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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.

8 Great Christmas events in the Peak District

November 10, 2022
November 10, 2022 - 8 Great Christmas events in the Peak District
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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.

8 great festive events in the Peak District

1. Discover a Nordic Christmas 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.

Chatsworth at Christmas

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

2. Christmas carols up the Devil’s Arse (aka Peak Cavern)

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.

Christmas Carols at Peak Cavern

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.

3. Shine A Light at Elvaston Castle, Derby

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 

Shine A Light display at Cromford Mills

4. Christmas Trail at Carsington Water

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

5. Christmas with the animals at Matlock Farm Park

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

6. Santa Specials on a steam train

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.

Santa Special at Ecclesbounre 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

7. Meet Santa at Poole's Cavern in Buxton

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

Poole's Cavern Buxton

8. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at Buxton Opera House

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 

Christmas Markets

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.

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Hoe Grange Holidays Tripadvisor Comments...

  • star rating  Second visit to the accessible holiday cabins at Hoe Grange. David and Felicity were as helpful and friendly as ever. We had a welcome pack of freshly baked bread, butter,... read more

    Charlotte M
    August 7, 2019

    star rating  On arriving at Hoe Grange in a downpour, we doubted if we’d made the right decision to go glamping, but after the warm welcome from David and a quick tour,... read more

    karenmD4738KD
    June 25, 2019

    star rating  We have just returned from a short stay in one of the pods on site at Hoe Grange Holidays. We couldn’t recommend them enough. The pod has everything you could... read more

    Catboy86
    August 17, 2019
  • star rating  Myself and my sister travelled to Costa Rica and Panama via Viva Holidays Ltd. The holiday was exceptional and one to be treasured forever. Andrew at Viva Holidays... read more

    Paula C
    July 4, 2019

    star rating  We've just returned from our second visit to Hoe Grange. The suggested riding routes with stunning scenery were enjoyed by my daughter and I while the menfolk were delighted with... read more

    Jdrichie12
    July 11, 2019

    star rating  What a lovely weekend away! We stayed in the lovely gypsy caravan, which was a wonderful and really unique experience. We took along our two horses, who also had a... read more

    rachelthomas2015
    June 18, 2019
  • star rating  We stayed in Skylark, one of the two glamping pods available at Hoe Grange in February 2020.

    Felicity & David welcomed us when we arrived to show us around... read more

    HelenLCarter
    February 6, 2020

    star rating  For the second year running, we have had a great family holiday at Hoe Grange. We had one cabin for the week, for two sisters and our elderly wheelchair-using... read more

    EJYork2013
    June 25, 2019

    star rating  Felicity and David made us feel very welcome right from our booking. The pods are well equipped and spotlessly clean. The area is very peaceful with great views and we... read more

    Adventurer_12121
    January 30, 2020
  • star rating  We stayed in Pinder cabin and had a lovely stay, the cabin was spacious and comfortable, nice and warm after cold days out. The children loved meeting the animals and... read more

    Tiggywinkle15
    November 5, 2019

    star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    David H
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  Lovely place to holiday near to interesting locations and easy access to the High Peak trail and Carsington Water. Part of a working farm with fresh produce to enjoy during... read more

    Angie B
    August 3, 2019
  • star rating  We stayed in Rainster cabin for a long weekend 6 th to 9 th September. This was my 5 th visit to the amazing Hoe Grange. I had visited before... read more

    Jan Horsman J
    September 17, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in the Skylark pod last October (2018) and had a lovely time. There was homemade, rustic goods (bread, biscuits etc) when we arrived. Felicity and David who run... read more

    KBarry
    September 15, 2019

    star rating  We wanted a complete break and some peace and quiet and this was perfect. The caravan was secluded with beautiful views over the countryside. Everything was spotlessly clean and well... read more

    joanne B
    June 4, 2019
  • star rating  What a wonderful find. As our first experience of needing accessible accommodation we could not have wished for better. Beautiful well equipped lodges in lovely surroundings. We stayed in both... read more

    L9943KBlesleym
    April 3, 2020

    star rating  What can I say?
    Absolutely superb!
    We have just returned from a family weekend staying in Daisybank cabin and the Skylark pod.
    It was our first trip away with my... read more

    Wheelieuser
    June 13, 2019

    star rating  Loved every minute of our stay, and so did the family and friends that came to stay. Excellent facilities in our cosy Hipley log cabin. By far the best... read more

    krimpenijssel
    October 25, 2019
  • star rating  Stayed last week, from 6th to 13th September in the log cabin called Hipley. This was amazing, it was our first visit but certainly not our last. Gold standard disability... read more

    548julie
    September 14, 2019

    star rating  lovely surroundings real farm country with chickens paying you a visit nice decking area to chill at the end of the day accommodation very good plenty to do nearby... read more

    vincent s
    July 28, 2019

    star rating  A beautiful place to stay! Amazingly run family business! Everyone were very welcoming, friendly and cozy! The skylark pod we stayed in was very clean, cozy and well equipped! The... read more

    sophiee249
    January 2, 2020
  • star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    dghiggs61
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  We spent four nights at Hoe Grange and had a lovely time. The location is fantastic and right next to the High Peak Trail. The cabin was very clean and... read more

    Big_Al_0000
    July 16, 2019

    star rating  We stayed for a night in one of the cabins . The cabin was spotless and very well equipped , lots of extra touches were added like fresh eggs and... read more

    Ajtravels14
    February 3, 2020
  • star rating  Another great holiday at Hoe Grange - such a great place for us all to holiday as a family - this time with a baby, a 3 yr old, a... read more

    Thesamps
    October 4, 2019

    star rating  It's been three years since we last visited but once we arrived it certainly didn't feel like it!
    We stayed in Hipley again which had had a refurbished wet... read more

    ElizabethA717
    September 21, 2019

    star rating  We had a lovely time staying in one of the incredibly well equipped pods. I bought my pony along and we had some great rides on the high peak trail.... read more

    plopster1
    June 7, 2019
  • star rating  Recently spent a week in "Pinder" and had a lovely time. The location is stunning - the site is nestled in a beautiful valley on the edge of the Peaks... read more

    Peachey167
    July 16, 2019

    star rating  Arrived and was shown to our pod, fantastic location and the pod was very good indeed plus we had home made bread and milk and tea and coffee. A... read more

    mickvfr
    July 28, 2019

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