Where to meet Santa in the Peak District 2025

We’re very lucky that the big man himself, Father Christmas, makes a special effort to visit children in the Peak District on the run up to Christmas Day. There are lots of fantastic Peak District Christmas events taking place this year, but if you specifically want to book at time slot to check in with the Big FC then read on, as here we have compiled all the places in the Peak District to meet Father Christmas this year.

For all other festive events in and around the Peak District National Park, check out our comprehensive Peak District Christmas guide 2025.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Peak Rail Santa and Steam Special

6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, and 20th to 24th December
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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.

4. 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
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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.

5. Storytime with Father Christmas at Chatsworth Farmyard

6th, 7th, 13th, 14th (includes entry to the decorated house and garden light trail, plus farmyard and playground entry)
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18th to 23rd December (includes just farmyard and playground entry)
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Autism Friendly Sessions: 19th, 21st, 23rd December (includes just farmyard and playground entry)
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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. 

There are also a limited number of autism-friendly sessions this year. These are quieter sessions that offer 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.