Five Festive Events in the Fabulous Peak District

As the nights draw in and the days take on an ethereal quality, so the Peak District transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland. With its stunning landscapes, charming villages and wide range of festive activities, it offers the perfect break for anyone looking to capture the spirit of the season. From Chatsworth Christmas Market to the Lights of Abraham, Derbyshire truly comes alive at this time of year. If you’re planning to book a winter break, then our holiday cottage in Baslow offers the perfect cosy home from home from which to explore some of the area’s top attractions.

Here we take a look at our 5 favourite festive events in the Peak District. So wrap up warm, grab a cuppa and start planning your next great getaway with our handy guide.

1. A Christmas Feast at Chatsworth House

‘There’s a Christmas meal tonight


and Lion wants to go too

but Lion has no invitation,


what’s a little lion to do?’

So reads one of the lines from the brand new story Henry and the Lion’s Christmas Feast, written by poet and Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho. The story of Henry and his search for the legendary Chatsworth Lion is the inspiration behind the setting for this year’s Christmas at Chatsworth. Always a magnificent event, this year should be no exception and features an interactive light and sound trail set up through the gardens. Follow the trail and prepare to be amazed by a fabulous animated show, projected onto the side of the house itself!

A Christmas Feast runs from November 9th until January 5th. Chatsworth Christmas market, however, only runs until December 1st, so if you want to combine some serious shopping with your mince pies and mulled wine, then make sure to visit before then.

Chatsworth House is walking distance from Hall Cottage, and steeped in history. You can learn some little known facts about it here.

2. Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market at Haddon Hall

If Chatsworth’s market doesn’t have you all shopped out, then Haddon Hall’s famous Mercatum should be your next stop. Located just outside Bakewell, the Medieval hall is transformed into a magical fairytale setting, complete with flickering lights and stately trees adorned with Christmas decorations.

With over 180 stalls featuring talented artisan makers, this is luxury and boutique shopping at its best. Sip a mulled wine or hot chocolate whilst you soak up the ambience accompanied by live music.

The Mercatum runs from 13 November – 15 December (Wednesdays to Sundays).

3. ‘Never Ordinary’ Christmas Tours at the Thornbridge Estate

Touted as ‘The Quirkiest Stately Home in the UK’, Thornbridge Hall is the new resting place for the famous Bakewell Love Locks. Well worth a visit for the gardens, café and emporium alone, during November and December they also offer a whole range of festive events from wreath-making to lino-printing.

Their Christmas House Tours include a mulled wine and mince pie, whilst the 14th December sees an evening of carols with the Buxton Community Choir in the Carriage House. Their Christmas market runs over select weekends, so do check out their website for more details.

4. The Lights of Abraham

If you’ve never visited the Heights of Abraham, then you’re in for an extra special treat this winter. Located just outside Matlock Bath, the Heights can only be reached by taking a cable car flight through the breathtaking Derwent Valley to the top of Masson Hill. This year the Heights of Abraham have been transformed by a stunning light trail. Right from the festoon-lit riverside walkway, through to the moonlit flight to the top of the hill, and culminating in a trail through woodland paths and gardens, this is one festive event that’s sure to delight and enchant – grinches included!

The trail runs from 22nd November until 30th December, and you can book your tickets here.

5. Castleton Christmas Tree Festival

Castleton is a beautiful and timeless village situated at the head of the Hope Valley, and overlooked by the imposing ruins of Peveril Castle. Already one of the most popular places to visit in the Peak District, it is also home to the Castleton Tree Festival . Held in St Edmund’s Church the festival features 50 trees decorated by local shops, businesses and groups, and was featured on the Countryfile Christmas Special back in 2018. As a particularly poignant touch, they have a prayer tree, and visitors are encouraged to write on a star and hang it on the tree to remember a loved one. The festival runs from 16th November until 15th December.

As far as festive events go, the Peak District really does have it covered. To visit Chatsworth Christmas Market, Haddon Hall’s Mercatum or any other event in the Peak District, why not book a short break today. Create your own magical memories in the very heart of Derbyshire.