Ready for festive fun in High Peak? Let our guide show you all the holiday happenings! For those who know High Peak's every nook and those just scratching the surface, this guide reveals holiday wonders.
The Buxton Christmas Lights Switch-On illuminates the season with a splendorous display and festive activities. Experience the charm of Glossop with its Christmas Market, featuring local artisans and unique gifts. And the Bakewell Christmas Market is something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering delightful treats and crafts tucked in quaint stalls. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in High Peak
See these and even more events listed below!Nearby Events
Buxton Christmas Lights Switch-On (Buxton)
What to Expect:
Illumination of the historic Crescent building
Description:
Buxton's Christmas Lights Switch-On transforms the spa town into a glittering spectacle. The highlight of the evening is the illumination of the historic Crescent building, a Georgian architectural gem. Visitors can enjoy live performances by local choirs echoing through the Pavilion Gardens. The event pays homage to Buxton's Roman origins, with costumed characters sharing tales of ancient Yuletide celebrations. Stroll through the town center and admire the intricate light displays adorning the Victorian and Edwardian facades.
Website:
Buxton Christmas Lights Switch-On
Glossop Christmas Market (Glossop)
What to Expect:
Artisan crafts from local Peak District makers
Description:
Glossop Christmas Market showcases the best of Peak District craftsmanship. Local artisans display their handmade wares, from woolen textiles to bespoke pottery, reflecting the region's rich artistic heritage. The aroma of mulled wine wafts through the air as you browse the stalls. Try your hand at traditional candle-making workshops led by skilled craftspeople. This market has been a cornerstone of Glossop's holiday season since the town's industrial heyday in the 19th century, connecting past and present through seasonal traditions.
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Bakewell Christmas Market (Bakewell)
What to Expect:
Bakewell pudding tasting competition
Description:
Bakewell Christmas Market celebrates the town's culinary claim to fame with a Bakewell pudding tasting competition. Local bakers vie for the title of best traditional pudding, continuing a legacy that dates back to the 19th century. Explore stalls offering unique Derbyshire delicacies and artisanal products. You can participate in a pudding-making demonstration, learning the secrets of this beloved dessert. The market sprawls through the historic town center, its Tudor and stone buildings providing a charming backdrop for seasonal shopping.
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Chapel-en-le-Frith Christmas Lights (Chapel-en-le-Frith)
What to Expect:
Community-designed light installations
Description:
Chapel-en-le-Frith Christmas Lights event showcases community creativity with unique, locally-designed light installations. Each year, residents contribute their artistic visions, resulting in a diverse and personal display. The town's Norman church, dating back to 1225, serves as a stunning centerpiece for the illuminations. Visitors can join guided tours to learn about the inspiration behind each light creation. The event highlights Chapel-en-le-Frith's strong community spirit, rooted in its history as a market town and gateway to the Peak District.
Website:
Chapel-en-le-Frith Christmas Lights
Castleton Christmas Tree Festival (Castleton)
What to Expect:
Underground cave Christmas tree display
Description:
Castleton Christmas Tree Festival brings holiday cheer to unexpected depths with its underground cave Christmas tree display. Local businesses and organizations decorate trees showcased in the atmospheric Peak Cavern, known as the "Devil's Arse." The natural acoustics of the cave amplify carolers' voices, creating an unforgettable auditory experience. You can vote for your favorite tree design, contributing to a local charity. This unique festival combines Castleton's famous cave network with holiday traditions, celebrating the village's geological and cultural heritage.
Website:
Castleton Christmas Tree Festival
Edale Christmas Fair (Edale)
What to Expect:
Traditional Peak District sheep herding demonstration
Description:
Edale Christmas Fair embraces its rural roots with a traditional Peak District sheep herding demonstration. This unique spectacle pays homage to the village's farming heritage and its position at the start of the Pennine Way. Local shepherds showcase their skills and well-trained dogs, offering insight into this age-old practice. Browse stalls featuring handmade woolen products and locally-sourced foods. The fair takes place in the shadow of Kinder Scout, connecting holiday celebrations with the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape.
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Whaley Bridge Santa Sleigh (Whaley Bridge)
What to Expect:
Santa's canal boat sleigh ride
Description:
Whaley Bridge Santa Sleigh event reimagines holiday traditions with a unique canal boat "sleigh" ride. Santa swaps his reindeer for a narrowboat, cruising the Peak Forest Canal and greeting children along the towpath. This inventive approach celebrates Whaley Bridge's industrial heritage as a canal town. Families can enjoy hot chocolate while waiting for Santa's arrival, taking in the picturesque views of the marina. The event brings together the community, continuing a tradition that began in the early 20th century with the canal's working boats.
Website:
Tideswell Christmas Lights Switch-On (Tideswell)
What to Expect:
Illumination of the "Cathedral of the Peak"
Description:
Tideswell Christmas Lights Switch-On centers around the illumination of St. John the Baptist Church, known as the "Cathedral of the Peak." This 14th-century Gothic masterpiece becomes a beacon of light, its intricate architecture emphasized by carefully placed illuminations. Local bell-ringers perform a special peal to mark the occasion, filling the air with melodious chimes. You can join a guided tour of the church to learn about its medieval carvings and stained glass. The event highlights Tideswell's rich ecclesiastical history and its enduring importance to the community.
Website:
Tideswell Christmas Lights Switch-On
Poynton Winter Carnival (Poynton)
What to Expect:
Coal mining-themed parade floats
Description:
Poynton Winter Carnival pays tribute to the town's coal mining past with creatively designed parade floats. Local groups compete to create the most impressive mining-themed displays, incorporating twinkling lights and moving parts. The carnival procession winds through the streets, accompanied by brass bands playing traditional carols. Visitors can try their hand at "mining for gifts" in a special holiday-themed challenge. This event connects Poynton's industrial heritage with contemporary celebrations, fostering community spirit and creativity.
Website:
Disley Christmas Lights Switch-On (Disley)
What to Expect:
Illuminated nature trail through Ram's Head Quarry
Description:
Disley Christmas Lights Switch-On extends beyond the village center with an illuminated nature trail through Ram's Head Quarry. This former industrial site transforms into a twinkling wonderland, blending natural beauty with holiday cheer. Local conservationists lead guided walks, sharing information about the quarry's flora and fauna. The event highlights Disley's commitment to preserving its natural and industrial heritage. You can warm up with locally-sourced hot apple cider while enjoying views of the illuminated Peak District landscape.
Website:
Disley Christmas Lights Switch-On
Chinley Christmas Market (Chinley)
What to Expect:
Railway-themed market stalls in restored train carriages
Description:
Chinley Christmas Market brings holiday shopping to the rails with stalls set up in restored vintage train carriages. This unique setting pays homage to Chinley's importance as a railway junction in the late 19th century. Local artisans and food producers showcase their wares in these atmospheric surroundings. Visitors can enjoy a ride on a miniature steam train while sipping hot chocolate. The market captures the nostalgia of train travel, blending it with the excitement of holiday shopping in a truly distinctive environment.
Website:
Bollington Christmas Markets (Bollington)
What to Expect:
Cotton mill-inspired craft demonstrations
Description:
Bollington Christmas Markets celebrate the town's textile heritage with cotton mill-inspired craft demonstrations. Local artisans showcase traditional skills like weaving and spinning, offering a glimpse into Bollington's industrial past. The markets are spread across several venues, including the historic Adelphi Mill. Visitors can create their own cotton Christmas decorations in hands-on workshops. The event intertwines Bollington's nickname as the "Happy Valley" with its rich history, creating a unique holiday experience that educates as it entertains.