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 2024, here are all the events you need to know about; this also covers many of the Christmas events in Derbyshire 2024, 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.
Wondering what to do in the Peak District between Christmas and New Year? Then check out our guide to Twixmas in the Peak District.
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
22nd November to 30th December (excl. 24th, 25th & 26th December), 5pm-9pm (last entry 8pm)
Adult £21, Child £15, Under 3s are FREE
Click here for more information and to book
This winter, experience the Heights of Abraham in a brand-new light as the Heights of Abraham present a stunning light trail.
Make your way down the festoon-lit riverside walkway before arriving at the base station to board your gondola and take a moonlit cable car flight across the river and above an avenue of colour. Once you arrive at the summit set off on the trail that winds through illuminated gardens and along woodland paths.
You’ll encounter many interesting and unusual scenes along the way. Look out for the twinkling woodland animal scene, the magical fairy gathering, giant festive stars, the enchanted rainbow forest and colourful surprises around every corner, highlighting nature and the beauty of the Heights of Abraham hillside.
Delight in freshly made mince pies, Christmas treats for tea and special hot chocolates. Toast marshmallows around the firepits under the stars and connect together as a family. Take the cable car back down to the village and stroll along the twinkling riverside before heading home.
2. Rumpelstiltskin at Pavilion Arts Centre
Saturday 14th to Monday 23rd December 2024
ACCESS PERFORMANCES:
Sunday 15th December, 10am (Autism Friendly performance)
Sunday 22nd December, 10am (British Sign Language interpreted performance)
Click here to buy tickets
From the team that brought you Hare & Tortoise, Buxton Opera House is excited to present a brand-new, musical play, Rumpelstiltskin!
Libby loves to exaggerate (she doesn’t like to call them fibs!), however when she informs the Prince she can spin straw into gold she may have gone one fib too far… Fortunately, an extraordinary little person is on hand to help her out of this tricky situation, but at what price?
Join us for a new spin on the traditional tale and explore Rumpel’s story as it’s never been seen before, featuring puppetry, songs, and so much more to keep your little ones entertained. Especially designed for a younger audience, the show will be interactive, accessible and jam-packed with festive fun!
3. Panto at Buxton Opera House – Jack & The Beanstalk
Friday 6th December 2024 to Wednesday 1st January 2025
ACCESS PERFORMANCES:
Wednesday 11th December, 5.30pm (Autism Friendly performance)
Sunday 15th December, 5.30pm (Captioned performance)
Sunday 22nd December, 2.30pm (Audio described performance)
Saturday 28th December, 2.30pm (British Sign Language interpreted performance)
Click here to buy tickets
Fee-fi-fo-fum and it’s time for another one!
Jack and his mother live a simple life, until one day Jack acquires some magic beans from the market and grows his very own giant beanstalk. The place he discovers at the top of the beanstalk is beyond his wildest dreams…
Brought to you by the incredible team behind Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, join Jack and a talented cast for another year of festive fun, wonderful music and an enormous amount of Christmas magic. It will be bigger and better than ever before!
4. The Snowman Tour (including The Snowman and The Snowdog)
Buxton Octagon, Pavilion Gardens
Thursday 14 December: 1.45pm (Schools), 6.30pm (Public)
Click here to book tickets
If you’ve got younger kids, something you really don’t want to miss out on is the Snowman 2024 tour at Buxton Octagon. It’s just beautiful and such a magical way to introduce kids to a live orchestra. And parents, you’ll get goose bumps when you hear ‘Walking in the Air’ sung live!
And as an extra bonus, The Snowman show includes a second short film, The Snowman and The Snowdog, again accompanied live! This is to nicely tie in with the The Snowdog Trail that is currently happening around Buxton and through to the 15th December.
There will also be a fun, festive introduction to the orchestra and a visit from the Snowman himself! After the performance, everyone is welcome to come down to meet the musicians, see their instruments and admire their amazing costumes too!
Book soon, as tickets sell out quickly!
5. Santa’s Grotto and Breakfast with Santa at Matlock Farm Park
Santa’s Arrival Day – 23rd November
Santa’s Grotto – 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd December
Breakfast with Santa – 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd December
Autism Friendly Santa – 24th and 30th November
Click here for more information and to buy tickets
Christmas is coming to Matlock Farm Park and there is a special event new for 2024! Santa’s arrival day will be Saturday 23rd November and you can join in to welcome Santa to the farm park and enjoy a day filled with magical memories.
The stunning Grotto is returning where you can write a letter to Santa, try out the naughty or nice o’meter and meet the big man in red himself.
Fancy starting the day a little different? Breakfast with Santa is back and the perfect way to start your day! Enjoy a delicious cooked breakfast whilst Santa makes his way round each table and then finish off with a story from Santa’s sister Mary Christmas.
Last but certainly not least is our fantastic Autism Friendly Santa Sessions. Building on the success of previous years, these tailor-made sessions give you and your loved one the time to see Santa at a pace that suits you. These also include a private one to one small animal petting and a transition room after seeing Santa in his Grotto.
6. Peak Rail Santa and Steam Special
Every Saturday and Sunday from 30th November to 22nd December, as well as Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th December
Click here to book online
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.
7. Christmas Carol Concerts in “The Devil’s Arse” (aka Peak Cavern)
Every Saturday and Sunday in December from 7th to 22nd, plus Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th
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 bands, aided by compere Barry Jarvis, 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.
8. Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Light Walk Through at Poole’s Cavern
Santa will visit every Saturday and Sunday from 1st December to 22nd December, as well as Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th December
£20 per entry. Maximum of 6 people per booking, maximum 3 children per booking.
Under 12 months are free.
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 30th November (10am to 12pm) 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.
And over the Christmas season, the 2 million year old limestone caverns will be illuminated with festive lights and projections. A self-guided light walk-through ticket lets you walk through the decorated chambers at your leisure and chat with custodians about the cavern’s history and geology.
The Christmas Light Walk Through will be open:
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays up to Friday 20th December (15:30-17:00)
Weekends up to Christmas Day and Monday 23rd December (17:00-18:30)
27th December to 5th January 2025, including NEW YEAR’S DAY (10:10-15:30)
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 bite to eat or play at the playgrounds in Buxton Pavilion Gardens. Check our our guide for things to do in Buxton.
Check out our guide to Peak District inspired gifts
9. The 12 Joys of a Georgian Christmas at Buxton Crescent
Saturday 14th December, Saturday 21st December, and Monday 23rd December
90 minute time slots at 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.00pm
Adults £12, Children £10, Under 4s FREE
Click here for more information and to book (booking required)
Meet characters from the past and take part in 12 joyful activities including crafting a Christmas box, painting a traditional toy, dressing up, decorating gingerbread, dancing, singing and storytelling. All at The Crescent Experience and Assembly Rooms, Buxton.
10. Santa at Thornbridge Estate
Santa will once again be stopping by Thornbridge Estate this Christmas for both breakfast and his grotto!
Breakfast with Santa
17th, 23rd & 30th November & 7th December (9am – 10am)
Quackers Café
Child’s ticket is £15
Click here for more information and to book
Join us for a magical morning with Santa and the elves! You ticket includes a delicious breakfast (choice of sausage or bacon with beans on toast), choice of juice and a piece of fruit, a meet and greet with Santa Claus, a special little gift, all-day entry to the gardens, Christmas trails and Santa’s Grotto!
Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Santa’s Grotto
Every Friday to Sunday from 15th November to 8th December (12pm to 2pm)
This runs alongside the Christmas Markets
Standard garden entry required
Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £22
Click here for more information and to book
This Christmas, magic is in the air as Thornbridge transform their underground bar into an enchanted Santa’s Grotto! What to expect:
- meet Santa Claus himself and share your Christmas wish list
- take in the magical atmosphere with twinkling lights and festive décor
- snap the perfect photo with Santa
It’s the perfect festive outing for families, kids, and everyone who believes in the magic of Christmas!
11. Santa’s Grotto at Peak Wildlife Park
Saturday 23th November and Sunday 24th November
Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st of December
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th of December
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December
Thursday 19th until Tuesday 24th December
Prices from £14.95 per child (20% OFF if you book before 21st October).
Click here for more information and to book
This Christmas bring the whole family to Peak Wildlife Park to meet Santa in his magical grotto! The elves have some Christmas crafts planned for all to enjoy and are on hand to help you write your letter to Santa before visiting the man himself for an early festive treat.
Please note, all bookings for Santa’s Grotto must also include park entry tickets.
12. Crazy golf with Santa at Bonkers Golf
Saturday 21st December 10am
Bonkers Golf, 56 North Parade, Matlock Bath
£17.99 per person
A wonderful unique way to meet Santa, with breakfast on arrival served with a hot or cold drink. Play with Santa on the first hole, each child will receive a gift.
Can you get a ho ho hole in one?
13. Christmas films at Buxton Cinema
Celebrate the festive season at Buxton Cinema Pavilion Arts Centre with a magical selection of films. From the new Paddington movie to the timeless classics such as It’s a Wonderful Life, the cinema is always a lovely family outing.
Paddington in Peru (PG)
Saturday 7th to Tuesday 10th December
Click here to book
Paddington in Peru brings Paddington’s story back to Peru, as he, and the Browns, visit his beloved Aunt Lucy. A thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon and beyond.
It’s a Wonderful Life (U)
Tuesday 24th December, 4.30pm
Click here to book
Beset with personal and professional problems, George Bailey finds his previously happy life falling apart around him on Christmas Eve.
Seeing no way out, George considers suicide from the edge of a bridge – but Clarence, his guardian angel, intervenes and shows George what his beloved hometown of Bedford Falls would be like without him.
Shocked by what he sees and at the unforeseen circumstances of his absence, George reconsiders and begs Clarence to return him to the problems of the present and the loving community he has fostered throughout his life.
Muppets Christmas Carol (U)
Tuesday 24th December, 1.30pm
Click here to book
Tis the season for love, laughter, and one of the most cherished stories of all time!
Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Academy Award® winner Michael Caine (Best Supporting Actor) gives a performance that’s anything but “bah, humbug!” as greedy, penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge. One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) and his family, the Spirits open Scrooge’s eyes — and his heart — to the true meaning of Christmas.
Filled with original music and dazzling special effects, The Muppet Christmas Carol will become a holiday tradition your family will treasure all the days of the year.
14. National Trust Christmas Events in the Peak District
Once again, there are some lovely festive events taking place at Longshaw and Ilam Park this festive season.
Longshaw Estate, near Sheffield, Derbyshire
Longshaw Christmas Tree Celebration Weekend
23rd and 24th November (9.30am – 3.30pm)
Click here for more information
Going to Longshaw to buy a real Christmas tree on the opening weekend of sales – has marked the start of the festivities for many families for around 50 years. You can join in the fun and soak up the atmosphere. There will be special choirs, mince pies, seasonal crafts and Santa will make a guest appearance. Funds raised supports vital conservation work at Longshaw. Children receive a free winter nature discovery pack with each tree purchase. Christmas tree sales run until December 22, or until stocks last.
Breakfast with Santa
30th November, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th December (9am – 10am)
£12 per child | £20 per adult
Click here for more information, booking essential
Santa’s making a special flying visit to the Peak District! He’ll be at the Longshaw café, for breakfast on certain dates, where you can meet our special guest. Santa will read a festive story after some delicious food. He will also have gifts for the children. This popular event sells out quickly and there are limited spaces available.
Nature inspired festive crafts for kids
30th November, 1st, 7th, and 14th December
£6 per child, booking essential
Click here for more information
Get in the festive spirit and create nature inspired creative decorations and crafts in the Moorland Discovery Centre at Longshaw, with a practical session suitable for children aged 3-11 years old. Booking is essential for these craft sessions which cost £6 per child.
Festive Wreath Making at Longshaw
8th, 9th and 15th December
£35 per person
Click here for more information
Create a beautiful festive wreath with locally sourced, high-quality materials. There are morning and afternoon sessions in the Moorland Discovery Centre, with experienced supervision to help you make a beautiful wreath. Light refreshments are included. Advanced booking is essential for this popular event which sells out quickly.
Ilam Park, Derbyshire / Staffordshire border
Christmas Tree Sales
23rd November to 23rd December (or until stocks last)
Click here for more information
Discover our high quality selection of Christmas trees in the Ilam Park stable yard and support conservation in the Peak District by buying a sustainable tree this year. Species include no-drop varieties and experts are on hand to help you find the perfect one. Every tree sold supports Peak District conservation work. Enjoy a fabulous seasonal lunch, or hot drink, in the Manifold Tea-room, soaking up one of the most stunning views in the Peak District, when you visit.
Breakfast with Father Christmas
7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd December (9am – 10:30am)
£15 per child | £20 per adult
Click here for more information, booking essential
Enjoy a traditional English breakfast in the Manifold Tea Room with your family and meet our special guest, Father Christmas! Join us after breakfast for a delightful Storytime and crafts with none other than Father Christmas himself! Sit back, relax, and listen, or join in for some fun audience participation. Adults £20 includes tea and coffee and full English breakfast. Children aged 3 and over £15 includes full English breakfast, juice and a present. Children aged 2 and under £5 includes present, and beans or egg on toast.
Festive Footprints Trail
23rd November to 31st January
Click here for more information
Are you ready to become a wildlife detective? Join us on a fun-filled winter adventure to track down the secret footprints of Ilam’s wildlife. As you explore the parkland, you’ll learn to identify 10 different animal tracks that you can spot this winter. Bring your curiosity and a sense of wonder. Trail sheets free to pick up from the Welcome Hut.
Needle Felted Bauble Workshop
14th and 15th December (1:30pm – 3:30pm)
£25 per person
Click here for more information
Create something magical and whimsical this festive period. Join our friendly tutors, who will guide you through making your own needle-felted baubles out of 100% British wool. This workshop is suitable for complete beginners (16+) and those with some basic needle felting experience. In the session you will have enough wool to make two baubles and be guided on how to make a number of different designs you can choose from on the day including: a mince pie, a Christmas pudding, a Fly Agaric mushroom (red with white spots), and a robin. We’ll provide hot drinks and sweet treats throughout, and all materials will be provided on the day.
Santa Paws Boxing Day walk
26th December (10am to 12:30pm)
FREE event, no booking required
Click here for more information
A Christmas dog parade on Boxing Day, promises to be fun-filled adventure for your family and four legged friends alike. There will be a mini dog show and pups’ fancy footwork will be tested in a dog agility course. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed, best trick and best puppy dog eyes. Dressing up is encouraged for owners and their dogs, so put on your best Christmas jumpers and dig out the jingle bells.
15. Christmas at Chatsworth
9 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Adults from £32, children (3-16 years): from £8.00, children aged 2 years and under are FREE
Click here for more information and to book your tickets
Chatsworth Christmas markets are 9th November to 1st December
From early November, Chatsworth House, Garden and Farmyard are decorated for Christmas, with this year’s theme being, A Christmas Feast.
Immerse yourself in a Christmas feast for the senses as the magic and wonder of a new festive story, Henry and the Lion’s Christmas Feast, inspires the sights, smells, and sounds of this year’s Christmas at Chatsworth experience.
Young Henry Cavendish, budding experimental scientist and grandson of the 2nd Duke of Devonshire, is searching for the legendary Chatsworth lion, while the lion is on the hunt for a delicious Christmas feast! Join them, and a mischievous menace of mice, as you travel through over 20 rooms in the house, each filled with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and surprises designed to ignite your imagination and encourage you to see things from a new perspective.
The celebrations continue in the garden (this is the bit the kids will enjoy more) with an interactive light trail culminating in an animated projection on the house. The farmyard will also be dressed with traditional lights and decorations. Meet the friendly farm animals and take part in guinea pig cuddling sessions. There will be Christmas crafts and children can explore the woodland adventure playground.
Christmas at Chatsworth tickets provide entry to the house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground on the day of your visit. One car parking space is included per transaction. If you visit between 9 November and 1 December inclusive, your ticket also includes access to the Christmas market. Pre-booking is essential.
Storytime with Father Christmas
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6th to 22nd December, plus Monday 24th December
Session times: 10.15am, 11am, 11.45am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 2.45pm, 3.30pm and 4.15pm
£17.50 per child | £12 per adult
Click here to book (pre-booking essential)
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)
6th, 14, 15th December (4:45pm)
£17.50 per child | £12 per adult
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.
17. Breakfast with Santa
Dine with the Big Man himself this Christmas at these locations:
- Ilam Park (click here for information)
- Longshaw Estate (click here for information)
- Matlock Farm Park (click here for information)
- Thornbridge Estate (click here for information)
18. Peak District Christmas Markets 2024
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 2024.
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