What’s on in the Peak District – Autumn/Winter 2025

As we move from summer into autunm and winter, there are a host of differnet events to enjoy in the local area.  We have a complied a list below of some of the local favourite events in the run up to Christmas. The below includes a range of dates and price points (from the more costly through to free!).

Chatsworth Christmas Market

• 8^th November – 14^th December 2025

Starting with what is arguably now an iconic part of Christmas in the Peak District, the Chatsworth Christmas Market.  This year, it is running for over 5 weeks, with free entry (parking charges apply), it hosts over 100 market stalls, offering seasonal gifts, many from local artisan makers, plus live music and festive food and drink. 

Christmas at Chatsworth: The Enchanted Garden  

• 8^th November – 4^th January 2026

This year the theme of Christmas at Chatsworth is enchantment of the natural world. Explore enchanted woodlands, mystical fairies and much more. A trip round the house at Chatworth at Christmas is always a special event and looks to be as spectacular as ever this year. Tickets and full details can be found on their website.

Christmas Artisan Market 2025 at Haddon Hall

• 12^th – 16^th November, 19^th – 23^rd November, 26^th – 30^th November, 3^rd – 7^th December, 10^th – 14^th December

This is another Christmas market which is becoming a staple of the pre-Christmas markets in the Peak District. The market is located inside in the hall itself, so you can enjoy the beautifully decorated rooms.

This is a wonderful day out with Christmas trees, live music, food and drink galore. You can pre-book tickets here.

Lights of Abraham – at the Heights of Abraham

• 22^nd November – 30^th December 2025

A chance to experience the Heights of Abraham in a brand-new way.  Take a moonlight cable car flight across the river and above the avenue of colour.  The Vista Café at the summit will be open for festive tipples and treats. This promises to be a special spectacle.  Booking is required. 

Christmas at Thornbridge – Christmas House Tours

• 10^th November – 20^th December 2025

They have entitled their Christmas house tours ‘Never Ordinary’.  Booking is recommended; these special guided tours give a change to see the house beautifully decorated and include mince pies, mulled wine and access to the gardens too.  Tickets can be booked here.

Christmas at Thornbridge – Christmas Shopping Village  

• Weekend 1: Friday 5th – Sunday 7th December 2025
• Weekend 2: Friday 12th – Sunday 14th December 2025

Across two weekends in December, Thornbridge invite you to their magical Christmas Shopping Village.  Tickets include garden entry, a festive trail and live entertainment throughout the day. 

Bakewell Christmas Market  

• Saturday 15^th and Sunday 16^th November 2025 – free entry

Taking place throughout the town centre, this has been a very popular event in recent years with over 100 stalls, live music, a brass band and choirs singing throughout the weekend. More information is available on their website.

Castleton at Christmas

• Throughout December

Not a specfic event as such, but Castleton has become a known destination to see the beautifully lit village. The main street is lined with festive trees, twinkly fairy lights and a special atmosphere. Many of the shops stays open later during December, with the best time to visit late afternoon/early evening to really appreciate the lights. Did we mention there’s some fantastic pubs in and around Castleton too?

Peak Shopping Village Artisan Christmas Market

• Saturday 6^th and Sunday 7^th December 2025 – Free entry

Hosted at the Peak Shopping Village in Rowsley, this Christmas market will feature live music, festive food and market stalls from Derbyshire Makers. During the day, this venue is home to many interesting shops along with some well known brands and car parking is provided – highly rated.

Christmas Fair at Buxton Pavillion Gardens

• Saturday 6^th and Sunday 7^th December 2025 – Free entry

Located in the Octagan Hall at Pavillion Garden, this Christmas fair will have over 50 stall holders selling a delightful range of Christmas gifts with food and drinks stalls outside too.  For the little ones there will be rides outside on the promenade (if the weather allows) and a Santas Grotto. Their website has up to date information on the event. 

Matlock Christmas Market

• Saturday 20^th and Sunday 21^st December 2025 – free entry

Situated in Matlock town centre at Hall Leys Park, this free market will host over 150 stalls and a range of festive entertainment including Santas Grotto and a Christmas Parade.  More information is available on their facebook page

We hope this blog has given you some inspiration of the events which you can visit in the Peak District in the run up to Christmas 2025.

Written by Dan and Fay (not by A.I!)