Christmas is coming - festively decorated historic houses at National Trust sites in Derbyshire
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Seasonal highlights at Hardwick Hall, Longshaw, Kedleston Hall, Calke Abbey, Sudbury and Ilam Park.
As Christmas draws closer, National Trust places in Derbyshire are getting ready to welcome visitors for a season filled with magical festive experiences.
From beautifully decorated houses and atmospheric winter walks to Christmas markets, family trails and visits from Father Christmas, there are plenty of ways to make memories together this year.
Step through the doors of historic houses dressed for Christmas, where glowing lights, seasonal greenery and traditional decorations bring rooms to life. Outside, pull on your winter boots and explore frosty gardens, woodlands and parklands, or settle in for a warming drink and a festive treat.
Here are some of the festive highlights to enjoy in Derbyshire and the Peak District:
Hardwick, Doe Lea, near Chesterfield
Get set to shape memories at Hardwick this festive season as Wintertide returns to Hardwick on November 17 and runs through to January 5, 2027. Begin your journey in the bustling kitchens as the household prepares for days of revelry and feasting and explore the hall full of 16th-century cheer.
With lantern in hand, wander through the rooms filled with handcrafted decorations and winter greenery and join the trail to hunt down the family's lost pearls. On selected dates throughout December, there will be special later evening openings offering visitors the opportunity to see the mansion in a whole new light.
During Wintertide there will be various activities including Wintertide Storytelling and Folk Carols, and a series of theatre performances from Three Inch Fools of A Christmas Carol. Look out too for the special Wintertide workshops that include Blackwork Natural Dyeing Workshop and Embroidery on November 21 and 28, Wreath Making on December 5, Shibori Silk Scarves making on December 12.
For details: Hardwick Hall | Christmas | National Trust
Longshaw
There are plenty of choices for a fabulous festive day out at Longshaw in the run up to and during the festive period. If you want to get outside to enjoy wintry landscapes and Peak District views, there are a range of walking routes to choose from across the estate. There's also plenty of festive activities on offer from seasonally themed trails to Christmas Crafts for children and Wreath Making for adults.
There's even a chance to purchase your perfect sustainably sourced Christmas tree and handmade decorations to bring some Christmas magic home knowing that your purchase has helped to support the work of the National Trust in the Peak District.
The cafe at Longshaw is the perfect place to pause for a warming drink or seasonally inspired meal or snack during your visit.
Christmas tree sales and the Reindeer Trail start from November 21.
For details: Christmas at Longshaw | National Trust
The Children's Country House at Sudbury
Step into a winter fairytale at The Children’s Country House at Sudbury this Christmas, as its popular 'Once Upon a Time…' theme continues with The Snow Queen, running from November 21 to January 3, 2027.
Inspired by the classic fairytale, the historic hall will bring the story of Kay and Gerda to life through festive decorations and themed activities for families to discover as they explore. Christmas trees will add a festive touch to the historic interiors, while visitors can follow the story and discover details inspired by the tale along the way.
There’s plenty to enjoy beyond the hall, with families invited to explore the gardens and Museum of Childhood and make the most of a winter visit to Sudbury. Visitors can also stop by the café for a selection of festive treats and drinks, perfect for warming up after a stroll around the grounds.
For an extra-special festive experience, the Hall will stay open until 7pm on December 11, 12, 18 and 19, creating a magical festive atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. Whether visiting during the day or enjoying one of the later openings, Sudbury offers families the chance to step into a fairytale and make the most of the Christmas season.
Kedleston Hall, Derby
Kedleston Hall will be dressed for Christmas from November 27 to January 3, with seasonal decorations bringing a festive feel to the historic house and offering visitors a chance to see the Hall in a different light.
Outside, families can follow the popular Advent Trail, opening 25 doors along a short walk to discover a festive challenge, question or fun fact behind each one - a great way to explore the grounds together and add a little extra fun to a winter visit.
For a special festive treat, families can book Breakfast with Father Christmas on November 28 and 29 and December 5 and 6. Children and grown-ups can enjoy a festive breakfast before meeting Father Christmas in the unique surroundings of Kedleston Hall. Advance booking is available online.
Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derbyshire
Enjoy a full festive day out at Calke this Christmas, with seasonal displays and decorations throughout the stableyards, house and tunnels and daily Christmas market stalls in the Riding School from November 27 to December 23.
Visit the stableyards to see twinkling lights and displays throughout, with festive games and a hand-turned carousel on weekends. Pose in front of the giant Christmas tree and print your photographs from the CEWE photo station to keep as a souvenir of your visit. Look out for the cheeky knitted mice who will be hiding around the stableyards and gardens this year.
Head into the house to see sparkling Christmas trees with decorations inspired by Calke’s jewellery collection.
For a more tranquil and traditional Christmas, take a pew in St Giles Church and listen to the distant sounds of carols playing. Venture into the tunnels to go on an underground icy exploration to find Pavlov the Polar Bear, with glittering lights and projections, and keep an eye out for nativity-themed scarecrows in the gardens.
The Christmas Markets in the Riding School, shop, restaurant and café will be open every day. Additional outlets for food and drink will be open on weekends (weather dependent).
Ilam Park
Experience the magic of Ilam Park this Christmas. Whether you're looking for family fun with events and activities or a bracing winter walk in beautiful parkland, there's plenty of opportunities to create magical memories in this picturesque spot in the Peak District.
Over the weekends, from the end of November there is a chance to have Breakfast with Father Christmas in the Manifold Tea Room at Ilam Park.
This winter join in a free trail around Ilam Park to discover giant stars decorated for the season by local community groups and organisations. Each star will celebrate their fantastic work and create festive magic to discover. Call in to the Manifold Tearoom to enjoy seasonal themed food and drinks, as well as all the usual favourites, to fuel your festive adventures.
For details: Christmas at Ilam Park | National Trust