Wondering what to do this coming half term? Check out our Peak District October Half Term guide.
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 places in the Peak District to meet Santa in 2024.
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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. 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.
3. 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.
4. Peak Rail Santa and Steam Special
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.
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.
5. Christmas Carol Concerts in “The Devil’s Arse” (aka Peak Cavern)
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!)
It will be extremely cold in the cavern so dress for the Arctic! You are welcome to bring a blanket.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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!
You may also like to read:
Top days out in the Peak District
Things to do in the Peak District when it rains
Things to do in Matlock and Matlock Bath