The best Christmas markets & festive events: Part 1

Take a peek at what's going from Christmas markets to winter food festivals and stunning light trails. Here are the best Christmas events and things to do in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Chatsworth Christmas Markets

Where better to kick-start your Christmas spirit than at one of the best Christmas markets in the country? Soak up the festive atmosphere against the stunning backdrop of Chatsworth as you browse more than 100 stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations.Enjoy a mulled wine or a German beer at one of the outdoor bars, sample delicious food including gourmet burgers and sausages, hot pork rolls, pancakes and churros, and listen to live music that’s sure to get you in the festive mood.

Discover the magic of a Nordic Christmas at Chatsworth

Experience the magical atmosphere of a Nordic winter in the house and garden this Christmas at Chatsworth This Christmas, step inside Chatsworth and be magically transported to the mystical frozen realms of the far North.

Deep Midwinter: A Nordic Christmas at Chatsworth brings to life the Christmas legends, folklore and traditions of the Arctic and Nordic regions in a series of immersive roomscapes.

Discover Intricately sculpted 'ice' walls, giant woodland hideaways, sparkling pine forests, candlelight, lanterns and traditional Nordic Christmas decorations.

Haddon Hall Mercatum Winter Artisan Markets

24 Nov, 25 Nov, 26 Nov, 27 Nov, 1 Dec, 2 Dec, 3 Dec, 4 Dec

Some of the country’s finest artisans and makers will be brought together in the magnificent surroundings of Haddon Hall’s chambers, gardens and grounds at the Mercatum Winter Artisan Markets. Visitors will be able to weave their way around beautifully-lit stalls in the historic Stables, Lower Courtyard, Banqueting Hall, Long Gallery and Elizabethan gardens.

The hall will be brimming with beautiful decorations, festive music, winter scents and twinkling lights, whilst stalls selling jewellery, candles, woodwork, art, stationery, food and drink will offer something for everyone.

Bakewell Christmas Market

See the charming streets, courtyards and alleyways of Bakewell brought to life with a sprinkling of Christmas sparkle at the town’s popular annual market. Browse over 100 stalls throughout the town and find quality gifts from local traders from across the Peak District and Derbyshire.

There’ll also be plenty of mulled wine to keep you warm, as well as entertainment, decorations, baubles and twinkling lights.

Discover the Father Christmas Experience at Bluebell Dairy, Derby

Be mesmerised by the beauty of the Wishing Woods and discover your toy making skills in the Toy Workshop. Unleash your imagination on the Peculiar Penguin Sleigh Journey and of course join Father Christmas for a night time sleigh ride!

Book early to avoid disappointment.

Christmas at Matlock Farm Park

Join in with the festive fun at Matlock Farm Park and enjoy lots of animal activities combined with elf fun and a Christmas treasure hunt, perhaps adding on a special visit to Santa’s Grotto too! Join Santa Claus for a hearty breakfast on selected dates, visit his lovely grotto and receive an early Christmas gift, then enjoy a day in the park.

There'll also be festive pony rides and all the usual fun of the fark park too, with animal handling, fantastic indoor and outdoor play areas, and delicious refreshments.

Matlock Victorian Christmas Market

Browse festive goodies at a host of indoor and outdoor stalls at this charming Victorian Christmas Market in Matlock town centre. Discover a wide selection of hand-crafted, artisan goods, local produce and seasonal foods whilst enjoying festive entertainment including Santa's Grotto, a fun fair and live music, topped off with a grand finale fireworks display on Sunday evening. Matlock’s numerous shops, restaurants and cafes will be open throughout the weekend.

Discover Christmas past with Father Christmas at Bolsover Castle

Join in the festive fun with the man himself at the magical Bolsover Castle this Christmas. Meet Father Christmas as he tells tales of Christmas past amidst the yuletide decorations. Lucky visitors will even get a festive treat!

Advance booking essential.

All aboard the Santa Special at Midland Railway Butterley

Why not give the whole family an exciting treat by taking a trip on a Santa Special Train this Christmas. The children get to see Santa and there’ll be a gift for every child (plus a miniature bottle of spirits for every adult) and entertainment for the whole family.

Follow the Elf Trail and join in the Family Festivities at Markeaton Park

Enjoy festive food, music, Christmas crafts, a free Elf Trail and much more at Markeaton Park near Derby. Discover festivities for the whole family with live music, walkabout acts, and festive food in the wonderfully unique surroundings of the Markeaton Park Craft Units.

The free Elf Trail competition will also be returning, which will take you exploring around Markeaton Park!

Belper Winter Food Festival

Beer, cheese, wine and chocolate… Treat your tastebuds to Christmas food and drink galore at this charming Winter Food Festival taking place in and around Belper’s bustling King Street from 10am until 3pm.

With free entry, the festival will serve as a showcase for quality producers selling seasonal food and drink from across the country, whilst the town’s award-winning High Street is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping.