It may seem too early to be thinking about it, but Christmas is fast approaching, and Chesterfield is fully geared up for the festive period.
Sitting right on the edge of the Peak District, Christmas in Chesterfield couldn’t be any more scenic. As well as the town itself and surrounding areas such as Chatsworth, Bakewell and Matlock, all celebrating, there’s always something going on.
Here are our top events we think you will love this Christmas:
1. A Festival of Christmas Trees – The world-famous Crooked Spire Church in Chesterfield (officially known as Church of St Mary and All Saints) plays host to this great event annually, where local charities, groups and businesses decorate and display Christmas trees around the church. With the largest church in Derbyshire overflowing with more than 100 Christmas Trees, this is definitely one not to miss. It’s only on for a limited time but is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit. This year the festival is taking place from 17 November – 2 December.
2. Chatsworth Christmas Market – Starting on Friday 16 November and running until 4 December, what better way to begin your Christmas shopping than at the Chatsworth Christmas Market held at the Chatsworth House estate. With more than 100 market stalls, you can take a break from shopping and enjoy a mulled wine or a German beer at one of the outdoor bars. There’s also a wide range of food and live music available; all certain to get you into the festive spirit!
3. Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch On and Market – The light switch on at Chesterfield is set to be bigger than ever this year with entertainment, stalls, games and rides in the market place. Paddington Bear will be turning on the lights on Sunday 18 November – come and see the streets of Chesterfield light up.
4. Santa’s Grotto – This is a must do for the children this Christmas. Come and meet Santa upstairs in the Market Hall. He’ll be around from 18 November right up until Christmas Eve. Give your children the opportunity to tell him what they’d like for Christmas – just make sure you listen in too…
5. Bakewell Christmas Market – Discover a quintessential English Christmas market in this Peak District market town from 24 – 25 November. You’ll find stalls and gazebos on Market Street, Granby Road and Riverside Crescent, selling many goods from the beautiful Peak District.
6. Santa Cruise – Everyone thinks Santa arrives on a sleigh. Not so in Chesterfield. You’ll find him on Chesterfield Canal on the John Varley trip boat where he’ll be handing out gifts to children as they cruise along the canal every Saturday and Sunday from 24 November to 23 December and from Wednesday 19 – Friday 21 December.
7. Chesterfield Artisan Christmas Market – Chesterfield’s regular and popular artisan market will have a festive-theme on Sunday 25 November and Sunday 23 December, where you’ll find the very best from local producers as well as unique gifts and crafts.
8. Victorian Matlock – Christmas Market – The market is now in its 24th year and it is set to be another great year for the market. Offering artisan crafts, and food, this popular event takes place in Matlock’s Hall Leys Park. Activities throughout the weekend include Santa’s grotto, Christmas lights switch on and a fantastic firework finale on the final day of the market. Visit the market from Friday 30 November until Sunday 2 December.
9. Cinderella – Pantomime returns to the magnificent Pomegranate Theatre in Chesterfield on the 1 December with everybody’s favourite Christmas tale, the timeless, Cinderella. Starring Naomi Wilkinson (Milkshake, Marrying Mum & Dad, Countryfile) in the title role of Cinderella and Rhydian Roberts (X Factor) as Prince Charming, you can catch the panto from 1 December until 6 January.
10. The Street Food and Craft Market – Taking place in Chesterfield’s Market Square from 14 – 17 December, the market will be packed with local traders selling a variety of crafts, jewellery, Christmas decorations, furniture, books, toys; a great opportunity to pick up a Christmas gift or two.
If you’re visiting Chesterfield from further afield during Christmas and looking for a place to stay, the town is brimming with world-class accommodation. From four-star hotels such as Casa Hotel, to cosier B&Bs like Stephenson’s Bed and Breakfast, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Next year, construction will start on the 84-bed hotel in the Basin Square neighbourhood of Chesterfield Waterside, further adding to the town’s plethora of accommodation.
These are just a handful of the events in Chesterfield and the Peak District over the festive period. To see the full list of events taking place, please visit here.
*Image courtesy of Destination Chesterfield