Sat 8th, Sat 15th, Sat 22nd, Sun 23rd, Fri 28th, Sat 29th, Sun 30th Nov & Sat 6th Dec

Design 44 present their Meet the Makers market at DERBION shopping centre, taking place across 5 weekends in November and December. With different makers attending each weekend, it may even be one to explore more than once and celebrate shopping small this Christmas.

Free to attend

Christmas at Chatsworth is a full festive experience that transforms the estate into a magical winter world. This year’s theme, The Enchanted Garden, brings the house and gardens to life with creative displays, sparkling lights and a touch of storytelling magic.

Inside the house, each room is beautifully dressed for Christmas, filled with rich colours, twinkling trees and imaginative decorations inspired by nature. Expect surprises around every corner: oversized blooms, hidden creatures and scenes that feel straight out of a fairy tale.

Outside, the garden becomes a glowing light trail with more than 20 installations to explore. Wander through illuminated archways, past shimmering toadstools and along woodland paths where projections and sound effects create a sense of wonder. The trail takes in famous spots like the Cascade, Maze and Rock Garden, finishing with a showstopping light and sound display on the house itself.

You can make a full day of it with festive shopping, food stalls, and creative workshops such as wreath making or printmaking. Kids can meet animals in the farmyard or let off steam in the playground. Whether you’re coming for the lights, the atmosphere or a family day out, Chatsworth at Christmas promises something magical for everyone.

Tickets: chatsworth.org

Step into the Christmas magic of Thornbridge Hall’s festive house tours. Marvel at the 15ft Christmas trees, explore the music room, sitting room and kitchens during this 50-minute guided tour.

Tickets: thornbridgehall.co.uk

Weds-Sun 12th Nov - 14th Dec

Haddon Hall’s Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market returns over five long weekends (Wednesday to Sunday). Wander the Hall’s candlelit rooms and browse the 180 handpicked stalls from artisans, set throughout the house, courtyard and gardens.

Tickets: haddonhall.co.uk

Step into Hardwick this Christmas as the hall and gardens are transformed into a Wintertide wonderland. Elizabethan legends weave through glowing lanterns, festive music drifts across the grounds, and magical displays bring the season to life, inviting visitors to wander, wonder, and share in the enchantment

Normal admission applies

ri 21st Nov - Tues 30th Dec

The Lights of Abraham winter trail transforms Heights of Abraham into a magical illuminated landscape from 21 Nov–30 Dec. Expect glowing gardens, neon forest, giant swans, interactive surprises, food, drink & festive warmth.

Tickets: heightsofabraham.com

Sat 22nd Nov - Sun 4th Jan

At Clumber Park, a new festive sculpture trail brings The Elf on the Shelf to life: 12 giant, artist-painted elves placed across the park invite visitors to explore, discover, and share seasonal magic.

Usual admission applies

Weds 26th Nov - Weds 31st Dec

An immersive festive evening at Wollaton Hall & Deer Park, featuring dazzling light installations, interactive displays and soundscapes, food stalls, fire-pit treats, funfair amusements, and seasonal magic for all ages.

Tickets: winterlighttrail.co.uk

Experience a festive winter wonderland at Calke Abbey from 28 November to 23 December. The historic House and St Giles Church are beautifully dressed for Christmas, with glittering trees, whimsical antlers, vibrant feathers, and playful knitted mice to discover. Outside, the Pleasure Grounds and Stableyards glow with lights, while an illuminated trail and magical underground tunnel walk offer enchanting evening adventures. In the Riding School, Christmas markets by Curly Magpie provide seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts, and local crafts. Whether exploring twinkling gardens or enjoying festive shopping, Calke Abbey offers a warm and memorable seasonal escape for all ages.

Normal admission applies

Selected dates Sat 29th Nov - Weds 24th Dec

Conkers’ Winter Wonderland takes families on a magical forest journey with elves, festive lights, Santa’s grotto, Christmas crafts, train rides, shows, and seasonal fun across Discovery and Waterside.

Tickets: visitconkers.com

Sat 29th & Sun 30th Nov, Sat 6th & Sun 7th Dec

Get in the festive mood at Rosliston Forestry Centre and find plenty of Christmas gift ideas and festive fun.

Free to attend

Selected dates from 29th Nov - 24th Dec

At Bluebell Dairy, Santa’s Enchanted Christmas brings festive magic to life: watch Father Christmas appear from a chimney, meet real reindeer, and step into interactive shows filled with wonder.

Tickets: bluebelldairy.co.uk

The Matlock Farm Park Christmas Experience lets families enjoy full-day farm entry plus festive fun: crafts, reindeer food, letters to Santa, a grotto visit with Santa delivering gifts, and interactive seasonal activities.

Tickets: matlockfarmpark.co.uk

Thurs 4th Dec - Sun 7th Dec

With more than 40 independent stallholders each weekend offering handcrafted and personalised gifts alongside delicious artisan food and drink, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy festive food, fun and shopping with the family - or to find something special for loved ones.

Free to attend

Thurs 4th Dec - Sun 7th Dec & Thurs 11th Dec - Sun 14th Dec

At Renishaw Hall this Christmas, guided tours through the stately rooms tell the Sitwell family’s story, while seasonal décor, and festive meals, breakfast, lunch, or tea, complete your magical heritage visit.

Tickets: renishaw-hall.co.uk

Fri 5th - Sun 7th Dec

Discover the delights of the Victorian Matlock Christmas Market. Held in Hall Leys Park, the event showcases over 200 stalls of crafts, food and unusual gift ideas, rounded off on Sunday with an incredible Christmas fireworks display.

Free to attend

Fri 5th - Sun 7th Dec & Fri 12th - Sun 14th Dec

Held over two weekends, Thornbridge Hall’s Christmas Shopping Village welcomes stalls of local makers, bakers, creatives and traders of unique gifts to fill visitors with Christmas cheer and plenty of shopping magic.

Tickets: thornbridgehall.co.uk

Fri 5th - Weds 31st Dec

This year’s Dick Whittington pantomime is a lavish, laughter-filled production featuring Wendi Peters as Queen Rat, plus beloved performers, dazzling costumes, comedic antics, songs and magical moments. Follow Dick’s quest to London, with his trusty cat and Fairy Bow Bells, to stop a villainous rat and discover whether the streets really are paved with gold.

Tickets: derbylive.co.uk

Sat 6th Dec & Sun 7th Dec

Head to Peak Village for a festive weekend with stalls from over 30 talented artists, makers and crafters.

Free to attend

Sat 6th & Sun 7th Dec / Sat 13th & Sun 14th Dec

Enjoy a full English breakfast in the presence of Santa. Your ticket entitles you to a gift for the children, plus a winter walk through the gardens.

Tickets: renishaw-hall.co.uk

Weekends in December

Peak Rail’s Santa Specials offer a magical steam train ride through the Derwent Valley, where Santa and his helpers visit every carriage, giving gifts, entertainment and festive treats to children aboard. Departing from Rowsley station.

Tickets: peakrail.co.uk

Selected dates in December

Begin your day with a magical breakfast in the Fairy Tale Forest Café, where Father Christmas appears with gifts for little ones. Tuck into a hearty meal, share festive cheer, and make memories in the enchanting surroundings of Sudbury.

Tickets: nationaltrust-tickets.org.uk

Sat 6th & Sun 7th Dec

Get in the Christmas spirit with Buxton Pavilion Gardens' Christmas Fair. With over 50 stalls including a range of gifts, children’s toys, jewellery and ladies clothing. this free to attend event is sure to get you in the festive feels.

Free to Attend

Weekends in December

For a truly unique Christmas experience head to Treak Cliff Cavern for well-known carols by candlelight inside the Witch’s Cave.

Tickets: bluejohnstone.com

Thurs 11th Dec - Sun 14th Dec

With more than 40 independent stallholders each weekend offering handcrafted and personalised gifts alongside delicious artisan food and drink, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy festive food, fun and shopping with the family - or to find something special for loved ones.

Free to attend

Sat 20th & Sun 21st Dec

With over 150 stalls, a funfair and live entertainment, Matlock Christmas Market in Hall Leys Park provides the ultimate opportunity to pick up those last minute gifts and enjoy festive family fun.

Free to Attend