It’s never too early to get planning magical days out over Christmas and these amazing events across the county are sure to get you in the festive spirit as the most wonderful time of the year rapidly approaches
A festive story written exclusively for Chatsworth by acclaimed children’s author and former children’s laureate Joseph Coelho OBE is the backdrop to Chatsworth’s Christmas celebrations.
Henry and the Lion’s Christmas Feast is an enchanting story inspired by Chatsworth and Henry Cavendish, the eminent 18th century scientist and grandson of the second Duke of Devonshire.
Visitors can spot the characters as they journey through the house and can hunt for the lion himself as they head to the banquet in the Great Dining Room.
In the garden, a light trail will embrace garden landmarks, with Derbyshire-based digital artists Illuminos again creating a projection, bringing characters from the book to life.
November 9-January 5, chatsworth.org
LIGHTS OF ABRAHAM
The Lights of Abraham allows visitors to experience the magic of this family-friendly attraction in a new, enchanting light.
The light trail begins on the approach to the cable car base station, a festoon-lit riverside walk from Matlock Bath, before alighting your gondola cable car and flying through moonlit skies to another world.
At the summit, experience an illuminous adventure as magical scenes unfold.
Look for woodland night creatures, sparkling fairies, and the enchanted rainbow forest to bring awe and wonder to a winter’s night.
Treats and warm drinks will sustain adventurers, who can enjoy glowing firepits, toasting marshmallows under a starry sky.
November 22-December 30, heightsofabraham.com/whats-on
Star of Happy Valley and the Thin Blue Line, Mina Anwar will lay down her police truncheon and swap it for a magic wand this festive period, starring as the Fairy Godmother in this year’s pantomime Cinderella, at Derby Arena.
Derby’s favourite, award-winning panto dame Morgan Brind, returns as part of the love-to-hate duo the Ugly Sisters, opposite fan-favourite, Roddy Peters.
Local lad Kristian Cunningham, the title role in Aladdin (2022) and Benedict in Mother Goose (2023), makes a return to Derby Arena as Buttons. Nicola Martinus-Smith, who starred in Aladdin as Princess Amira, returns as Dandini.
Featuring sparkling sets, fabulous frocks, side splitting slapstick and not one, but two outrageous dames, this is an unmissable treat for the whole family.
December 6-31, derbylive.co.uk
The National Trust is inviting visitors to step back in time at Hardick Hall this Christmas and experience Wintertide; a season of Elizabethan magic.
Visitors will be able to explore the magnificent 16th century hall, which will be brimming with twinkly lights and decked out with foliage displays and decorations handcrafted by the Hardwick team.
Visitors will be able to look out this year for the Lord of Misrule, an Elizabethan figure who was appointed to oversee revelries, mischief and mayhem!
They will be able to follow the Lord of Misrule around the mansion by lantern light and delight in his topsy-turvy ways.
November 17-January 5, nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick
Haddon Hall’s Mercatum Christmas Artisan Markets bring together some of the finest artisans in the country.
Featuring over 100 artisans, the hall will be beautifully decorated, each room coming to life with music, winter scents and lights.
Each room features makers and producers, with food in the Medieval Kitchens, gifting area in the Earl’s Apartment and magnificent Christmas tree in The Banqueting Hall.
Wander the Elizabethan gardens, with stalls on two terraces, before heading into The Long Gallery and Great Chamber and back into the Lower Courtyard.
This year sees a host of new artisans, with ceramicists, silk artists, jewellers, candle makers, chocolatiers, woodwork, stationery and more, providing inspiration for Christmas gifts.
November 17-20; November 24-27; December 1-4, haddonhall.co.uk
Head to the famous ‘Crooked Spire’ Church in Chesterfield this festive period for the wonderful and community focused annual Festival of Christmas Trees.
The Church of St Mary’s and All Saints is the largest church in Derbyshire and will be filled with more than 100 Christmas trees.
The trees will be decorated by an array of local people, groups and shops - from WIs to Scouts and Guide groups, schools and high street stores, and from accountants to Chesterfield Museum - with many more besides.
Now in its ninth year, this popular festival continues to grow. Admission is free but donations will be gratefully accepted.
November 16-December 1, visitpeakdistrict.com/events
NORTH POLE ADVENTURE
Escape through a magical portal into the North Pole Adventure this Christmas.
The National Forest Adventure Farm, Burton upon Trent, is bringing the magic of Christmas to life as they transport families via a magical portal to their hugely popular interactive festive event.
Families can experience many festive activities at the North Pole, such as exploring the Victorian High Street, complete with sweet shop and pub.
Visitors to the North Pole can also meet the interactive talking Polar Bear under the Northern Lights, visit Father Christmas himself and pay a visit to the elves' workshop to collect a gift, and so much more.
November 25-December 24 (selected dates), adventurefarm.co.uk
It’s hard to imagine a more atmospheric and impressive venue for a Christmas Carol concert than Peak Cavern, in Castleton.
On arrival, visitors will be greeted by friendly helpers, equipped with mulled wine and mince pies.
The brass bands, aided by compere Barry Jarvis, will play a variety of Christmas favourites, both modern songs and traditional carols.
Best of all, the audience are enthusiastically involved in the singing. The mixture of humour and energy makes this perfect in the run up to Christmas.
Concerts last approximately 60-75 minutes. It will be extremely cold, so dress for the Arctic! You are welcome to bring a blanket.
Selected dates throughout December, peakcavern.co.uk
The family-friendly Bolsover Winter Festival and Lantern Parade is a highly popular event in the local calendar and one which continues to grow each year, with increasing numbers of stalls and visitors.
The event, which marks the start of the festive season, is held in the town centre and is free for visitors to attend. Stalls in the town centre can be found at Cavendish Walk and at the Assembly Rooms.
This event is organised and managed by Old Bolsover Town Council, and attractions include: Children's Fairground Rides; helter skelter; Rodeo Reindeer; Snowglobe; Music Entertainment; Brass Band; Carol Singing; Artisan Market Stalls; and Food and Drink Stalls.
November 30, visitpeakdistrict.com/events/bolsover-winter-festival
SANTA SPECIAL TRAINS
Sit back and get into the Christmas spirit with Midland Railway’s Santa Special event.
The excitement begins as the train pulls out of Butterley Station and Santa makes his way down the carriages to visit each child - followed by his elves and helper with goodies for all passengers.
This special festive treat features: A gift for every child; Miniature bottle of spirits for every adult; Cookie delivered all adults and children; Colouring book and pencils for each child; Pinxton Puppet Show in a heated and decorated marquee after your train journey; Animatronics tableau.
You can even treat yourself to a Santa Special private compartment experience!
November 30-December 24 (selected dates), midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk
