Take a Peak District Christmas or New Year break. Do some Christmas shopping at one of the Christmas markets. Take a bracing walk in the countryside. Relax and get into that Christmas spirit.
If you’d love to get away for a mini break before Christmas, then consider a break in Byre or Hayloft Cottages. Our cottages have underfloor heating, log burning stoves for added atmosphere and are cosy all day long.
Festive Highlights: Christmas and New Year 2026
You can start your break on any day that you like, our breaks are flexible. Our minimum stay is 2 nights (except over Christmas itself). Come and stay to make the most of all the seasonal events that the Peak District and Derbyshire have to offer.
We decorate the cottages from early December to get you into that Christmassy spirit.
Things to do in late November & December
As you can see below there’s something going somewhere nearby every weekend from mid November. Come and enjoy this magical time of year.
Christmas Markets and Events 2026
Chatsworth Christmas Market – 7th November to 13th December.
Part of the Chatsworth experience, featuring over 100 stalls, live music, and festive food. Tickets include market access when purchased for house visits in that period. Pre-booking essential.
Haddon Hall Mercatum Artisan Markets – November and December
One of the most immersive events—over 180 artisan makers in the historic setting of Haddon Hall. Pre-booking strongly advised as they often sell-out
Bakewell Christmas Market – 14th and 15th November
Over 100 stalls and gazebos
Free
Pavilion Gardens Christmas Fair – Buxton – 5th and 6th December
Seasonal foods, gifts and Santa’s Grotto.
Chesterfield Christmas Markets – 22nd November
Including the Christmas lights switch on
Chesterfield Artisan Market – Sunday 29th November, Sunday 20th December
The artisan market takes place on the last Sunday of every month.
Ashbourne Late Night Shopping – every Friday evening throughout December.
Bakewell Farmers Market – Saturday 19th December
Matlock Victorian Christmas Market – December
Over 200 stalls – a winter wonderland!
Cromford Mills – the first three weekends in December
Unique gifts, live music, arts and crafts show and meet the Grinch himself (16th, 17th Dec)
Stately Homes dressed for Christmas
Chatsworth – 7th November to 3rd January 2026
A festive must-visit — the house, gardens, farmyard, and playground are transformed with holiday decor, garden light trails, and themed experiences.
Hardwick Hall – November and December
Lyme Park – November and December
Enjoy a festive afternoon tea
Renishaw Hall – Christmas Tours
Roast turkey lunches and breakfast with Santa available on some days
Booking essential
Thornbridge Hall – 7th Nov – 20th Dec
“Never Ordinary” guided House Tours through festively decorated rooms, mulled wine, mince pies, and garden access. Plus, a charming Christmas Shopping Village runs over two December weekends
Other Events
Lights of Abraham – 20th Nov – 30th Dec 4:30 to 9pm
Follow the stunning light trail, illuminated gardens and woodland paths, twinkling herons, a fairy gathering and giant stars
The Polar Express at Churnet Valley Railway – 7th November to 23rd December
A magical journey to the North Pole
Bakewell Christmas Sparkle – 29th November
Santa’s little helpers are busy planning this family-friendly FREE day out
Matlock Farm Park – from late November
Santa’s arrival, grotto and breakfast. Great fun for the kids
World of Wedgwood Christmas Events – from late November right up to Christmas Eve
Breakfast with Santa, Santa’s workshop, storytime with Santa, afternoon tea with Santa – he’s a busy man at World of Wedgwood!
Bolsover Lantern Parade and Christmas Festival – 28th November
Stalls and funfair attractions, carol singing and musical entertainment
Decorated Christmas Trees in Bakewell, Chesterfield, Castleton. Please ask for details
