Relaxed Storytime with Father Christmas, plus Christmas at Chatsworth entry
Families gather in the Oak Barn for a quiet, supportive storytime session with Father Christmas and his elves, featuring lowered lighting and reduced background music. Children can meet Father Christmas for a photo, craft magic reindeer food, and receive a small festive gift. Tickets also include admission to the decorated house, the garden light trail, the adventure playground, and the Christmas market.
What to Expect
A relaxed storytime session including entry to the decorated house and gardens.
Event Details
Duration
The storytime session lasts 45 minutes.
Food & Drink
Adult ticket holders receive a hot drink voucher redeemable at a Chatsworth catering outlet.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Autistic children or children with special educational needs and their families
Vibe
Quiet, festive and supportive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
£££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: £40 per child; £49.50 per adult. Tickets include entry to the decorated house, garden and garden light trail, farmyard and adventure playground, Christmas market, and parking for one vehicle per transaction. Adult ticketholders also receive a hot drink voucher.
- Hours: 2pm to 2.45pm.
- Parking: Tickets include parking for one vehicle per transaction. Parking arrangements differ during the Christmas market.
- Accessibility: The Oak Barn on the upper level of the farmyard is accessible by lift, and accessible toilets are available.
Tips & Advice
- Book tickets for every child aged 1 to 16 and ensure each child is accompanied by an adult ticket holder.
- Meet at the farmyard entrance before the session; latecomers will not be admitted and refunds will not be given.
- Leave enough time for the garden light trail before the garden closes, and check opening and last-entry times for the house, garden, market and farmyard.
- Use the lift to reach the Oak Barn’s upper level if needed; accessible toilets are available at the farmyard.
- Plan for the Christmas market’s different parking arrangements; event tickets include parking for one vehicle per transaction.
Special Events & Promotions
- A quieter session for autistic children or children with special educational needs and their families, with reduced lighting and background music and fewer tickets.
- Autism-friendly Storytime sessions without house and garden access are also available.
- Father Christmas appears at the session on 5 December.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the relaxed storytime designed for?
It is for autistic children or children with special educational needs and their families. Children aged 1 to 16 need tickets and must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder.
What happens during the storytime?
Father Christmas shares a festive story, children can meet him for a photograph, and the elves help them make reindeer food. Each child receives a small gift.
What makes this a relaxed session?
There are fewer tickets to reduce the group size and allow more support for individual children; background music and lighting are reduced.
What else is included with admission?
Admission includes the decorated house, garden light trail, farmyard, adventure playground and Christmas market. Adult ticket holders also receive a hot drink voucher for a Chatsworth catering outlet.
What should families know about arrival and access?
Meet at the farmyard entrance before the session; latecomers will not be admitted. The Oak Barn is on the farmyard’s upper level, accessible by lift, and accessible toilets are available.
More Christmas Events near Derby
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.