The best Christmas markets & festive events: Part 2

Cromford Mills Christmas Weekends

Visit the festive winter markets in the atmospheric surroundings of the Georgian Mill Yard on selected dates in November and December. Discover quality artisans and independent local retailers selling a wonderful handmade gifts, hot drinks and festive fair.

Join the Derby Santa Run on the 11th December at Markeaton Park

This festive event is perfect for the whole family… everyone who signs up to take part will also receive their very own Santa suit before they start the run; while you’ll also receive a finisher’s medal and goody bag once you’ve crossed the finish line.

Bring along your dogs too – and purchase a Festive Dog Bandanna when booking!

This event is organised by Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People and Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity.

Go potty this Christmas at Denby Pottery Village

Selected dates in Nov '22 & Dec '22

With festivities running right through December there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Afternoon tea with Santa, Christmas Crafts, Wreath Workshops, a Christmas Market and breakfast with Mrs Claus – you’ll be spoilt for choice. See website for details on how to book.

Catch the train through the Christmas Countryside with Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Every December Santa opens his railway, inviting people to ride his train and experience Christmas together, now is the time to do it again, bigger and better than ever before.

See website for more details – advance booking is essential for this sell out event.

Take a magical Christmas Journey at the National Forest Adventure Farm

A truly magical journey, experience the wonder of Christmas on your way to the North Pole, collect your passport and Elf coins and travel through the magical portal to meet Father Christmas.

Follow a captivating light trail through the stunning grounds of Hardwick Hall, near Chesterfield

A spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthrall your senses. As darkness descends, join us on our enchanting journey, a timeless experience to be enjoyed by all, young and old alike. Luminate Hardwick will run nightly from Wednesday 23rd November 2022 until Friday 24th December 2022. Tickets must be pre-booked online in advance.

Shine a Light at Barrow Hill Roundhouse

See Barrow Hill Roundhouse as you’ve never seen it before – the table turns as this epicentre of railway power erupts into a mighty crucible of light and sound. There is also a Christmas event on Sunday 11th December with carols, crafts and a visit from Santa.

Festival of Christmas Trees in Chesterfield

The magical Festival of Christmas Trees returns to the Crooked Spire Church with over 80 trees to explore. The Spire is the largest church in Derbyshire and will be filled with Christmas trees. The trees are decorated by local people, groups and shops, from WIs to scout and guide groups, from schools to high street stores, from accountants to Chesterfield Museum and many more besides.

Christmas at Calke Abbey, near Derby

Find festive lights and illuminations and discover Christmases of the past through a downloadable family trail. Don't miss Christmas fairs in the Riding School and lots of opportunities to meet Father Christmas and Mrs Claus along the way.

Booking for Father Christmas events will go live on Monday 24 October.

Christmas at Renishaw Hall, near Chesterfield

There’s lots going on during December to get yourself into the festive spirit, Christmas Hall Tours as well as Breakfast, Lunch or Afternoon Tea with Santa – with all those mince pies let’s hope he still fits down your chimney.

Advance bookings for seasonal experiences are essential.

Have a Festive Forest Adventure at Conkers

Wrap up warm and get ready for a silly Elf adventure as you arrive at Waterside Winter Wonderland, where Santa’s Chief Elf and his team will send you through Watersides Enchanted Forest and the Valley of Christmas Lights to discover Santa’s Woodland Grotto.