A Once Upon a Time Christmas at The Children’s Country House at Sudbury Opening: open Friday to Monday from 21 November, daily from 19 December to 5 January – 10am to 4pm (2:30 closure on 24 Dec, closed on 25 and 26 December). Makers Street Market, Enchanted Evenings: 21-23 November | 12, 13, 19, 20 December (open until 6pm) This Christmas, discover the magic of Pinocchio as The Children’s Country House at Sudbury transforms into the setting of the much-loved tale. Wander through the Hall and watch the story come to life through beautifully crafted scenes that capture the adventures of the beloved wooden puppet. Festive cheer fills every corner, with sparkling Christmas trees, twinkling garden lights, and a museum packed with seasonal activities for all ages. Families can also enjoy a special Pinocchio-themed trail through the Hall. From 21–23 November, Sudbury welcomes the Makers Street Market, featuring artisan gifts, homemade treats, vintage treasures, and unique homeware. Then, on 12, 13, 19, and 20 December, experience the Hall after dark for an Enchanted Evening, when it stays open until 6pm and comes to life with a magical glow, ready for Christmas.placeholder image
A Once Upon a Time Christmas at The Children’s Country House at Sudbury Opening: open Friday to Monday from 21 November, daily from 19 December to 5 January – 10am to 4pm (2:30 closure on 24 Dec, closed on 25 and 26 December). Makers Street Market, Enchanted Evenings: 21-23 November | 12, 13, 19, 20 December (open until 6pm) This Christmas, discover the magic of Pinocchio as The Children’s Country House at Sudbury transforms into the setting of the much-loved tale. Wander through the Hall and watch the story come to life through beautifully crafted scenes that capture the adventures of the beloved wooden puppet. Festive cheer fills every corner, with sparkling Christmas trees, twinkling garden lights, and a museum packed with seasonal activities for all ages. Families can also enjoy a special Pinocchio-themed trail through the Hall. From 21–23 November, Sudbury welcomes the Makers Street Market, featuring artisan gifts, homemade treats, vintage treasures, and unique homeware. Then, on 12, 13, 19, and 20 December, experience the Hall after dark for an Enchanted Evening, when it stays open until 6pm and comes to life with a magical glow, ready for Christmas.

Celebrate Christmas at National Trust properties in the Peak District and Derbyshire - including enchanting trails, historic houses, late-night openings and fairytales

By Julia Rodgerson
Published 18th Nov 2025, 13:32 GMT
Updated 18th Nov 2025, 13:40 GMT

This festive season, the National Trust is inviting visitors to experience the magic of Christmas across the Peak District and Derbyshire.

From historic houses dressed in festive finery to enchanting trails through winter landscapes, visitors can enjoy a season full of wonder and tradition.

Highlights include houses transformed for the season, fairytales and festive stories brought to life, late-night openings and atmospheric twilight walks and winter trails for outdoor adventures.

As the nights draw in and the air turns colder, National Trust places provide the perfect setting to celebrate the season.

Step into the warmth and wonder of Christmas at Calke Abbey, where festive traditions meet natural magic. For the first time, the historic house is open daily throughout December – step inside and experience festive magic like never before. Roaring fires, twinkling Christmas trees, glittering lights and playful seasonal displays transform the historic rooms into a wonderland, bringing to life stories of Christmas past and present. As dusk falls on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Calke transforms into a world of light and colour. Follow glowing pathways through the Pleasure Grounds, wander beneath the twinkling tunnel, and browse seasonal stalls in Curly Magpie’s festive market in the Riding School. While exploring, you can also capture memories to take home with five free festive prints from the CEWE Photostation, courtesy of our partners, the photo printing experts CEWE. Whether visiting by day or night, every moment at Calke is an enchanting opportunity to pause, explore and create cherished family memories. House: daily from 28 November to 23 December, 11am–3pm Evening illuminations, festive market and twinkling tunnels: 28-30 Nov | 5-7 Dec | 12-14 Dec | 19-23 Dec

5. Calke Abbey

Step into the warmth and wonder of Christmas at Calke Abbey, where festive traditions meet natural magic. For the first time, the historic house is open daily throughout December – step inside and experience festive magic like never before. Roaring fires, twinkling Christmas trees, glittering lights and playful seasonal displays transform the historic rooms into a wonderland, bringing to life stories of Christmas past and present. As dusk falls on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Calke transforms into a world of light and colour. Follow glowing pathways through the Pleasure Grounds, wander beneath the twinkling tunnel, and browse seasonal stalls in Curly Magpie’s festive market in the Riding School. While exploring, you can also capture memories to take home with five free festive prints from the CEWE Photostation, courtesy of our partners, the photo printing experts CEWE. Whether visiting by day or night, every moment at Calke is an enchanting opportunity to pause, explore and create cherished family memories. House: daily from 28 November to 23 December, 11am–3pm Evening illuminations, festive market and twinkling tunnels: 28-30 Nov | 5-7 Dec | 12-14 Dec | 19-23 Dec Photo: Annapurna Mellor

Photo Sales
Escape the festive rush and rediscover stillness in the tranquil landscapes of Foremark and Staunton Harold. Among mirrored waters, open skies and ancient trees, these peaceful places invite reflection, connection and calm. At Staunton Harold, take a gentle stroll through winter woodlands and pause by the great Christmas tree – a symbol of togetherness, where visitors can decorate and hang wooden decorations to share a seasonal message or wish. Nearby, the sweeping trails at Foremark offer space to stretch your legs and savour the beauty of nature in its quietest season. Whether seeking time alone or moments of peace with loved ones, these special places offer the perfect winter retreat to breathe deeply and find joy in the stillness of Christmas.

6. Foremark and Staunton Harold

Escape the festive rush and rediscover stillness in the tranquil landscapes of Foremark and Staunton Harold. Among mirrored waters, open skies and ancient trees, these peaceful places invite reflection, connection and calm. At Staunton Harold, take a gentle stroll through winter woodlands and pause by the great Christmas tree – a symbol of togetherness, where visitors can decorate and hang wooden decorations to share a seasonal message or wish. Nearby, the sweeping trails at Foremark offer space to stretch your legs and savour the beauty of nature in its quietest season. Whether seeking time alone or moments of peace with loved ones, these special places offer the perfect winter retreat to breathe deeply and find joy in the stillness of Christmas. Photo: National Trust

Photo Sales
Father Christmas is in a festive fix - he’s locked his magical Reindeer Flying Food in a chest and forgotten the code! Now it’s up to you or your team, to crack the clues hidden around the site. Solve puzzles, gather the secret numbers, and race back to the Welcome Team to unlock the chest, at Ilam Park from Mon 1 December to Sun 4 January between 10.30am and 2.30pm. Trail sheets can be bought for a suggested donation of £2 from the Welcome Hut or Bookshop.

7. Ilam Park

Father Christmas is in a festive fix - he’s locked his magical Reindeer Flying Food in a chest and forgotten the code! Now it’s up to you or your team, to crack the clues hidden around the site. Solve puzzles, gather the secret numbers, and race back to the Welcome Team to unlock the chest, at Ilam Park from Mon 1 December to Sun 4 January between 10.30am and 2.30pm. Trail sheets can be bought for a suggested donation of £2 from the Welcome Hut or Bookshop. Photo: National Trust

Photo Sales
Previous
2 / 2
Next Page
Related topics:National TrustPeak DistrictDerbyshire
News you can trust since 1855
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice