Celebrate the Festive Season in the High Peak: Christmas Events Near Westwood Aparthotel

The Peak District transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas, with sparkling lights, traditional markets, and magical encounters that capture the essence of the season. From enchanting light trails to visits with Father Christmas, there's something for everyone. Glossop's prime location means you're perfectly positioned to access these events, many are within a 30-45 minute drive, allowing you to return to the warmth of your apartment for a cozy evening in. Plus, with free parking, high-speed Wi-Fi, and luxurious amenities like plush bedding and smart TVs, you can relax after a day of festivities.

In this blog, we'll highlight some of the must-see Christmas events for 2025, drawing from trusted sources like Visit Peak District & Derbyshire. We've included links to relevant events for easy booking. Whether you're a local looking for inspiration or a visitor planning your itinerary, let's dive into the magic awaiting you this holiday season. For more details on all events, check out What's On in the Peak District.

Enchanting Light Trails and Illuminated Experiences

One of the highlights of Christmas in the Peak District is the array of dazzling light displays that turn historic sites and natural landscapes into glowing spectacles. These events are perfect for creating lasting memories, especially on crisp winter evenings. Starting close to home, the Lights of Abraham at the Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath (just a 40-minute drive from Glossop) runs from 21 November to 30 December 2025 (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day). This stunning winter lights trail invites you to wander down a festoon-lit riverside walkway before boarding a moonlit cable car ride across the river. At the summit, follow a trail through illuminated gardens, boardwalks, and woodland paths, featuring neon forests, giant swans, interactive stepping stones, and an ice garden. Open from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm (last entry at 7:00 pm), it's a magical after-dark adventure. Warm up with festive tipples at the Vista Bar or enjoy pizzas and loaded chips at the cafe, don't forget the firepits for toasting marshmallows! Book your tickets in advance via Heights of Abraham to secure your spot.

Lights of Abraham - A Winter Lights Trail - Heights of Abraham

Further afield but well worth the journey is Christmas at Chatsworth, themed "The Enchanted Garden" this year, from 8 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. Located near Bakewell (about 45 minutes from Glossop), Chatsworth House and Garden come alive with towering trees, woodland textures, and glowing silhouettes indoors. Outside, a mesmerising light and sound trail reimagines landmarks like the Cascade, Maze, and Ring Pond with art and animation. It's a feast for the senses, blending nature and holiday magic. Pre-booking is essential, visit Chatsworth's website for tickets. While there, don't miss the Chatsworth Christmas Market from 8 November to 14 December 2025, with live music, local food, and artisan stalls.

Chatsworth reveals enchanting theme for Christmas 2025 ...

Other illuminated gems include Hardwick Hall's Wintertide from 17 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, where the Lord of Misrule brings mischief and magic to the hall and gardens. Experience the mansion after dark with mulled wine and sparkling lights, ideal for a romantic outing. Or head to Calke Abbey from 28 November to 23 December 2025 for twinkling tunnels of light and festive fairs. These events showcase the Peak District's historic estates in a new, festive light, and returning to Westwood Aparthotel's serene setting afterward makes the experience even more special. With our apartments' underfloor heating and cozy lounges, you'll thaw out in style.

Festive Markets and Artisan Shopping

No Christmas is complete without browsing bustling markets filled with handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and the aroma of mulled wine. The High Peak and Derbyshire boast some of the UK's most charming Christmas markets, perfect for picking up unique presents while soaking up the atmosphere.

Kick off with the iconic Chatsworth Christmas Market, as mentioned, running weekends from 8 November to 14 December 2025. Set against the backdrop of the stunning estate, it features over 100 stalls with local crafts, foods, and drinks. Live music adds to the cheer, making it a full-day affair. For a more local vibe, visit Bakewell Christmas Market, where you can explore exciting tastes from different cultures alongside comforting favourites. It's a great spot for foodies, with stalls offering everything from artisanal cheeses to exotic spices.

Get festive at Christmas Markets in the Peak District - Hoe Grange ...

In nearby Denby Pottery Village, the Christmas Market offers hand-crafted gifts, artisan food, and drink in a free-to-enter setting. It's alongside the full pottery village, so you can combine shopping with a tour or workshop. Cromford Mills hosts markets every weekend in December 2025, with enchanting trails and activities woven in. For something unique, the Makers Street Market at The Children’s Country House at Sudbury (21-23 November and selected December dates) features artisan gifts, homemade treats, and vintage treasures, plus enchanted evenings until 6:00 pm.

Closer to Glossop, Ashbourne's Christmas Lantern Spectacular on 5 December 2025 lights up the streets with candle-lit paper and willow lanterns, street entertainment, and a craft fair in the Town Hall. It's a community-driven event that's free and full of surprises. Chesterfield's A Festival of Christmas Trees from 15 to 30 November 2025 transforms the Crooked Spire Church with creatively decorated trees from local groups, a heartwarming tradition.

These markets are easily accessible from Westwood Aparthotel, allowing you to load up on goodies and return to unpack in your spacious living area. Pro tip: Plan your visits around the weekends for the liveliest atmospheres, and check Visit Peak District for updates.

Magical Encounters with Santa and Family Adventures

For families, the Peak District offers unforgettable ways to meet Father Christmas, from underground grottos to steam train rides. These experiences add a touch of wonder to your holiday, and Glossop's family-friendly vibe at Westwood Aparthotel, with options for extra beds and cots, makes it the ideal hub.

Start with Santa's Winter Hideaway at Creswell Crags on selected dates (29 November, 6, 13, and 20 December 2025). Journey into the largest cave for an Ice Age-themed meet-and-greet, complete with gifts and festive tales. Note the steps and low ceilings, so contact them if accessibility is a concern. Similarly, Poole’s Cavern hosts Santa in his underground grotto from 29 to 19 December 2025, with workshops and a Santa Paws for pets!

Where to meet Santa in the Peak District 2025 | Peak District Kids

Train enthusiasts will love The Polar Express at Churnet Valley Railway from 8 November to 23 December 2025, a magical ride to meet Santa. Or try Santa Specials at Peak Rail (6-24 December 2025) or Santa’s Enchanted Journey at Ecclesbourne Valley Railway (end of November to 24 December 2025), both offering steam train adventures with elves and hot chocolate.

For relaxed family fun, Matlock Farm Park offers Breakfast with Santa on selected December dates, including park entry. Bluebell’s Dairy Farm's Santas Enchanted Christmas (29 November to 24 December 2025) features Santa emerging from a giant chimney. National Forest Adventure Farm's North Pole Adventure includes a Victorian High Street and elf workshops.

Don't miss trails like the Elf Trail at Markeaton Park (6-7 December 2025) or ‘Operation Save the Festive Sleigh’ at Ilam Park (1 December to 4 January 2025). For more Santa spots, see Where to See Santa in Derbyshire.

Back at Westwood, unwind with board games or movies in your apartment—perfect after a day of excitement.

Other Festive Delights: Carols, Workshops, and More

Beyond lights and Santa, the High Peak brims with creative and cultural events. Join Carols by Candlelight at Treak Cliff Cavern on weekends in December 2025, where echoes in the Witch’s Cave create an atmospheric sing-along, followed by mulled wine and Blue John jewelry shopping.

Art lovers can visit exhibitions like "Teeth" by Lucy Stevens at Creswell Crags (11 October 2025 to 28 June 2026) or Jenny Neale's photography (3-16 November 2025). Get hands-on with workshops: Lantern Workshop at Derby Market Hall (29 October to 23 November 2025) or Christmas Houses Clay Course at Peak Village (29 October to 26 November 2025).

Theatre fans, catch shows at Buxton Opera House, including A Christmas Carol and Aladdin. For community spirit, attend light switch-ons across towns like Ashbourne (15 November 2025) or Matlock (23 November 2025), a fun, free way to kick off the season.

Castleton's Christmas Tree Festival (16 November to 15 December 2025) features hundreds of decorated trees, even spotlighted on BBC’s Countryfile. Or shop for sustainable trees at Longshaw Estate (22 November to 21 December 2025).

These events highlight the region's rich heritage, all easily reachable from Glossop.

Make Westwood Aparthotel Your Festive Home

As the snow dusts the High Peak hills, there's no better time to visit. From light trails to Santa meets, the Peak District delivers holiday magic. Staying at Westwood Aparthotel ensures comfort and convenience, our location in Glossop puts you at the gateway to these events, with easy access to walking trails for a post-festive stroll.

Learn more at www.westwoodaparthotel.co.uk and create unforgettable memories. For more inspiration, sign up to the Visit Peak District newsletter. Happy holidays from Westwood Aparthotel - see you in Glossop!