During the busy Christmas period, it is always good to take some time to really get into the festive spirit. Whether that’s a spot of carol singing around a tree, some festive crafts, a Christmas market or a visit to see Father Christmas himself, a family day out is the ideal way to soak up some festive cheer.
If you are looking for ways to celebrate Christmas in Derbyshire, look no further than one of the county’s stunning National Trust properties. They have a range of special festive activities planned in the run-up to the big day. There are three National Trust properties in the county, offering ways for the whole family to enjoy festive days out in Derbyshire.
Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak
Craft lovers should head to Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak to enjoy some festive-themed workshops, including needle felting Christmas baubles and wreath making. Father Christmas will also be taking some time out from his busy schedule to visit the Manifold Tea Room in December. Visitors can relish a traditional English breakfast before enjoying a story with Santa and children will receive a special gift. A snowflake trail has also been created around the park’s stunning grounds, taking in the River Manifold, St Bertram’s Bridge and Paradise Walk.
Hardwick Hall
The Luminate Light Trail will be taking place for the first time ever at Hardwick Hall, near Chesterfield, from November 23 to Christmas Eve. Visitors can follow an illuminated trail around the hall’s stunning Elizabethan gardens, with striking light displays set to ambient music. Visitors can also find out more about Hardwick Hall and learn about the history of Christmas in Derbyshire with a little help from Bess of Hardwick herself.
Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors
A reindeer trail is just one of the activities designed to get you into the Christmas spirit at Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and friends are lost around the estate and they need you to help find them, with the trail opening from November 26. There will also be children’s craft activities on offer at the Moorland Discovery Centre, as well as traditional wreath making. Father Christmas will be dropping into the café at Longshaw during December, although tickets must be booked in advance. Again, visitors can join him for a traditional breakfast, a story and a gift.
Christmas trees will also be on sale at both Ilam Park and Longshaw, with money raised being put back into the National Trust’s vital conservation work.
The management team at the National Trust say there are more events than ever to help celebrate Christmas in Derbyshire. Carl Greenman, national programming and production manager at the National Trust, said: “Christmas at the National Trust is always magical but this year we’ve got more events and activities than ever before. We can’t wait to see families and friends coming together, making memories and experiencing the festive atmosphere at the places the National Trust cares for.”
For days out in Derbyshire, head to Hardwick Hall in Doe Lea, Chesterfield, while Ilam Park can be found in Ashbourne. Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors is located in Longshaw near Sheffield.
