As winter settles over the hills and frosts begin to glisten on the moors, the Peak District takes on a charm like no other. The weeks before Christmas here are a time of twinkling lights, bustling markets, and grand houses dressed in their festive best. From artisan shopping to underground carols, the run-up to Christmas is one of the loveliest times to visit the Peaks.
Chatsworth at Christmas
No festive season is complete without Chatsworth House. This year, the grand estate invites visitors to step inside The Enchanted Garden (8th November – 4th January). Twenty extraordinary rooms are transformed with magical displays of light, sound and shadow. Outside, the Chatsworth Christmas Market (8th November – 14th December) is a festive wonderland with over 100 stalls, live music, mulled wine, and seasonal treats. It’s a perfect place to soak up the atmosphere and tick off some Christmas shopping.
Haddon Hall’s Mercatum Christmas Market
Already one of the most romantic houses in England, Haddon Hall becomes even more enchanting in the festive season. The Mercatum Artisan Market (12th November – 14th December) fills its medieval courtyards with local makers, crafts, and delicious food. With candles, roaring fires, and handmade decorations, it feels like stepping back in time to a Christmas long ago.
Thornbridge Hall Festivities
For something more boutique, Thornbridge Hall hosts its Christmas markets on selected weekends (5th–7th & 12th–14th December). With curated stalls, live music, and fine food, it offers a more intimate shopping experience in a truly magical setting. Festive house tours also run throughout November and December, where towering trees and decorated rooms bring the hall to life.
Calke Abbey: A National Trust Christmas
From late November to just before Christmas (28th November – 23rd December), Calke Abbey joins the festive fun. The house and St Giles’ Church are beautifully decorated, while weekend fairs fill the Riding School with gifts and seasonal cheer. It’s an atmospheric day out, especially for those who love heritage houses.
Victorian Charm in Matlock
From 5th to 7th December, Matlock Victorian Christmas Market transforms the town with over 200 stalls, live entertainment, a funfair, fireworks, and Santa’s Grotto. It’s one of the largest festive events in the region and brims with old-fashioned charm.
Festivities Across the Peaks
Other gems include:
- Buxton Pavilion Gardens Christmas Fair (6th–7th December) – over 50 stalls of gifts, crafts, and food.
- Bakewell Christmas Sparkle (7th December) – a family-friendly day with markets, activities, and reindeer.
- Castleton Cavern Carol Concerts – a truly unique experience with carols sung underground by candlelight.
- Village Lights & Carol Services – from Bakewell to Eyam, many villages celebrate with their own switch-ons, concerts, and festive trails.
Winter Walks & Cosy Retreats
Beyond the markets and events, the Peak District itself is the star of the season. Crisp winter walks across the edges, mist curling through valleys, and sunsets glowing over frosted hills create the perfect backdrop to your festive break. And after a day exploring, there’s nothing better than returning to a warm, peaceful cottage or cabin, with time to relax and savour the stillness.
Why Visit Before Christmas?
The run-up to Christmas in the Peak District offers the best of both worlds: festive sparkle in grand houses and bustling markets, alongside the peace and beauty of nature in winter. Whether hunting for artisan gifts, enjoying carols in unique settings, or simply soaking up the seasonal atmosphere, it’s a time of year full of magic and memories waiting to be made.
