Magical Christmas markets you can reach by public transport
Experience the magic of Christmas with your loved ones and leave the car behind for a stress-free journey to truly take in the festive scenery around the Peak District and Derbyshire this year!
With the £3 national bus fare cap until March 27 2026, you can enjoy the Peak District and Derbyshire by travelling sustainably, hassle-free and super cheap! There are so many Christmas Markets to discover, with many that have public transport links ensuring you arrive at your destination ready for some festive merry making and shopping! From live bands and beautifully decorated courtyards to festive local artisan makers and delicious food, public transport awaits to make your Christmas celebrations a special one.
Chatsworth Christmas Markets
November 8-14 December 2025 Free to access when travelling via public transport, the Chatsworth Christmas markets offer a magical experience with the spectacular backdrop of their gorgeous House and estate. Offering a free media guide with everyone who travels via public transport, Chatsworth have amazing bus links that stop direct at the estate. Image Credit/ Chatsworth House Trust.
By train: Nearest stations are Chesterfield, Sheffield and Matlock. By bus: Running regularly into the estate is the 218 TM Travel, 170 & 160 Stagecoach, High Peak 58
Haddon Hall Mercatum Winter Artisan Markets
12 November – 14 December 2025 (Wednesday to Sunday) Explore beautifully decorated rooms, galleries and courtyards, and browse exquisite creations from over 180 talented makers. A luxurious artisan market that fills this Medieval treasure with festive spirit. Offering a discounted price when arriving via public transport. Image Credit/ PeakLass
By train: Nearest stations are Chesterfield, Sheffield and Matlock. By bus: Buses that stop at the car park entrance are 6.1/ the sixes, Transpeak, 170 Stagecoach
Matlock Victorian Christmas Market
5 – 7 December 2025 Returning for their 30th spectacular year, their milestone year promises the biggest Christmas celebration yet! With over 200 traditional stalls featuring unique hand-crafted artisan gifts, delicious food and more.
By train: Direct from Derby and Nottingham. By bus: X17 Stagecoach, 6.1 the sixes, 63 Stagecoach, TP3 Transpeak
Cromford Mills Christmas Weekends
29–30 November, 6–7 December, 13–14 December 2025
Visit the festive winter markets in the atmospheric surroundings of the Georgian Mill Yard on selected dates in November and December. Discover quality artisans and independent local retailers selling wonderful handmade gifts, the festive fair is unmissable!
By train: Direct from Derby and Matlock. By bus: X17 Stagecoach, 6.1 the sixes
Bakewell Christmas Sparkle
7 December 2025
Fun for all the family with a cosy tipi grotto, kids' crafts, animal encounters, face painting aswell as a Christmas market with local makers and traders, street food and bars serving festive drinks.
By train: Nearest are Matlock, Chesterfield and Buxton with frequent bus links. By bus: 170 Stagecoach, 218, 257 Travel South Yorkshire, 6.1 the sixes
Christmas Market at Denby Pottery Village
4, 7, 11, 14 December 2025 Browse thoughtful, local artisan gifts that would be perfect for loved ones at Denby Pottery Village's Christmas Market.
By train: Nearest station is Derby. By bus: 9.1 the nines, COMET
Peak Village Artisan Christmas Market
7 – 8 December 2025
Explore the Artisan Christmas Market, featuring live music, festive food, and market stalls from The Derbyshire Makers. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover unique Christmas gifts for yourself and your loved ones, all crafted by local makers.
By train: Nearest station is Matlock. By bus: 160 Stagecoach, 6.1 the sixes Trent Barton, TP3 High Peak
Christmas VW Camper & Classic Convoy with Christmas Market
13 December 2025
Aimed at raising funds for Wishes 4 Kids, a convoy of illuminated Classic VW Campervans and Beetles will make their way in the surrounding areas of Swadlincote. The town centre will have a festive market from 12 noon as well as live entertainment, children’s fairground rides, and Santa with his sleigh.
By train: Direct services from Nottingham to Burton-on-Trent. By bus: Diamond Bus operates several services incuding the 19/19A and 21/21E.
Christmas Evening Market at Melbourne
6 December 2025 Christmas lights will switch on at 6pm and you can fully get into the festive mood at the one night only market in Melbourne. With live music and many great stalls that include warm food, local businesses and farm animals that your little ones can meet!
By train: Nearest station is Derby. By bus: Arriva Derby Line 2, Diamond Bus Line 9.
More information on Buses and Timetables
The Peak District and Derbyshire looks spectacularly festive during the Christmas period, and each bus route offers more unmissable stops to truly immerse you into the magic.
Transpeak: Buxton - Ashford-in-the-Water - Bakewell - Rowsley - Matlock - Matlock Bath - Belper - Derby. Takes in The Heights of Abraham, Peak Rail, Peak Shopping Village, Haddon Hall and Poole’s Cavern.
218 TM Travel: Sheffield to Bakewell and Chatsworth via Baslow.
6.1 / SIXES TrentBarton: Bakewell to Derby via Rowsley, Matlock, Matlock Bath Cromford and Wirksworth.
Stagecoach 65-66: Buxton to Sheffield via Tideswell and Grindleford.
Stagecoach X17: Sheffield, Chesterfield, Matlock. Every 30 mins with 1 bus an hour being extended from Matlock to Matlock Bath, Cromford and Wirksworth.
441/442 High Peak: Buxton to Ashbourne via Hartington and Tissington.
The Swift TrentBarton: Derby to Ashbourne via Brailsford. Serves Tissington Trail.
61 High Peak: Buxton to Glossop via Whaley Bridge, New Mills & Hayfield.
More things to do this Christmas...
Blog Things to do this Christmas: Days Out, Christmas Lights and more
This Christmas, Derbyshire and the Peak District offers a variety of festive activities for everyone to enjoy.
Blog The best Christmas markets and festive events
Take a peek at what's going from Christmas markets to winter food festivals and stunning light trails. A selection of the best Christmas events and things to do.
Sign up to our newsletter
Receive the latest news, special offers, ideas and inspiration straight to your inbox by signing up to the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire e-newsletter.