This page is updated regularly as Santa’s visits are announced by his elves. If you would like to feature a relevant Peak District Christmas event that is not listed, please email us.
We’re very lucky that Father Christmas makes a special effort to visit children in the Peak District in the run-up to Christmas. There are lots of fantastic Peak District Christmas events taking place in 2026, but if you specifically want to book a time slot to meet Santa, read on. Here we’ve compiled the places in the Peak District where you can meet Father Christmas this Christmas.
For all other festive events in and around the Peak District National Park, check out our comprehensive Peak District Christmas guide 2026.
Peak District Christmas Events guide 2026
Details of all Christmas events taking place in and around the Peak District from Christmas markets and trails, to festive shows and experiences.
Check out our guide to Peak District inspired gifts
1. 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.
2. Santa’s Grotto and Festive Trail at Thornbridge Estate
20th–22nd November, 27th–29th November & 4th–6th December 2026
Santa’s Grotto: times TBC
Click here for more information
Santa and his magical elf are heading to Thornbridge Estate for its Christmas Markets this year. The festive weekends combine a Christmas shopping village with a festive garden trail 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 before visiting.
3. Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Experiences at Matlock Farm Park
Santa’s Arrival Day: Saturday 28th November 2026
Santa’s Grotto: 5th-23rd December 2026
Breakfast with Santa: 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th December 2026
Relaxed Santa: Sunday 29th November and Friday 18th December 2026
Click here for more information and to book
There are several ways to meet Santa at Matlock Farm Park this Christmas, with experiences designed to suit different ages and needs.
Pre-booking is essential for all the Christmas experiences.
Santa’s Arrival Day
Christmas arrives at Matlock Farm Park with a special day of festive fun as Santa makes a spectacular entrance on his big red tractor.
There will be a festive pony parade, Christmas music and plenty of opportunities to take photos as Santa makes his grand arrival at the farm.
There’s also a special offer for anyone wanting to book a Santa visit for December. Pre-book a Santa’s Grotto Experience in person during Santa’s Arrival Day and receive 20% off your December grotto booking.
Santa’s Grotto
The Santa’s Grotto Experience offers a magical visit to Santa, with children able to meet him and receive a special gift.
The Relaxed Santa Experience provides a quieter opportunity to meet Santa in a more relaxed environment, making it a good option for children who may find a busier grotto overwhelming.
Breakfast with Santa
There are Breakfast with Santa sessions on the first three weekends of December. The morning starts with breakfast in the Garden Room Café, followed by a visit from Santa, who meets each family and gives every child an early Christmas gift.
Children can then enjoy a festive story with Santa’s sister, Mary Christmas, and receive a bag of magical reindeer food to take home.
Breakfast includes a bacon, sausage, egg and hash brown breakfast cob for adults, with a vegetarian option, while children can choose from pancakes with fruit and syrup, beans on toast or a mini full English. Breakfast starts at 9am and lasts around 1-1.5 hours, with farm park admission included for the rest of the day.
Breakfast with Santa prices: Adults £25; children £25; annual pass holders £18.50; under-2s £15 with food or £10 without food.
4. 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.
5. Breakfast with Santa at The Peacock, Owler Bar
2026 dates TBC
Click here for more information and to check for 2026 bookings
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. Storytime with Father Christmas at Chatsworth Farmyard
2026 dates TBC
Click here for more information and to check for 2026 bookings
Father Christmas has previously made a special appearance at Chatsworth Farmyard during the Christmas season, where children can settle down for a festive story and meet Santa.
The experience has included a reading of the first Christmas story, followed by a craft activity with the elves and a small gift for children to take home.
Chatsworth has also previously offered quieter autism-friendly sessions, with reduced background music and lighting and fewer tickets available so staff can provide additional support to individual children.
2026 Storytime with Father Christmas dates and details are yet to be announced. Chatsworth’s Christmas season runs from 7 November 2026 to 4 January 2027, with Christmas at Chatsworth tickets including admission to the farmyard and playground, but the specific Father Christmas programme has not yet been published.