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 2026, here are all the events you need to know about; this also covers many of the Christmas events in Derbyshire 2026, 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
20th November to 30th December 2026 (4pm-8pm)
Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Click here for more information and to book
The Lights of Abraham return for 2026 with a brand-new route and new installations. Your evening begins with a moonlit cable car ride over the river and an avenue of colour, before arriving at the summit to explore the illuminated trail.
The route winds through illuminated gardens, boardwalks and woodland paths, with a neon forest, giant illuminated swans, interactive stepping stones, an ice garden and plenty of colourful surprises along the way. There are also firepits where you can toast marshmallows, while the Vista Bar and cafés serve festive food and drinks.
Pushchair friendly, although there are some steep sections. Wheelchair accessible. Not suitable for dogs.
3. Peak Rail Santa Specials
5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd & 24th December 2026
Click here for more information and to book
Santa and his Railway Helpers invite you to get Christmas off to a magical start with a festive steam train journey through the beautiful Derwent Valley. The Santa Specials depart from Rowsley South Station and travel through the Peak District countryside.
READ OUR REVIEW: Peak Rail Santa Specials
As you sit back and enjoy the journey, professional entertainers will keep everyone entertained, while Santa and his Railway Helpers make their way through the train to meet families at their seats. Santa will have an age-appropriate gift for every child.
Children will also receive a drink and snack, while adults can enjoy a glass of wine and a mince pie. Dietary requirements can be catered for, with water or juice available by pre-booked request.
Trains depart at 10:30am, 12:20pm, 2:10pm and 4pm. The 4pm departure does not run on Christmas Eve.
2026 ticket prices are being held at 2025 prices:
- 5th & 6th December: from £40 for a table of 2
- 12th & 13th December: from £45 for a table of 2
- 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd & 24th December: from £50 for a table of 2
Tickets are sold by table or compartment rather than individual seats. There is also a wheelchair-accessible space in Coach F, which can accommodate one party of up to two people plus one wheelchair user per train. Advance contact with Peak Rail is recommended for wheelchair bookings.
3. Matlock Farm Park Christmas Experience
Santa’s Grotto: 5th-23rd December 2026
Breakfast with Santa: 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th December
Click here for more information and to book
Christmas is always a special time at Matlock Farm Park, and there are plenty of festive events taking place throughout December.
The Santa’s Grotto Experience runs from 5th to 23rd December and begins in the Christmas Craft Workshop, where children can write a letter to Santa and make a festive decoration to take home. There is also a Naughty or Nice-o-meter to determine exactly where everyone in the family sits on Santa’s list, followed by a walk through the decorated Ice Tunnel to Santa’s grotto.
Children can spend time chatting with Santa, share their Christmas wishes and receive a special early Christmas gift. The ticket also includes full-day entry to Matlock Farm Park, so you can enjoy the animals, play areas and festive activities before or after your grotto visit. A complimentary return day pass is also included.
There are also Breakfast with Santa sessions on 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th December. These start at 9am with breakfast in the café, followed by a visit from Santa and a festive story with Mary Christmas. Children receive an early Christmas gift, and farm park entry for the rest of the day is included.
For children who would benefit from a quieter experience, there is a Relaxed Santa Experience on 29th November and 18th December. These visits offer extra time, a calmer environment, a personalised Santa experience, small animal petting and access to a sensory transition room.
But Christmas officially arrives at the farm park on 28th November, when Santa makes his entrance on a big red tractor, accompanied by a festive pony parade and Christmas music.
4. Christmas Carol Concerts in “The Devil’s Arse” (aka Peak Cavern)
5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 23rd & 24th December 2026
6pm, except Christmas Eve at 4pm
Click here to book
It’s hard to imagine a more atmospheric and impressive venue for a Christmas carol concert than inside The Devil’s Arse at Peak Cavern.
On arrival, you are greeted with mulled wine or hot Vimto and mince pies before taking your seat inside the cavern. A brass band plays a variety of Christmas favourites, including modern songs and traditional carols, with plenty of opportunities for the audience to join in. The mixture of humour, music and the spectacular setting makes this a fantastic festive experience.
The concerts last approximately 60-70 minutes and are seated for most of the time, although you’ll be up on your feet for The 12 Days of Christmas and Schnee Waltzer.
There are no toilet facilities at the cave. The nearest toilets are in the main village car park or at the bus station, although these close around 5pm.
The cavern is extremely cold, so dress for Arctic conditions! Festive fashion is encouraged, and you are welcome to bring a blanket for extra warmth.m the roof, so waterproof clothing is recommended. Santa hats are, of course, very welcome.
5. Christmas at Poole’s Cavern
1st December 2026 to 3rd January 2027
Click here to book
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.
READ OUR REVIEW: Poole’s Cavern
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.
6. Santa’s Grotto and Festive Trail at Thornbridge Estate
20th-22nd November, 27th-29th November & 4th-6th December 2026
Christmas Market: 10am-4pm
Santa’s Grotto: times TBC
Click here for more information
Santa and his magical elf are heading to Thornbridge Estate for its Christmas Markets in 2026. The festive weekends combine a Christmas shopping village with a festive garden trail, live entertainment and the chance for children to meet Santa in his grotto.
The Christmas Markets run from 10am-4pm on 20th-22nd November, 27th-29th November and 4th-6th December. Garden entry includes access to the Christmas Market, 10 acres of gardens, the festive trail, live entertainment and Santa’s Grotto. Dogs are also welcome on leads.
Garden entry: Adults £8, children £4 and under-3s free. You can save 20% by booking online in advance, although pre-booking tickets are limited.
There are also Breakfast with Santa sessions on 22nd and 29th November and 6th December, held at Quackers Café. These include breakfast, juice and fruit, a meet and greet with Santa, a small gift and all-day access to the gardens and Christmas trail.
Santa’s Grotto times are yet to be announced, so check the Thornbridge Estate website for the latest information before booking.
2. Afternoon Tea with Santa at The Maynard
Sunday 6th & Sunday 13th December (12:30pm–2:30pm)
Click here for more information and to book
Bring the whole family to The Maynard in Grindleford for a festive Afternoon Tea followed by a special visit from Santa and his elves.
Enjoy a delicious Afternoon Tea featuring festive sandwiches, sweet treats and freshly baked scones, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Children can tuck into their own selection of festive treats.
After tea, children can take part in festive activities before Santa’s elves, Tinsel and Sprout, lead them in to meet Santa. They’ll have the chance to share their Christmas wishes, take a magical photo and receive a special gift from Santa.
Prices: Adults £25; children £12.50, including a gift from Santa.
7. The Princess & The Frog at Pavilion Arts Centre
Saturday 12th to Wednesday 23rd December 2026
Click here to book
Christmas comes to the Pavilion Arts Centre with The Princess & The Frog, a brand-new festive production specially created for children aged 3-8 and their families.
Princess Fenella loves playing in the palace gardens, spending time with her toys and, perhaps a little too much, playing on her phone. Meanwhile, Filbert the Frog dreams of returning to the palace after finding himself at the bottom of a well. When their worlds collide, a magical festive adventure begins.
Written by Robin Kingsland and directed by Allie Spencer, this fun and interactive production combines storytelling, music and plenty of Christmas magic, making it a great introduction to live theatre for younger children.
There are also Relaxed and BSL interpreted performances during the run, with details available when booking.
8. Sleeping Beauty at Buxton Opera House
Friday 4th December 2026 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.
There are also relaxed, audio described, captioned and BSL-interpreted performances during the run.
9. 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.
10. Christmas-themed goat walks and indoor petting sessions at Red House Stables
Christmas 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.
11. Christmas at Chatsworth
7th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027
Click here for more information and to book your tickets
Step inside one of the grandest houses in the country and see Chatsworth transformed for Christmas. Each year, the house is given a spectacular festive theme, with the 2026 theme due to be announced in mid-September.
The 105-acre gardens are also transformed for Christmas, with an illuminated light and sound trail winding through the gardens. Christmas tickets include admission to the decorated house, gardens and light trail, farmyard and playground, as well as one car parking space per transaction.
There is also a Christmas market at Chatsworth, running from 7th November to 13th December 2026, with stalls from independent makers, producers and designers. So there are plenty of reasons to visit throughout the Christmas season, whether you’re after a festive family day out or some Christmas shopping.
Click here for our full guide to visiting Chatsworth with kids.
12. Peak District Christmas Markets 2026
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 2026.
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!