Last updated: 11 November 2024
Welcome to the perfect holiday guide for High Peak! Find all the top festive events and attractions right here. For High Peak natives and holiday travelers, this guide ensures everyone enjoys the season's best.
Popular Events: Experience the enchanting Christmas at Chatsworth, where visitors can explore stunning decorations and festive markets set against the backdrop of a historic estate. Another highlight is the Peak Rail Santa and Steam Special, offering a nostalgic train ride through the picturesque countryside, complete with festive cheer. And the Alton Towers Resort Santa's Sleepovers is something you definitely don't want to miss, providing a magical overnight experience filled with activities and a chance to meet Santa. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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High Peak Holiday Light Displays
Illuminated Arboretum
- What to Expect
- Immersive light and sound display with personal reflection areas.
- Description
- The Illuminated Arboretum is a mesmerizing light and sound display that brings the fascinating stories of the National Memorial Arboretum to life in a kaleidoscope of color. The event features immersive spaces and areas for personal reflection, making it captivating for all ages with fun hands-on elements.
- Where
- Alrewas | More Info : Illuminated Arboretum
Trentham Estate Christmas Festival
- What to Expect
- Visually stunning ice sculpture trail and festive live music.
- Description
- Trentham Estate Christmas Festival features a brand-new ice sculpture trail, festive live music, and markets, offering a visually stunning winter experience in historic gardens.
- Where
- Trentham | More Info : Trentham Estate Christmas Festival
High Peak Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas at Chatsworth
- What to Expect
- Interactive light trail and festive farmyard activities.
- Description
- Explore Chatsworth House, garden, and farmyard during Christmas at Chatsworth, featuring festive decorations, interactive light trails, and guinea pig cuddling sessions.
- Where
- Bakewell | More Info : Christmas at Chatsworth
Matlock Victorian Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Traditional crafts and local food in a festive setting.
- Description
- The Matlock Victorian Christmas Market offers a charming holiday experience with traditional crafts, local food, and festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Matlock | More Info : Matlock Victorian Christmas Market
Bakewell Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Traditional English Christmas market with diverse local and regional traders.
- Description
- The Bakewell Christmas Market is a quintessential English Christmas market featuring around 100 stalls and gazebos on Market Street, Granby Road, and Riverside Crescent. It offers a variety of festive stalls, delicious food and drink, and live entertainment, including local brass bands, choirs, and a DJ. Visitors can meet Santa, watch the Buxton Billerettes, and enjoy children's fair rides and magical entertainment.
- Where
- Bakewell | More Info : Bakewell Christmas Market
Christmas at Haddon Hall
- What to Expect
- Luxury Christmas shopping in a beautifully decorated medieval setting.
- Description
- Haddon Hall's Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market features over 180 artisans offering luxury Christmas shopping, delicious street food, and festive atmosphere with twinkling lights and live music.
- Where
- Bakewell | More Info : Christmas at Haddon Hall
Chatsworth Christmas Markets
- What to Expect
- Extensive variety of local and British-made gifts and food.
- Description
- Chatsworth Christmas Markets offer over 100 stalls with a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations, live music, and seasonal food and drink. Explore exclusive ranges in the Stables shop and enjoy mulled wine or German beer at outdoor bars.
- Where
- Bakewell | More Info : Chatsworth Christmas Markets
High Peak Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Carol Concerts in “The Devil’s Arse”
- What to Expect
- Christmas carols in a unique cave setting.
- Description
- In the atmospheric setting of "The Devil's Arse," join in singing Christmas favorites with brass bands, mulled wine, and mince pies.
- Where
- Castleton | More Info : Christmas Carol Concerts in “The Devil’s Arse”
Santa’s Grotto at Peak Wildlife Park
- What to Expect
- Santa's Grotto in a wildlife park setting
- Description
- Meet Santa at Peak Wildlife Park, where children can share their wishes with the jolly old man in a cozy and welcoming environment.
- Where
- Wirksworth | More Info : Santa’s Grotto at Peak Wildlife Park
The Polar Express Train Ride
- What to Expect
- Interactive storytelling with festive treats and a vintage train ride.
- Description
- Embark on a journey to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express Train Ride, where you'll be treated to hot chocolate, cookies, and a festive atmosphere. The train ride is based on the classic children's book and features a cast of enthusiastic characters who will sing along with you as you travel through the picturesque Churnet Valley countryside.
- Where
- Churnet Valley | More Info : The Polar Express Train Ride
High Peak Other Holiday Activities
Peak Rail Santa and Steam Special
- What to Expect
- Santa visits each seat on a festive steam train ride.
- Description
- Join Peak Rail for a special holiday event where Santa and his helpers will visit each seat on a festive steam train ride through the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. Enjoy professional entertainment, a drink and snack for children, and a glass of wine or mince pie for adults. Dietary requirements can be catered to, and assistance dogs are allowed. The event is held at Rowsley South Station with departures on various dates and times.
- Where
- Rowsley South | More Info : Peak Rail Santa and Steam Special
Festive Village Santa experience at Matlock Farm Park
- What to Expect
- Personalized Santa breakfast with a special gift.
- Description
- At Matlock Farm Park, join Santa for a special breakfast experience where he will chat with you and provide a lovely early Christmas gift. After breakfast, spend the day enjoying the farm's festive activities, including animal encounters and playtime.
- Where
- Matlock | More Info : Festive Village Santa experience at Matlock Farm Park
Christmas at Ilam Park
- What to Expect
- Festive activities in a natural park setting.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Ilam Park with a variety of festive activities, including a Christmas tree sale, wreath-making workshops, and a Breakfast with Father Christmas event. Enjoy the picturesque setting and create lasting memories.
- Where
- Ilam | More Info : Christmas at Ilam Park
Santa Special Cruise at Tapton Lock Visitor Centre
- What to Expect
- Holiday cruise with gifts for children and treats for adults.
- Description
- Join Santa Special Cruises at Tapton Lock Visitor Centre for a delightful holiday experience. Each child receives a gift, and adults enjoy a mince pie and drink. The event offers a special moment for families to cherish.
- Where
- Chesterfield | More Info : Santa Special Cruise at Tapton Lock Visitor Centre
Bluebell Dairy Santa's Enchanted Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday event with real reindeer and build-your-own-bear workshops.
- Description
- Bluebell Dairy's Santa's Enchanted Christmas offers a delightful holiday experience with real reindeer, build-your-own-bear workshops, and festive activities for all ages.
- Where
- Derby | More Info : Bluebell Dairy Santa's Enchanted Christmas
Christmas at Lyme Park
- What to Expect
- Interactive animal takeover of the house with festive activities.
- Description
- Explore Lyme Park's house, taken over by magnificent and unusual beasts, featuring interactive fun, Christmas activities, and festive decorations. Enjoy sensory experiences, festive afternoon tea, and winter walks through the estate.
- Where
- Disley | More Info : Christmas at Lyme Park