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. Most are free, except for Haddon Hall’s Mercatum Winter Artisan Market, but they are all a wonderful way to support local businesses and get into the festive swing.
For details or more Christmas Events around the Peak District, check out our Peak District Christmas guide as well as our guide for where to meet Santa in the Peak District.
And if you are looking for specific Peak District gifts to treat friends and family, then check out our Peak District gift guide.
Peak District Christmas Events guide 2023
Details of all Christmas events taking place in and around the Peak District from Christmas markets and trails, to festive shows and experiences.
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 2023.
Chatsworth Christmas Markets
4th November to 26th November
This is a free event. Car parking fees do apply.
Click here for more information.
Where better to start your Christmas shopping than at the Chatsworth Christmas market? With over 100 market stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations, it’s a great way to start the festive season.
With live music, mulled wine stalls, and lots of food stalls, you are guaranteed to be put in the festive spirit.
Haddon Hall’s Mercatum Winter Artisan Market
Every Thursday to Sunday from 16th November to 10th December
9.30 am to 5.00 pm (last entry at 4.15 pm)
Admission: adult £9.50 (includes parking), children 5-15 £2.50, under 4s FREE
Click here for more information
Haddon Hall’s Mercatum Winter Artisan Markets are hugely popular and are returning again this year for little seasonal magic. Visitors will have plenty of time to browse, shop and enjoy the exciting range of food and gift choices available.
Most marquees will be located outdoors, along the drive, within the courtyard and on the Fountain and Bowling Green terraces of the gardens, with a few located within some of the rooms of the Hall itself.
As always, this promises to be a fun shopping experience and a great opportunity to find something a little out of the ordinary for family and friends.
Thornbridge Estate Christmas Market
17th to 10th November and 24th to 26th November
Free Entry
Click here for further information
Thornbridge Estate’s popular Christmas Market is back again this year in the Carriage House! Now spanning two weekends, they have a brilliant variety of local makers and businesses to see. Come and support local business, do some of your Christmas shopping, and indulge in a mulled wine and mince pie or two.
The underground bar and nightclub will be transformed into a full-on Christmas grotto and Santa will be paying us a visit (times tbc).
Garden entry tickets required to access the market and grotto.
Check out our guide to visiting Thornbridge Gardens and Café.
Bakewell Christmas Market
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November 2023 (9am to 5pm)
Free admission
Click here for further information
Bakewell Christmas Market weekend will be held on Market Street, Granby Road and Riverside Crescent and welcomes visitors, friends and families to our very own quintessential Christmas Market. This is a free event to attend, with some traders from the famous Monday market, as well as traders from across the Peak District, making up around 100 stalls.
Look out for Rachael and her Disney characters, Stitch, Minnie and Mickey Mouse, the Elf on the Shelf and the Grinch.
Also check out our guide to visiting Bakewell.
Eyam Makers Market
A relaxed festive shopping event set in the historic Old Market Hall in Eyam (near the stocks). Combine your visit with a wonder around this fascination village (click here for ideas on what to do in Eyam).
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.
Bakewell Christmas Sparkle Market
Sunday 26th November (10am to 4pm)
Click here for more information
The third family Christmas Sparkle event, taking place at Bakewell Agricultural Business Centre (ABC). Santa’s helpers are busy planning this fun, FREE family day out, which will be packed with local food, drink, animals, stalls, demonstrations and much more. Kids will love seeing the reindeer and the Christmas craft activities.
Hollowford Christmas Market, Castleton
Saturday 2nd December (11am to 5pm)
Hollowford Centre, Castleton
Click here for more information
The Hollowford Christmas Market in Castleton will feature a fantastic range of products and produce from local businesses, groups and home crafters including decorations, jewellery, cakes, chutneys, pictures/photographs, art work, cards and much more. There will also be food and refreshments.
Please note that it is at the Hollowford Centre just outside of the village centre. Click here for location.
Buxton Christmas market
Saturday 9th to Sunday 10th December, 10am to 5pm
FREE entry
Click here for more information
The Octagon Hall and Lounge will have over 50 stalls offering a wonderful mix of Christmas gifts, jewellery, original artwork, handcrafted clocks, photography, ceramics, woodwork, handmade cards, children’s toys and ladies clothing.
Outside there will be hot food and drinks stalls and children’s rides on the Promenade (weather permitting).
Santa’s Grotto will be here with details to follow. Please note there is a charge for the Grotto.
Victorian Matlock Christmas Market
Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd December
FREE entry
Click here for more information
Experience the official start of the festive season in Matlock! Over 200 stalls – discover a winter wonderland with an incredible array of unique gifts, crafts, and goodies for everyone on your Christmas list. Food Lover’s Paradise – delight in specialist foods and culinary delights! Fun for All – with entertainment for the whole family, from festive performances to fun fair rides, there’s something for everyone.
Matlock Christmas Market
16th and 17th December (9am to 5pm)
FREE entry
Click here for more information
Over 150+ stalls at Hall Leys Park where you can shop for Christmas goodies and handmade gifts. There’s also festive entertainment throughout the event, including Santa’s Grotto, Christmas Parade, Fireworks and much more.
Also check out our guide to visiting Matlock.
Feature photo credit: Chatsworth House Trust
You may also like to read:
Where to meet Santa in the Peak District
Things to do in the Peak District when it rains
Peak District gift guide