The festive period is one of our favourite times of year in the Peak District, as the villages, towns, fields and hills of the rolling countryside become a winter wonderland for all to discover and enjoy.
Losehill House offers an idyllic base for exploring what the local area has to offer, so we’ve put together a guide to the best Christmas events in the Peak District to ignite your festive spirit and inspire your holiday plans.
Christmas at Chatsworth | Chatsworth House
Dates: 6th November 2021 - 9th January 2022
Distance from Losehill House: 30 minutes by car
Chatsworth House always brightens the festive season with their enchanting schedule of Christmas events, and this year’s celebrations promise to offer the same holiday magic.
2021 marks the Estate’s 20th year of public festivities, and this season’s displays have been designed as a nostalgic dedication to the past two decades of Christmas at Chatsworth. Furthermore, on top of the beautifully elaborate displays that line the halls of the main house, visitors can experience an illuminated festive walk through the atmospheric gardens, as well as seeking out Santa’s elves as they complete their winter chores. Visitors can also look forward to a brilliant selection of children’s activities, from storytime with Father Christmas to reindeer truffle making.
Book tickets for Christmas at Chatsworth House here, or for individual events here.
Credit: Chatsworth House
Christmas In The Caves | Castleton
Dates: 4th - 24th December 2021 (select dates only)
Distance from Losehill House: 10-15 minutes by car
Website (Peak Cavern) | Website (Treak Cliff Cavern)
The caverns of Castleton are enticing enough at any time of year, but are brought to life by the festive spirit during the Christmas season.
The carol concerts in Peak Cavern (The Devil’s Arse) make for a particularly joyful and unique evening of festivities. Sing along with your favourite carols, mince pie and mulled wine in hand, as you marvel at the atmospheric beauty of this extraordinary setting.
Treak Cliff Cavern, meanwhile, will welcome guests to experience the ‘Cavern at Christmas’, which will see the caves lit by fairy lights and candles, featuring a plethora of festive decorations with a geological twist. Visitors can also craft their own tree decoration from Blue John, the beautiful semi-precious mineral that is exclusive to the Peak District, as well as visiting the onsite cafe and gift shop.
You can book tickets for the Peak Cavern concerts here, or you’ll find tickets for the workshops and self-guided tours at Treak Cliff Cavern here.
Credit: Peak Cavern
Santa & Steam Specials | Peak Rail
Dates: 4th - 24th December 2021 (select dates only)
Distance from Losehill House: 40 minutes by car
Peak Rail’s Santa & Steam Specials are a real joy. Passengers will travel by steam engine from Rowsley to Matlock, accompanied by Santa, his elves and a whole host of professional entertainers. As part of the price, all children will receive an age appropriate gift from Santa himself, and festive refreshments will be delivered to your table or compartment.
This magical train journey is truly unique, and offers a wonderful day out for the whole family. Prices range from £21 to £63 depending on the size of your group, and can be booked online here.
It’s a Wonderful Christmas | Haddon Hall
Dates: 3rd - 23rd December 2021
Distance from Losehill House: 40 minutes by car
Every Christmas, Haddon Hall is transformed by mesmerizing, themed displays. This year, Haddon will wish guests ‘A wonderful Christmas’ through the glistening lights, roaring fires and alluring decorations that line the historic halls of the Tudor manor house.
On top of these marvellous displays, the Hall’s incredibly popular candlelight tours will return for another year, with guests embarking on an atmospheric twilight tour, guided by nothing but twinkling candlelight. The restaurant and tearoom will also be serving irresistible seasonal delights, while the onsite Mercatum Gift Shop is a treasure trove of unique and exclusive artisan gifts.
You can learn more about Christmas at Haddon Hall and book your tickets here.
Credit: Haddon Hall
