The best Christmas markets and festive events

Chatsworth Christmas Markets

4 – 26 November 2023
Where better to kick-start your Christmas spirit than at one of the best Christmas markets in the country? Soak up the festive atmosphere at Chatsworth Christmas Market 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 'Palace of Advent' at Chatsworth

4 November 2023 - 7 January 2024
Discover 24 rooms filled with Christmas wonder and the sights, sounds and scents of the season at Chatsworth. Travel under archways adorned with candy canes, handmade Christmas stockings and mistletoe.
At the heart of the house, you’ll find Father Christmas’ workshop; a hive of activity as preparations are underway for the all-important Christmas Eve deliveries. Keep your eyes peeled for his little helpers around the house, who you may spot making mischief while Father Christmas is away.
The celebrations continue in the garden with an interactive light and sound trail past the Cascade, and through the Rock Garden and Maze, leading to a spectacular animated light show that transforms the house into a giant advent calendar.

Haddon Hall Mercatum Winter Artisan Markets

16-19 Nov, 23-26 Nov, 30 Nov-3 Dec, 7-10 Dec 2023
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

18 - 19 November 2023
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.

Christmas Market on the Thornbridge Estate

17-26 November 2023
Discover 20 stalls from local artisan makers on the beautiful Thornbridge Estate near Bakewell. Garden entry tickets allow access to the Christmas market and 12.5 acres of formal gardens! Enjoy a mulled wine and mince pie and pick up a few Christmas presents from local artisan producers.
Get into the festive spirit with a fascinating Christmas House Tour and combine a Festive House Tour and Afternoon Tea for £35 per person!

Hardwick Wintertide

17 November 2023 - 7 January 2024
Discover Hardwick Hall near Chesterfield as you've never seen it before. Tour by lantern light and tiptoe around the decadent tapestries, friezes and portraits which don the 400-year-old walls and see what stories you’ll illuminate.
Marvel at the contemporary festive displays which highlight the very best of Elizabethan winter celebrations. Journey through the gardens and take a peek at the displays in the Cart Shed, South Gazebo and Apple Store as you head to the hall.
Immerse yourself in the festive journey along the main processional route. The exhibition rooms and middle floor will be closed during Hardwick Wintertide.

Chesterfield Christmas Tree Festival

18 November - 3 December 2023
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.

Polar Express™ at Churnet Valley Railway

18 November - 23 December 2023
Your journey begins at Froghall Station on the Churnet Valley Railway in Staffordshire, where you hop on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride that takes you on a magical journey to the North Pole. Do you Believe? Well, if you don't by the end of your journey you will! Join our enthusiastic cast in telling the story whilst singing along with your favourite characters from the hit film.
Passengers are encouraged to join in the fun by attending in your PJ’s; once you have boarded THE POLAR EXPRESS™ the adventure begins when you are served Hot Chocolate and a Cookie at your seat by the singing Chefs.
Travelling through the Northern Lights is arguably one of the most spectacular parts of our journey and the icing on the cake before you arrive at the North Pole!

Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch On and Market

19 November 2023
Get into the festive spirit as Chesterfield’s annual Christmas Lights Switch On returns with a variety of entertainment performing throughout the day and a market where shoppers can start their Christmas shopping.
The event takes place from 12-6pm, with the switch on happening at 4.45pm.
A market will run alongside this event in the Market Square and the Market Hall will be open so shoppers can start picking up presents from local businesses.

Santa's Enchanted Christmas at Bluebell Dairy, Derby

25 November - 24 December 2023
Celebrate the wonder of Santa’s Enchanted Christmas this year. Meet real reindeer, unleash your creativity at the Create-a-Bear workshop, meet friendly and happy Elves and receive a gift from the magical chimney! This heart warming adventure promises unforgettable moments of joy and togetherness for the whole family Book early to avoid disappointment.

North Pole Adventure at The National Forest Adventure Farm

25 November - 24 December 2023
Escape through a magical portal into the North Pole Adventure. The National Forest Adventure Farm is bringing the magic of Christmas to Staffordshire as they transport families via a magical portal to their hugely popular interactive festive event, North Pole Adventure.
Families can experience many festive activities at the North Pole, such as exploring the Victorian High Street complete with sweet shop and pub, meeting the interactive talking Polar Bear under the Northern Lights, visit Father Christmas himself and pay a visit to the elves' workshop to collect a gift, and so much more!

Christmas Village at Matlock Farm Park

November & December 2023
2023 will see an exciting Christmas experience for visitors with encounters and activities with different characters around the Christmas Village, including Christmas craft-making with Chief Elf and Mrs Claus, a magical storytelling experience for children with letter writing, mulled wine and hot chocolate, and Santa's Grotto.
There'll also be Breakfast with Santa Experiences and Autism Friendly Santa Sessions designed for loved ones who require a calmer, shorter experience.
Don't miss out on all the usual fun of the fark park too, with animal handling, indoor and outdoor play areas, and delicious refreshments.

Visit Santa's Grotto at Creswell Crags

25-26 November, 2-3 Dec, 9-10 Dec, 10-17 December 2023
Santa is coming to Creswell Crags this year! Visit the crafting room, make your own take home crafts while you wait to see the big guy.

Christmas Light Walk-Through at Poole's Cavern

1- 23 December 2023
This special event at Poole's Cavern near Buxton gives you the opportunity to see our cavern lit for Christmas – perfect for ‘big kids’ (adults) and the little ones. This is a self-guided walk through Poole’s Cavern; while you will see our Grotto & chambers lit with festive LEDS and decorations, please be aware Santa and his elves are very busy and will not be around for our light walk-through event. You can enjoy our cavern at your leisure and guides will be around to answer questions & tell you about the cave.

Matlock Victorian Christmas Market

1 - 3 December 2023
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.

Bolsover Lantern Parade & Christmas Festival

2 December 2023
Join in the festive fun with this free event in Bolsover town centre. There will be festive stalls from local artisans, fairground rides, helter skelter, rodeo reindeer, snowglobe, musical entertainment, carol singing.

Wildhive Christmas Wreath Making

2 December 2023
In this workshop, local florist Marianne Slater will guide you through the creative process of designing and decorating a beautiful winter wreath celebrating the best of British seasonal foliage and stunning dried materials; moss, spruce, berries and pine cones, all finished off with a beautiful velvet ribbon. The workshop includes welcome refreshments and a 2 course lunch in the Garden Room restaurant at award-winning boutique hotel Wildhive.

Santa Specials at Midland Railway Butterley

Selected dates
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 on board the train for a memorable festive experience. There’ll be a gift for every child (plus a miniature bottle of spirit for every adult) and entertainment for the whole family.

Markeaton Park Elf Trail

2 - 3 December 2023
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

3 December 2023
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 on 3 December 2023.
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.

Cromford Mills Christmas Weekends

3 - 18 December 2023
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.