Waltzer excepting!)
The cavern is extremely cold, so dress for Arctic conditions. Some visitors bring blankets to wrap around themselves or to place on the bench for extra warmth. The cave can also be wet, particularly after recent rainfall; water percolates through the ground and may drip from the roof, so waterproof clothing is recommended. Santa hats are, of course, very welcome.
9. Santa’s Grotto at Poole’s Cavern
Saturdays and Sundays from 29th November, plus 22nd to 24th December
SEN Santa’s Grotto on Saturday 20th December
Click here to book
Bring your Christmas wishes to Poole’s Cavern this festive season. Meet Santa in his favourite real grotto, and explore the beautifully illuminated natural cavern deep beneath the hills of Buxton. All young people will receive an age appropriate present from Santa during their private audience with lots of opportunities to take photos in his magnificent grotto.
There is also a SEN Santa’s Grotto Visit on Saturday 20th November (9:30-11:30am) so that SEN visitors can enjoy their visit to Santa without the crowds. Music in the cave will be low and Santa will consider any additional needs. As with our regular Santa’s Grotto experience, you will get a private audience with Santa, a photo opportunity and all children will receive a present from Santa and his elf.
Poole’s Cavern is part of Buxton Country Park and it is worthwhile combining your visit with the short Solomon’s Temple walk, which is great for kids with it’s magical wood carvings, plus the views from the top are fantastic. Afterwards, you may want to head into Buxton itself for a bte to eat or play at the playgrounds in Buxton Pavilion Gardens. Check our our guide for things to do in Buxton.
10. Santa’s Grotto and Festive Trail at Thornbridge Estate
5th-7th and 12th-14th December (12pm-2pm)
Click here for more information
Ho ho ho! Santa’s sleigh has landed at Thornbridge Estate. Join Santa and his elf friends every day from 12–2pm at the Christmas Shopping Village for festive magic and fun from 5th–7th and 12th–14th December. Enjoy free grotto entry with your garden ticket and bring the whole family along, dogs included. Pick up your festive trail sheet from the Emporium and make it a day full of Christmas cheer.
Please note that unfortunately, Santa’s Grotto isn’t accessible in a wheelchair. If you have accessibility issues please get in touch and staff will make alternative arrangements for you to see Santa.
The Christmas Village runs 10am-4pm each day, with stalls of local makers, bakers, creatives and traders of unique items!
All this and more is included with standard garden entry tickets, which is reduced to £4.19 for everyone (including booking fee).
11. The Elves and The Shoemaker at Pavilion Arts Centre
Saturday 13th to Tuesday 23rd December
Click here to book
It’s nearly Christmas and the elves are on a mission… who can they help tonight? Will it be the kind, hard-working shoemaker? Can they use their magic to work through the night and save the day? A classic story retold with music, interaction, and a whole lot of fun!
Relaxed Performance – Sunday 14th December, 10am
BSL Interpreted Performance – Sunday 21st December, 10am
12. Aladdin at Buxton Opera House
Friday 5th December to Thursday 1st January
Click here to book
Head to Buxton Opera House for another year of festive family fun, guaranteed to take you on a magical adventure like no other…
When the charming but poor Aladdin meets a Princess, he thinks all of his dreams will come true, until he comes across a magical lamp and a Genie who grants him three wishes. However, this is panto, and the course of true love never did run smooth… Will Aladdin outsmart evil Aveajaffa and what will his meddlesome Mother Dame Twankey have to say?
Relaxed Performance – Wednesday 10th December, 5:30pm
Audio Described Performance – Sunday 21st December, 2:30pm
Captioned Performance – Saturday 27th December, 2:30pm
BSL Interpreted Performance – Sunday 28th December, 5:30pm
13. Operation Stuck at Deception Escape Rooms Matlock
Open 7 days a week until Christmas Eve (10am – 8:30pm)
Click here to book
Family friendly escape room ‘Operation Stuck’.
Santa has been trapped up the chimney by the Naughty listers, team up with the elves, solve the Christmas puzzles, save Santa & Christmas before it’s too late!
Suitable for children age 8 +
14. Christmas-themed goat walks and indoor petting sessions at Red House Stables
6th, 13th, 20th, 23rd, 26th, 27th, 28th December (10:30am, 12pm, 2pm)
Click here to book
Come and meet the festive little goats at Red House Stables for a cosy indoor petting session, or wrap up warm and head out on a magical walk along a picturesque winter trail.
A perfect seasonal treat for families, friends, and anyone who loves a bit of Christmas cheer!
15. Brick Corner On The Road for Christmas
22 / 23 / 27 / 28 / 30 December at various locations across the region
Brick Corner On The Road is running some wonderful festive events for families across the Peak District this Christmas.
Festive LEGO Robotics
22nd December (10am, 11:30am, 1pm & 2:30pm)
The Pump Room, Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust
£14.67 (includes booking fee)
Click here for information
75min session using the LEGO Spike Essential. Build and code a festive themed robotic creation (5-12yrs).
Create & Keep – Reindeer & Sleigh
23rd December (12pm)
Buxton Brewery Trackside
£19.50
Click here for more information
Build and take home this great festive themed Reindeer & Sleigh model. (4yrs +)
LEGO Takeover
23rd December (12pm, 2pm, 4pm)
Buxton Brewery Trackside
£5
Click here for information
90 minute build sessions. Choose from over 150 of our kits. Pick a kit and build, build, build. LEGO kit not included (4yrs +).
LEGO Takeover for LEGO Build Day 2025
27th December (10am 12noon, & 2pm)
The Pump Room, 10am 12noon, & 2pm
From £5
Click here for information
Celebrate LEGO Build Day 2025. Join us for 90 minute build sessions. Choose from over 150 of our kits. Pick a kit and build, build, build. LEGO kit not included (4yrs +).
Festive Family LEGO Challenge
28th December (12pm-3pm)
Thornbridge Brewery Taproom, Bakewell
£20 per team (max 6 people)
No website info available
Festive LEGO Challenge – Assemble a team of family or friends and put your LEGO building skills to the test. Will your team be victorious.
LEGO Takeover
30th December (11am, 1pm, 3pm & 5pm)
Thornbridge Brewery Taproom, Bakewell
£5
No website info available
90 minute build sessions. Choose from over 150 of our kits. Pick a kit and build, build, build. LEGO kit not included (4yrs +).
Family LEGO Challenge at Haddon Hall Care Home
4th January, 3pm
Haddon Hall Care Home, Buxton
Free
No booking link – contact Haddon Hall Care Home directly
Festive LEGO Challenge – Assemble a team of family or friends and put your LEGO building skills to the test. Will your team be victorious.
16. Christmas at Chatsworth
Closed for Christmas Day and Boxing Day and then reopens 27th December 2025 to 4th January 2026
Click here for more information and to book your tickets
Step inside one of the grandest houses in the country and marvel their fabulous festive transformation; a sure way to get you into the Christmas spirit. This Christmas the theme is The Enchanted Garden where visitors can enjoy the quiet beauty and hidden magic of the natural world in midwinter. Explore 20 extraordinary spaces transformed with light, sound, and shadow play. Discover towering Christmas trees, a grand cluster of mistletoe, shimmering copper toadstools, and twirling oak leaf archways, each inspired by the wonders of nature.
After walking around the house, you then exit into the 105-acre gardens with waterworks, sculptures and twinkling lights.
Christmas tickets include admission to the house, garden, and the farmyard and playground. Or you can just get tickets for just the garden (which includes a festive light trail). All tickets must be booked online and include car parking (one car per transaction).
However, there are also opportunities to meet Father Christmas at Chatsworth…
Storytime with Father Christmas at the Farmyard
6th, 7th, 13th, 14th (includes entry to the decorated house and garden light trail, plus farmyard and playground entry)
Click here for more information and to book
18th to 23rd December (includes just farmyard and playground entry)
Click here for more information and to book
Father Christmas will captivate little ears with the story of the first Christmas. Children will then be able to help our elves make some reindeer food and receive a small gift to take home.
Includes entrance to the farmyard and playground, Father Christmas storytime, a craft activity with our elves, a gift to take home for children and a hot drink for adults. Gifts are suitable for ages up to 11.
Storytime with Father Christmas (Autism Friendly Session)
19th, 21st, 23rd December
Click here to book (pre-booking essential)
This is a quieter session of Chatsworth’s Storytime with Father Christmas event, offering the same magical experience in a more relaxed environment. Fewer tickets are available so staff are able to offer more support to individual children, and background music and lighting levels will be reduced.
Includes entrance to the farmyard and playground, Father Christmas storytime, a craft activity with our elves, a gift to take home for children and a hot drink for adults. Gifts are suitable for ages up to 11.
Click here for our full guide to visiting Chatsworth with kids.
16. Peak District Christmas Markets 2025
Peak District Christmas markets are the perfect way to kick off the festive season in the UK’s oldest National Park. Browse local artisan crafts and sip mulled wine as you sway along or tap your toe to local musicians playing Good King Wenceslas.
Here in the Peak District, the Christmas Market season kicks off at the start of November, straight off the back of October half term, with the one of the best Christmas markets in the UK, Chatsworth.
So grab your diary and make some space for a Peak District Christmas market – the link to our full Peak District Christmas Markets guide is below, which features all the details and dates for 2025.
Most are free, except for Haddon Hall’s Mercatum Winter Artisan Market and Thornbridge Estate, but they are all a wonderful way to support local businesses and get into the festive swing.
Details and dates of all the Christmas markets taking place in and around the Peak District National Park. Grab your diaries and make some space, as the Christmas market season begins early November!
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Things to do in the Peak District when it rains
Things to do in Matlock and Matlock Bath