10 Things to do in South Yorkshire and the Peak District this Christmas

10 Things to do in South Yorkshire and the Peak District this Christmas

Just five miles from Peak District with close links to Sheffield City Centre and South Yorkshire, Double Tree by Hilton Sheffield Park Hotel is set in a leafy suburb with excellent links to both countryside and city centres nearby.

The hotel is an ideal setting from which to the explore the idyllic countryside and exciting attractions in the region. Perfect for festive family gatherings, romantic escapes, or short breaks with friends there’s even an onsite spa for you to relax and getaway from the Christmas planning and preparation for a few hours.

At this time of year, the region is alive with seasonal gatherings, illuminated with spectacular light shows and you’re never far from a festive chorus of carol singers. You might even find them in an unusual location or two. Here, Micheal Winstanley, Sales Manager from Double Tree by Hilton Sheffield Park picks some of the best things to do in South Yorkshire and the Peak District this Christmas time.

1 A Nordic Christmas at Chatsworth House

An enchanting setting at any time of year, this 17th Century manor house comes into its own at the festive season, with a host of events for young and old. This year, the estate is transporting visitors to the frozen realms of the far north. A Nordic themed Christmas brings to life folklore and traditions of the Arctic and Nordic regions through a series of themed roomscapes. Expect sculpted ‘ice’ walls, tranquil pine forests, lanterns, traditional Nordic Christmas decorations and foliage foraged from woodlands.

Tickets to Chatsworth House at Christmas are £18 for children and £29 for adults.

https://www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas/

2 Carol Concerts in Peak Cavern

For Christmas carols in the most unique setting, travel to historic Castleton and one of its most famous and impressive caverns. Peak Cavern’s less flattering nickname ‘The Devil’s Arse’ may not sound too festive, but with mulled wine and minced pies on arrival and the entrance decorated in a sea of twinkling fairy lights, the result is truly atmospheric. Especially when the brass band plays a selection of Christmas classics.

Tickets are £15 for adults and £10 for children.

https://peakcavern.co.uk/christmas-carol-concerts/

3 Party Nights at Doubletree by Hilton Sheffield Park

Get that festive feeling with a fun-filled night at Doubletree by Hilton Sheffield Park. The Christmas Party Nights take place in the Devonshire Suite, with fabulous food and music until 01.00am for guests to dance the night away.

On Sundays a two course Christmas dinner is served with half a bottle of wine, before dancing until dawn.

Tickets start from £39 per person and can be booked here: https://bit.ly/DoubleTreeSheffieldChristmas

And why not book a room overnight for the night so you can sleep off the party in comfort and enjoy a tasty breakfast the next morning.

4 Panto at Buxton Opera House

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a traditional thigh-slapping, toe-tapping panto. Oh no it isn’t. Where better to enjoy this family tradition than within the beautiful setting of Buxton Opera House, a building that has stood proud in the town since 1903 and was built by one of Britain’s finest architects, Frank Matcham. Showing this year is Sleeping Beauty, with a stellar cast bringing Christmas joy and belly laughs to audiences from Saturday 10th December to Sunday 1st January.

https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/sleeping-beauty-2022

5 An Audience with Father Christmas at Bolsover Castle

Bolsover Castle is a venue that was built for aristocratic extravagance with lavishly decorated rooms and an astonishing riding school. At Christmas, younger visitors are invited to Meet Father Christmas himself as he tells festive tales amidst the yuletide decorations in this magical setting.

Entry to the castle starts at £8.50 for children and £14.20 for adults.

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/bolsover-castle-audience-with-father-christmas/

6 Festive Events at Sheffield Cathedral

This already spectacular venue is illuminated from within at Christmas with an even more impressive light show, which this year is all themed around the manger. Throughout the entire festive season, Sheffield Cathedral joins with local charities, communities, and businesses to bring Christmas cheer to the people with the annual Christmas Tree Festival.  Tickets for Sheffield Cathedral Illuminated are £5 and the Christmas Tree Festival is free to enter.                                                 

https://www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/content/events/sheffield-cathedral-illuminated-the-manger/

https://www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/content/events/sheffield-cathedral-christmas-tree-festival/

https://www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/content/events/sheffield-christmas-market/

7 Matlock Victorian Christmas Markets

Each year the picturesque Derbyshire town of Matlock hosts a fantastic Christmas market. Around 200 stalls are staged in two marquees and across Hall Leys Park, with a host of festive entertainment provided throughout the three days. Highlights include Santa’s Grotto, unique hand-crafted goods and a spectacular firework display on Sunday evening.

https://www.derbydaysout.co.uk/event/details/1912/matlock-victorian-christmas-market

8 Santa’s Grotto at Eureka

Eureka is a family favourite throughout the year and at Christmas you can see the big man himself as you take in the wonders of the interactive Children’s Museum. Tickets for Santa’s Grotto are £6 in addition to the standard admission charge.

https://www.eureka.org.uk/event/santas-grotto/

9 KWVR Mulled Wine Specials

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway runs a series of exciting festive journeys throughout December. The railway invites you to indulge in a seasonal mulled wine while you, “slow down and take a moment to enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle that December brings as you steam through the valley from Oxenhope to Keighley and back.”

https://kwvr.co.uk/events/mulled-wine-special/

10 Yorkshire Wildlife Park Winter Illuminations

Some 2400 metres of illuminated trails will delight guests young and old, including handcrafted lanterns and themed lands such as an enchanting Fairy-tale Kingdom, Animal Adventures, Under the Sea and much more.

Tickets start at £19 for children and £22 for adults.

https://www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com/things-to-do/special-events/winter-illuminations/