Here is just a taster of some of the Seasonal events happening ..... decide what you would like to do with your family and friends, book your accommodation dates with us and enjoy your stay...... or click on the 2 'event links' above to see so much more!
(2023 dates will be updated when they become available - but at least this gives you a little taster of some of the lovely things happening in this Peak District area over the festive season)
Although we have tried to be accurate - please just check dates/times/all details with event organiser first
Chatsworth House at Christmas - normally starts in mid November/December
Immerse yourself in a world of make-believe this Christmas at Chatsworth, with enchanting fairy tale scenes woven throughout the house.
Once upon a time...
Storytellers with the air of the Pied Piper will roam the halls enchanting visitors young and old as scenes from a selection of favourite tales leap off the pages, from classics like Snow White and Cinderella to contemporary stories like James and the Giant Peach and Charlotte's Web.
Don't forget to pick up a fun family trail at the entrance to see what mischief our friendly baby dragon is up to on the route.
Ticket information
Christmas tickets include admission to the house, garden, farmyard and playground and are available via the link above. All tickets booked online include free parking.Tickets are also available to purchase on the day at Chatsworth, and are sold on a first come, first served basis. We recommend that where available, tickets are booked online in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Chatsworth Christmas Market & shops - normally starts early/mid November/December
Join in the festive spirit this November
Soak up the Christmas market atmosphere as you browse more than 100 stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations – you’ll be sure to find perfect presents for all the family, and it's a great way to start the festive season.
You can also explore our their own exclusive ranges in the Chatsworth shops – the Orangery shop in the garden and the Stables shop in the Stables courtyard – with a wide range of home and fashion gifts, and lots of lovely stocking fillers.
Take a break from shopping and enjoy a mulled wine or a German beer at one of our outdoor bars, or sample some delicious food, with gourmet burgers and sausages, hot pork rolls, pancakes, churros and more.
There's live music too, guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit
Christmas twilight evenings - normally starts November/December
Get into the festive mood with Chatsworth magical twilight evenings. After the house closes to the public, enjoy live music from traditional bell ringers and a strings trio as you explore the house dressed for Christmas.
Enjoy a mince pie and a glass of wine or orange juice as you see the house after dark, dressed and decorated for Christmas with this year's theme, Oh Dickens!
Christmas Nativity at the Farmyard - normally starts in December
Join in bringing the nativity to life with our farmyard animals and your children as the stars of the show in a heart-warming Christmas performance. Please check if you need to book online.
Christmas twilight evenings - normally starts November/December
Get into the festive mood with Chatsworth magical twilight evenings. After the house closes to the public, enjoy live music from traditional bell ringers and a strings trio as you explore the house dressed for Christmas.
Enjoy a mince pie and a glass of wine or orange juice as you see the house after dark, dressed and decorated for Christmas with this year's theme, Oh Dickens!
Christmas willow: angels, stars and wreaths - please check dates
Weave your own willow angels, stars and wreaths to decorate your home or garden this Christmas, led by the basket maker Maggie Cooper.
Price includes all materials, entrance to the garden on the day, as well as tea and coffee.
Christmas Wreath Making - normally December - please check dates
An informal session where Chatsworth's garden team show you how to make a decorative festive wreath from our own Chatsworth foliage, cones and berries. The wreath is yours to take home at the end of the day. A great way to get you in the festive mood.
Traditional Christmas decorations workshop - normally held in December
If you love all things natural at Christmas, then this workshop is for you. Using natural materials from the Chatsworth Estate, you will make some special decorations to take home for Christmas or give as a gift.
Price includes all materials, entrance to the garden on the day, as well as tea and coffee
Masquerade Ball - normally held in December
Celebrate Christmas in style with the ever-popular magical masquerade ball and an elegant three-course dinner.
The evening begins with a drinks reception in the Painted Hall, followed by a tour to see the North Wing of the house decorated for Christmas, dinner and live entertainment.
The dress code is black tie and evening dress, and masks are essential.
Haddon Hall - Christmas normally December
Haddon with its 900 year history has always come alive at Christmas ....
A Chorus of Carols
If you visit during their Christmas period this year, music will fill your ears, with different carols in each room Haddon Hall explores the meaning behind some of our favourite Christmas Carols. Come and see the Hall decorated for the festive season, with roaring fires, golden decorations and music filling the air, an enjoyable time for all the family.
A daily music performance schedule is planned for our Christmas opening period and will add to their website with details once musicians are confirmed.
Candlelight Tours
Their very popular evening Candlelight tours will be running again this year. Visitors are invited to walk the Hall with our knowledgeable guides when it is at its most atmospheric. Haddon comes alive with Christmas spirit by candlelight, so join them for a special treat and take in the beauty of the rooms dressed for the festive season, during twilight hours.
Winter Artisan Market - normally later November into December
During their Winter Artisan Market a selection of the wonderful rooms of Haddon Hall will play host to a range of artisans and makers selling their individual wares, including jewellery, textiles, wood and ceramics, and of course, a variety of food produce too. The fires will be crackling, the candles will be glowing and over these four days you will have the chance to shop the very individual selection of produce and artefacts on offer.
Please note - this event is held within some rooms of the house; the remainder of the House and the Garden will be closed.
For a very special shopping opportunity why not join the VIP Winter Artisan Market Evening. The Hall fires will be lit and you will have the opportunity to browse and buy in this wonderfully atmospheric setting, discovering the beautiful products made by the wonderful makers joining the Winter Artisan Market this year. Numbers are strictly limited so don't delay if you wish to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity.
Admission to this VIP event is normally by ticket only
Browse stalls from their favourite local florists, artists, gormet artisans and crafts people.
An Evening Exploring the Origins of Christmas - events vary
Dr Patrick Harding a freelance broadcaster, author and adult teacher offers a number of illustrated talks suitable for a wide range of societies. He is inviting you to come and discuss and explore the origins of Christmas, which he touches on in his book 'The Christmas Book'.
His book includes, "facts behind the myths and magic of Christmas. When was Jesus born; who was Father Christmas? What have robins to do with Xmas? From puddings to pantomime, carols to cards, trees to turkeys - everything you need to know about Christmas." So if you're interested in the origins of Christmas and the festive season this evening event is one not to be missed.
The evening will begin with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie at 5.30pm by the Banqueting Hall fire, with the talk commencing at 6pm running until 7.30pm.
Music at Haddon Hall
As part of Lord and Lady Edward Manners’ focus on bringing outstanding music to Haddon Hall, a series of formal and informal musical performances will return this year for visitors to enjoy.
General admission tickets gain you entry to the Hall and the performances.
Performances run at 12pm and 2pm
Burbage Handbells - normally December dates
The Burbage Handbell Ringing Team are enthusiastic musicians who play using original handbells which were manufactured over 100 years ago. They will lay a selection of traditional carols and Christmas favourites.
Tideswell Singers - normally December dates
Nick Gravestock (Lute) - normally December dates
Nick will perform in an intimate environment at Haddon Hall, to give visitors the chance to experience the beautiful sound of the Lute.
The Barlow Singers - Normally December dates
Barlow singers are a community choir of over 50 members. They perform for charity events, and also in nursing homes and for various social groups. Recently a group travelled to Germany to sing at the street festival in Sindelfingen, Dronfield’s Twin town.
Dronfield Hadbells - Normally December dates
Dalesmen Performers - Normally December dates
Duo Praeludium Lute/Recorder - normally December dates
Manchester-based lutenist Sara Liber Salloum is currently studying on the renowned 'joint' music course at the Royal Northern College of Music and University of Manchester. She will present a program of English and Spanish renaissance lute music, including works by John Dowland, Robert Johnson and Luis de Narvaez.
Doncaster Waites - normally December dates
Musicwork Vocal Ensamble - normally December dates
Fishpond Choir - normally December dates
An accomplished group of singers , who over the years have built an eclectic musical repertoire of songs from around the world. An enthusiastic mixed group with a happy informal style. They enjoy performing under the guidance of their musical director, Dana de Waal, who composes and arranges all their music. They rehearse at the Fishpond Pub in Matlock Bath. Performances are several times a year locally and further afield on request. They are well known for singing African songs arranged by Dana, but also sing well known music and some unique songs written by choir members.
CHURNET VALLEY STEAM RAILWAY - Santa and Steam dates - normally in December various dates
Get Christmas off to a magical start by riding the Santa Express. Sit back and enjoy the Santa Express as it steams through the Staffordshire Moorlands.
As Santa strolls through the train bearing wonderful gifts for each little Boy and Girl. Mums, Dads, Grandmas and Grandpas can relax and enjoy a mince pie and a glass of sherry in garland filled coaches which will delight all.
Sit back and enjoy everyone's seasonal favourite, the Santa and Steam specials through Staffordshire's'little Switzerland', the beautiful Churnet Valley.
Begin your journey from their splendid stations at either Kingsley and Froghall or Cheddleton with festive atmosphere, period attractions, music and merriment, souvenirs and curio's.
BIDDULPH GRANGE GARDENS (NATIONAL TRUST)
Christmas Wreath Making - December
Come along to the annual wreath making workshop to create a fabulous item to adorn your home! Join their gardening team to create a wreath made from hollies, berries and foliage from the garden. This is also the perfect opportunity to see our gardening behind the scenes area. All materials are included as well as lunch and hot drink in our tea room.
Father Christmas's Magical Christmas Present Hunt - normally December dates
Follow the trail of presents around the garden collecting the letters to make a magic password. Once you find the Christmas Cottage whisper the magic password to the elf to meet Father Christmas.
Breakfast with Father Christmas - normally December dates
Meeting Father Christmas adds that extra bit of magic to the festive season for little ones (and the young at heart).
Enjoy breakfast and meet Father Christmas! He'll be there to sing a song, wish you a Merry Christmas then his helper will escort you over to the Garden Room to sit in front of the fire and have your own family magical moment telling Father Christmas your Christmas wish list. Each child will receive a small toy.
THE PAVILION GARDENS, Buxton Normally Open daily 9.30 am - 5.00 pm (except Christmas Day)
An historic Victorian venue - including gardens designed by Joseph Paxton, and the Octgon Concert Hall.
This is a great place to visit whatever the weather - with a great park outside with childrens play area, band stand and promonade, as well as indoor area if the weather starts to turn ... also so close to the wonderful Buxton Theatre, The Cresent and shopping areas too - as well as a wide variety of events on throughout the year.
Indoor Dickensian Market - Normally Held in November
Christmas Fair - normally held in December
Their Christmas Wonderland is the perfect place to go to get you into the festive spirit. The Gardens Marquee is full of stalls who can offer some unique and thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. During the event, Santa Claus himself will also be paying us a visit and you’ll be able to go and see him in his Grotto, situated in the resturaunt
Grand Bazzar & Buxton Christmas Lights Switch On - normally held end of November
There couldn’t be a more perfect way of getting into the Christmas spirit than a good Light Switch On and Buxton is only an easy 15 minutes drive away from Troutsdale Farm holiday cottages.
Christmas shopping gets underway in the Octagon Hall where you will find Christmas stalls selling a selection of seasonal food and drink, Christmas gifts and decorations, and handcrafted jewellery, crafts and food - find something unique and special for the ones that you love - find something unique and different which cant be found anywhere on the high street.
Santa's Grotto and the Face Painter will be in the Pavilion Café and children's fairground rides and donkey rides opposite the swimming pool.
The miniature train will be lit up and running in the grounds and hot festive food and drink will be served both indoors and outdoors on the Promenade.
There will be late night shopping at the Pavilion Gift Boutique and the 'Gallery in the Gardens' and Buxton Lions will be collecting for their charities throughout the night.
There will also be plenty of festive food and drink available from both the Pavilion Gardens and independent food traders. We are sure you will find something that will make your mouth water.
We also have plenty of entertainment to keep the whole family entertained with our big switch on, Miniature train, Festive school choir, Santa’s Grotto and children’s rides.
Event normally opens at 2pm and will be running until 8pm with the lights due to switch on roughly at 6:30pm - please check details though
Artist and Designer Fairs - Normally November - normally FREE ENTRY
Local Artists and creators are a massive part of the Pavilion Gardens and there is no better place for artists to showcase their talents at one of the Artist and Designer fairs
There will be a variety of different exhibitors all showcasing an amazing amount of artistic talents and creative skill expanding from Local artists, local photographers, jewellers, garden ornament design, furniture, stained glass, ceramics and textiles from local artists and beyond.
Farmers Markets - Normally held in November and December - normally FREE ENTRY
This Farmers' Markets is the perfect place to pick up delicious and fresh local produce all year round. Stall holders attend from all over the region to ensure that there is a fantastic variety available to purchase including: meats, cheeses, pastries and breads, desserts, preserves, fruits and vegetables. Purchasing from our Farmers’ Market allows you to support the many local producers of the region whilst also reducing your carbon foot print.
You’ll also find that the produce at our Farmers’ Markets is of a higher quality than what you will find elsewhere as the farmers select their produce at the peak of their flavour, preserving the delicious taste and nutritional content.
Alongside the fantastic produce on offer, you will also find stalls offering plants, crafts, and home ware items which make a perfect addition to your food purchases. Many of the items are handmade and unique: unlike anything you will find on the high street!
Below is just some of what you will find at these Farmers’ Markets:
Buxton Toy collectos Fair - normally held around mid November
Perfect for getting something unique and special this Christmas. The long-running Toy Fair is held in the Octagon Hall, a part of the Victorian Pavilion Gardens complex. The Buxton Toy Collectors Fair sees the historic Pavilion Gardens packed full with 150 stalls selling all kinds of toys, trains and models.
The dealers who take stalls at the show travel from all over the country and bring with them a huge selection of new and old collectable's to sell. Prices start from just £1 and can run up to several hundred pounds for the very rarest items.
Collectors of die-cast models can find plenty of variety at Buxton. D.M. Promotional Models, Dalesman Die-cast and others all offer a huge selection of Corgi, Vanguards, Tekno, EFE, Lledo, Minichamps and other die-cast models - with many at bargain prices.
Model Railway enthusiasts will find plenty to interest them, with new and second hand locos, rolling stock and accessories in N, 00 and 0 gauges. You can find everything you need to create your own miniature railway
There are always hundreds of different old and new toys and models for sale. Scalextric, Lego, tinplate toys, kits, games, Star Wars and other Sci-fi or TV related collectable's to name but a few.
Antique and Collectors Fairs Normally held beginning of December
Now in its 40th year, the popular 2 day fair at the Pavilion Gardens has returned 'home' to the newly restored Octagon Ballroom after 2 years in the temporary marquee. 100 quality Stalls offering a vast array of items for your home, collection or wardrobe.
LEEK CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON AND MARKET - Normally held around mid November
The Festive season starts in Leek's Historic Market Peak District market town with the switch on of the town's Christmas Lights event.
40 'Totally Locally Leek' stallholders will be selling great food and unique gifts. John Collins funfair will be on High Street and Market Street and community stallholders will be busy fundraising on Derby Street.
Thousands of families enjoy this festive extravaganza each year in Leek.
LEEK'S DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET - normally held mid December
Take a step back in time and enjoy celebrating a traditional Christmas by visiting Leek's Dickensian Christmas Market and Victorian themed boutique shops, all in the heart of the beautiful Staffordshire Peak District.
Experience a great family event as Leek's traditional shops go Victorian, accompanied by a Dickensian Market which will include Fine Food stalls, cooking demonstrations, Artisan, Antique and Collectables, all with traditional street entertainers, Christmas lights and live music.
Contact:- Mrs Barbara Turnock - Troutsdale Farm Peak District Holiday Cottages - Springbank Wood - Blackshaw Moor - Buxton Road - Leek ST13 8TJ
TeL 01538 300101 - Email stay@troutsdalefarm.co.uk
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