Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.
Winter is a fabulous time to visit the Peak District with so many fantastic festive events bringing the magic of Christmas to life.
Enjoy wonderful winter walks before toasting your feet in front of a roaring fire in one of the quaint local pubs or pop along to some of the amazing Christmas markets to find unique gifts for your loved ones. Take a trip with Santa on a steam train, get festive singing carols in a cave or be transported to another world at Chatsworth House.
Chatsworth at Christmas is always a breath-taking, magical experience. This year you will be transported to the mystical frozen realms of the far north.
Norse God Loki, a powerful sorcerer and mischief-maker, has cast an enchanted spell, bringing the landscapes, folklore and traditions of the Arctic and Nordic regions to life at Chatsworth.
Photo courtesy of Chatsworth House
Wander through the sculpted ‘ice’ walls, discover giant woodland hideaways and be amazed by the sparkling pine forests. Wonder at the Nordic Christmas decorations beautifully crafted from wood and foliage.
Step into scenes from Nordic fairy tales and if you’re lucky Loki himself may appear to surprise you with stories, music and magical tricks. Wrap up warm as you don’t want to miss the spectacular Nordic-inspired illuminations across the gardens. Gaze in wonder at the ‘northern lights’ over the Canal Pond, and the sparkling Maze aglow with twinkling lights.
5 November 2022–8 January 2023. Adult tickets £29.50, children £18, family of 4 £78
Having been to concerts at the Peak Cavern and can confirm that the acoustics are superb. The Devils' Arse is such an atmospheric and impressive venue for a Christmas Carol concert.
There is nothing quite like the sound of a brass band blasting out Christmas Carols to get you in the festive mood. Being unground in a cave makes the whole experience extra special. Don’t forget to wrap up warm and even take a blanket. The concerts last over an hour and you are seated for most of the time (12 Days of Christmas and Schnee Waltzer excepting!) However, the mulled wine and mince pies on offer are a welcome treat to warm you through.
Saturdays and Sundays in December.
Shine A Light at Elvaston Castle is a fun, family event bringing together awe-inspiring illuminations and projections of music, visuals and sound in a stunning display. Using Elvaston Castle as it's backdrop this year's display is centred around the themes of climate change and water.
The unique illuminations created by internationally-renowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, are stunning. Soak in the festive atmosphere and enjoy the live music, great food and drink. We loved the recent Shine A light display at Cromford Mills.
19th & 20th November 2022, adult tickets £9
If Christmas Carols and dazzling light displays aren't your thing, then enjoy exploring the outdoors on the Christmas trail at Carsington Water. It’s a fun family activity and children will delight in finding all the items the snowman has left behind! For each completed snowman sheet there is a selection box prize (non-dairy alternatives are available). A great, low cost activity to do as a family and to walk off the excesses of Christmas.
Everyday throughout November and December - trail maps £4 each
If you love animals, you can join in with the festive fun at Matlock Farm Park, meet Santa’s special elves giving out mini treats, follow the Christmas treasure hunt, and visit Santa in his Grotto too! For an extra special experience children can breakfast with Santa Claus in the garden room café.
Take a festive pony ride, meet the animals up close, or enjoy the indoor and outdoor play areas, and delicious refreshments. It's lovely to see there’s also Autism Friendly Santa Sessions on Boxing Day.
Weekends throughout November and December
All steam ahead! Get Christmas off to a magical start by joining Santa and his railway elves on a Christmas Special Steam Train at Peak Rail Rowsley Station or Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.
As you sit back and enjoy the countryside flashing past Santa and his little helpers will move along the train to greet everyone in their seats. Refreshments available, hot chocolate and cookies or treat yourself to mulled wine and mince pies.
Selected dates through December 2022 - prices from £8 - limited availability so book now
Never mind the North Pole, Poole’s Cavern in Buxton provides a magical setting to meet Father Christmas. Little ones will love to visit Santa in his beautifully illuminated Elf’s workshop deep underground, surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. Entrance includes presents for each child.
Weekends throughout December, tickets £15, booking essential
On Christmas Eve, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is whipped away on a terrifying journey through the past and into the future. Scrooge faces three fearsome ghosts determined to make him realise the true meaning of Christmas.
Charles Dickens' classic ghost story is brought alive in this wonderfully traditional production, with beautiful period costume, song, dance, and a magnificent musical score. Buxton Opera House is the perfect venue for this classic Christmas story. Chapterhouse Theatre Company carry you along as Scrooge's frozen heart begins to melt and he finally embraces the festive spirit in the most Christmassy of Christmas tales.
Wednesday 16th, Thursday 17th & Saturday 19th November
Have you done your Christmas shopping yet? If not here's a round up of the best Christmas Markets in the Peak District, where you are bound to find some unique gifts for your loved ones!
With so many activities in the Peak District in the run up to Christmas, you're sure to get into the festive spirit. Why not combine a visit to one of these exciting events or your favourite Christmas market with a winter weekend break at Hoe Grange Holidays? Enjoy winter walks with stunning views, before returning to a cosy log cabins or glamping pod for a hot chocolate or a dip in the hot tub to warm you up.
Felicity