Wondering what to do this coming half term? Check out our Peak District October Half Term guide.
That awkward time between Christmas and New Year can be an odd one. You’re stuffed from Christmas, genuinely have no idea what day it is, but you’ve still got to keep the kids entertained and store some energy for the obligatory New Year celebrations.
This is often a time when families look to do a staycation in the Peak District; perfect to decompress after the Christmas rush. Plus, a brisk walk in the hills is just what everyone needs to balance out all those mince pies. Check out our best Peak District view walks for inspiration.
So if you are wondering what’s on this Twixmas in the Peak District, then read on…
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.
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1. Lights of Abraham
Closed for Christmas Day and Boxing Day and then reopens 27th t0 30th December 2025 (4pm-8pm)
Click here for more information and to book
Following the huge success of last year’s winter lights trail, the Lights of Abraham will shine again this Christmas season. Beginning with a moon-lit cable car ride over a valley of colour, guests will arrive at the summit to set off on the trail. Featuring glittering archways, interactive stepping stones, a neon forest, giant illuminated creatures including majestic swans, and colourful surprises round every corner, it is a unique festive event not to be missed.
Pushchair friendly as all pathways are paved. Wheelchair accessible. Not suitable for dogs. Closing time may vary in peak periods. Popular dates and times are selling out quickly, booking is essential.
2. Millers Dale Bridge Abseil
Running sessions throughout Twixmas
Start times: 10am or 1pm
Click here to read our review
Click here for further information and to book
Join Peaks and Paddles for an unforgettable adventure! With a head for heights, you’ll descend 90ft into the stunning Chee Dale Valley; safely secured by rope at all times and guided with full instruction to help you get the most from your experience.
Combine your abseil with the scenic Chee Dale stepping stones walk for a fabulous day out.
Each participant gets at least four goes (and more if you’re quick!). Suitable for ages 5 and above, the session lasts around 1 hour 45 minutes, with start times over Twixmas at 10am or 1pm. The cost is £33 per person (don’t forget to use your discount code Kids5%).
3. Matlock Farm Park and the New Years Day Brunch
Open all year round (closed 25th and 26th December)
Click here to read our review
Click here for further information
Matlock farm, just outside the National Park, is open over Twixmas, and on the 1st January you can join in with a New Years Day Brunch (10am to 3pm)!
Bunch will be served from 10am and park entry is massively reduced on this day to only £9.95 per person (under 2’s go free). Included in the day, some of the usual daily events including animal petting, wallaby encounter and more. The heated Rainforest Indoor Play and Coffee Lounge will be open. Plus there’s also the undercover Enchanted Hamlet Adventure Play. Pony Rides will be on!
And for all other days over the Twixmas period, Matlock Farm Park will be open for usual family farm fun with feeding the animals and enjoying the play areas.
4. Visit a Peak District cavern
All of the caverns in Castleton and Buxton are open throughout the Christmas holidays. They’re a fantastic day out for a Peak District rainy day as the weather above ground really doesn’t matter when you’re underground.
Open caverns include:
- Peak Cavern (Castleton)
- Speedwell Cavern (Castleton)
- Blue John Cavern (Castleton) – you pass this cavern on our Mam Tor walk.
- Treak Cliff Cavern (Castleton)
- Poole’s Cavern (Buxton) – read our review here. The cavern is also at the start of our Solomon’s Temple walk.
5. Christmas at Chatsworth
Closed for Christmas Day and Boxing Day and then reopens 27th December 2025 to 4th January 2026
Click here for more information and to book your tickets
Step inside one of the grandest houses in the country and marvel their fabulous festive transformation; a sure way to get you into the Christmas spirit. This Christmas the theme is The Enchanted Garden where visitors can enjoy the quiet beauty and hidden magic of the natural world in midwinter. Explore 20 extraordinary spaces transformed with light, sound, and shadow play. Discover towering Christmas trees, a grand cluster of mistletoe, shimmering copper toadstools, and twirling oak leaf archways, each inspired by the wonders of nature.
After walking around the house, you then exit into the 105-acre gardens with waterworks, sculptures and twinkling lights.
Christmas tickets include admission to the house, garden, and the farmyard and playground. Or you can just get tickets for just the garden (which includes a festive light trail). All tickets must be booked online and include car parking (one car per transaction).
Click here for our full guide to visiting Chatsworth with kids.
6. Hathersage Swimming Pool
Open year round
Click here to read our review
Click here to book
There’s something very special about swimming in an outdoor pool as the snow falls around you (we’re still hoping for a white Christmas!)
Hathersage Swimming Pool is supposedly heated to a constant 28°C all year round, although over the winter season it’s probably a fraction colder and if you do take your kids here, we suggest that everyone wear wetsuits.
7. National Stone Centre
Open year round, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day
No booking necessary
Check out our guide to visiting the National Stone Museum
Pan for gems, build a drystone wall, and hunt for fossils at The National Stone Centre, just a five minutes drive from the National Park boundary, close to Cromford and Matlock.
The National Stone Centre is free to enter, although it’s £3 to do the panning for gems, and £1 for geo-trail map. There’s also a café on site (with a rock shop and small exhibition), as well as a playground.
Combine your visit with a walk along the High Peak Trail to Black Rocks, or even further to Cromford Canal. Although, do allow 2-3 hours for wandering about The National Stone Centre, which includes a bite to eat at the Blue Lagoon Café.
8. Peak Wildlife Park
Open year round, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Click here to book tickets
Click here to read our review
Come face to face with exotic and endangered animals from across the world, including penguins, lemurs, meercats, zebras, deer and lots of farm animals at Peak Wildlife Park! It’s one of the top days out in the Peak District. Kids will love the walk through areas where you can venture inside animal enclosures, and they will especially love petting the farm animals.
This isn’t a normal zoo to see the ‘big five’. Instead it is an immersive experience to enjoy walking amongst less ferocious animals. Its a fantastic day out for little ones especially as they can be hands on with some of the tamer residents
Peak Wildlife Park is just 1km outside the National Park boundary near Leek and one of the best family days out in Staffordshire.
9. Get outdoors
At this time of year, nothing quite beats a brisk walk in the hills followed by a pub lunch. Check out our pub walks in the Peak District, and if you do plan on dining at one of our suggested pubs, we recommend booking a table at least a couple of days in advance.
You can check out all our family walks here, or you may specifically be looking for Peak District pram friendly walks. Alternatively, if it’s not too icy and cold over the Peak District Twixmas, check out our guide to family bike rides in the Peak District.
You may also like to read:
Best days out in the Peak District
Family walks in the Peak District
Things to do in Matlock and Matlock Bath