Things to do this Christmas: Days Out, Christmas Lights and more

A Christmas Feast: Chatsworth at Christmas

9 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Discover the magic of Christmas at Chatsworth. Immerse yourself in a Christmas feast for the senses as the magic and wonder of a new festive story, Henry and the Lion's Christmas Feast, created in partnership with Joseph Coelho OBE, inspires the sights, smells, and sounds of this year’s Christmas at Chatsworth experience. All tickets must be booked in advance.

Chesterfield Christmas Tree Festival

16 November – 1 December 2024
Head to the famous ‘Crooked Spire‘ Church for a Festival of Christmas Trees! The Spire is filled with Christmas trees, decorated by local people - from scout to guide groups, from schools to high street stores, from accountants to Chesterfield Museum, each one brings a twist on tradition.

Hardwick Wintertide

29 November – 21 December 2024 (selected Fri & Sat)
The season of Elizabethan magic is at Hardwick Hall. Hardwick Wintertide is brimming with holiday joy, twinkly lights, and the spirit of togetherness. Whether it's exploring the handmade decorations, following the mischievous Lord of Misrule around the mansion, or interacting with the enchanting displays, our festive experience is crafted to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Ashbourne Christmas Tractor Lights

14 December 2024
For all tractor fans this great tradition is a must see, Thornley Tractors annual illuminated tractor run around Ashbourne and the surrounding villages.

Carols at Bolsover Castle

12 & 19 December 2024
Join in the Christmas celebrations with traditional carols in the stunning surroundings of Bolsover Castle. This event takes place after the site closes for the day, so entry in the evening is just for the carols. Book online to save 15%

Christmas at Calke Abbey

6 - 22 December 2024 (Fri to Sun)
Discover festive lights, the house all dressed up, Christmas markets and lots of opportunities to meet Father Christmas and Mrs Claus along the way.

Icerink at Cathedral Quarter, Derby

30 November – 31 December 2024
Get your skates on and glide onto this year’s ice rink at Cathedral Green in Derby City centre, with views of the Nordic Bar, and a twinkling backdrop of tress. Adults and children of all abilities can enjoy whizzing around on the ice in our hourly sessions, with prices including skate hire. After your skate why not enjoy some food in the warmth of the tipi with a glass of mulled wine or refreshing cocktails & mocktails.

Carols by Candlelight at Treak Cliff Cavern

7 – 22 December 2024 (Sat & Sun)
A magical setting in The Witch’s Cave lit with thousands of fairy lights and candles to create a warm festive atmosphere. Join in the festive singing with hot mulled wine and mince pies afterwards.

Christmas events at the Crescent

1 December 2024 – 1 January 2025
Christmas at the Buxton Crescent Hotel is a truly magical experience, from festive afternoon teas, to Christmas overnight packages there is something for everyone. Visit the website to find out more.

Christmas Guide Hall tours at Renishaw

5 – 15 December 2024 (Thu to Sun)
Have a guided tour around a festive Renishaw Hall, you are taken from room to room. You can then opt for a delicious Breakfast, Christmas Roast or Festive Afternoon Tea to kick off the Christmas season.

Ashbourne Christmas Lantern Spectacular

6 December 2024
Hundreds of candle lit lanterns make their way through this picturesque market town.

Lights of Abraham

22 November – 30 December 2024
Experience the Heights of Abraham in a brand new light at a stunning light trail Make your way down the festoon-lit riverside walkway before arriving at the base station to board your gondola and take a moonlit cable car flight across the river and above an avenue of colour. Book your tickets online in advance.

A Christmas Carol

15 - 17 November 2024
A festive production of this timeless classic at Buxton Pavilion Arts Centre. Follow the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he embarks upon a journey through his past, present, and future, learning along the way to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas.

Castleton Church Christmas Tree Festival

15 November – 15 December 2024
The 11th Christmas Tree Festival discover of Christmas trees decorated by local groups, shops, caverns and businesses. If you wish to remember loved ones you can write on a star and put it onto the prayer tree.

Christmas at Cromford Mills

Christmas markets run every weekend through December, with a visit from the Grinch on 16, 17 Dec. Children old and young can visit Father Christmas in the café and check out the website for details of live music events across the month to get you into the festive spirit.

Christmas House tours at Thornbridge

13 November – 13 December 2024
Explore the lovely Thornbridge Hall with a guided tour through the festively adorned halls. Discover 15ft Christmas trees, explore the music room, family sitting room, and kitchen set for a festive feast. Plus, enjoy a mince pie and mulled wine in the House Bar!

Christmas Family Festivities at Markeaton Park

30 November – 1 December 2024
Enjoy festive food, music, Christmas crafts, free Elf Trail and much more. With a packed festive programme at Markeaton Park, including live music, family festive activities, walkabout characters, a craft fair and a bustling outdoor market, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Christmas Lights at Poole's Cavern

1 - 23 December 2024
Lots in store this Christmas at Pooles Cavern, visit Santa’s Grotto or follow the Christmas Light trail. Booking in advance for these popular events is highly recommended.

Making a wreath can be a delightful way to celebrate the season. Here’s some of the places you can make your own festive decoration this Christmas.

• Wreath making at Carsington Water 30Nov
• Make your own festive centre piece at Chatsworth 12Dec
• Wreath making at Thornbridge Hall 20 & 21Nov
• Festive Wreath Making at Longshaw 8, 9 15Dec
• Wreath making at White Peak Distillery 26Nov

There’s also plenty of Christmas Light ‘switch ons’ to enjoy throughout November & December

• Leek Christmas Light switch on 15Nov
• Ashbourne Christmas Light switch on 16Nov
• Chesterfield Christmas Light Switch on 17Nov
• Bolsover Christmas Light Switch on 22Nov
• Biddulph Christmas Light switch on 30Nov
• Swadlincote Lights before Christmas on 30Nov
• Ashbourne Lights switch on 6Dec
• Melbourne Christmas Lights switch on 6Dec