“Last updated: 11 August 2025”
Chatsworth Christmas Market 2025 brings storybook sparkle to Derbyshire from 8 November to 14 December 2025 amid the grand backdrop of Chatsworth House. Wander 100+ artisan stalls for handmade gifts, steaming mulled wine, and indulgent festive bites, with brass bands and carols drifting through the air. Entry to the market is free, but pre-booked on-site parking is required. Plan your visit around opening hours: Monday–Thursday 10:00–17:30 and Friday–Sunday 10:00–18:00. Travel by car or bus, wrap up warm, and arrive off-peak for quieter browsing and golden-hour photos. This guide shares dates, transport, accessibility, insider tips, and where to stay nearby too.
Snapshot: Fast Facts for 2025
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Market dates | Saturday 8 Nov – Sunday 14 Dec 2025 |
| Opening Times | Mon–Thu 10:00–17:30; Fri–Sun 10:00–18:00. |
| Tickets | Entry to the market area is free, but every visitor (including Friends & Pass holders) must pre‑book a parking or drop‑off ticket online. |
| Car‑park price guide | £7.50–£10 per vehicle; Blue‑Badge bays beside the house. |
| Public‑transport stops | TM Travel 218 Sheffield ↔ Bakewell bus and Stagecoach 170 Chesterfield ↔ Bakewell both stop at “Chatsworth House” gates. |
What’s New in 2025
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Confirmed dates: The market runs 8 November – 14 December 2025. Entry is free; all tickets (including parking) must be pre-booked.
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Set opening hours: Mon–Thu 10:00–17:30 and Fri–Sun 10:00–18:00. The market opens at 10:00 daily.
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Parking & tickets: A dedicated Christmas Market Car Park (all day) operates 09:00–18:00 during the market run; tickets will be released later in the year.
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Shuttle for the market period: Chatsworth will run a tractor-and-trailer shuttle between shuttle stops and the house car park while the market is on (wheelchair accessible); service ends 15 minutes after garden close.
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“Christmas at Chatsworth House” includes the market (8 Nov–14 Dec): House, garden light trail, farmyard plus one car-parking space per transaction; arrive any time after 09:00 on the day.
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Theme announcement: The 2025 Christmas theme for the house will be revealed mid-September—keep an eye on the event page/newsletter.
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Friends-only evenings: Additional Friends of Chatsworth dates in December are available on selected days.
Why You’ll Love Chatsworth Christmas Market
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Story‑book setting – the Duke of Devonshire’s baroque mansion forms a glittering backdrop as dusk falls over the Derwent Valley.
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100 + stalls – browse artisan gifts, local cheeses, Derbyshire gins, hand‑thrown pottery and Nordic‑style decorations.
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Seasonal flavours – hog roasts, gourmet burgers, churros, hot chocolate and every variety of mulled drink keep hands (and hearts) warm.
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Live music – brass bands and carol singers pop up across the marquee‑lined avenue.
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Full estate magic – pair the market with the Christmas at Chatsworth immersive indoor trail (8th Nov – 4th Jan 2026).
Getting There & Parking
Driving
- Main entrance / sat-nav:
DE45 1PP— on-site car parks (pre-book during the Christmas market). - Calton Lees Car Park:
DE4 2NX— southern access/overflow option.
Walking
- From Baslow (Nether End Car Park):
DE45 1SS— scenic footpath through the park (~20–30 mins).
Public transport
- Buses 218 (TM Travel) and 170 (Stagecoach) stop at “Chatsworth House”; then a short walk to the market area.
*Christmas period access and parking are managed via advance tickets.
By car
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Sat‑nav: DE45 1PP directs you to the house; overflow parking at Calton Lees (DE4 2NX).
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Reserve parking when you book – gates are barrier‑controlled during the market run.
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Arrive before 09:00 or after 15:30 for the smoothest drive‑in.
By bus & train
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TM Travel 218 (Sheffield ↔ Bakewell) drops you at the main gates up to twice an hour (2025 timetable).
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Stagecoach 170 links Chatsworth with Chesterfield rail station for connections from London St Pancras.
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From Derby, hop on Trentbarton 6.1 to Bakewell and switch to 218/170.
Eco tip
Bring a reusable mug – most drinks stalls knock 20–30 p off your mulled‑wine refill.
What to Expect on the Day
Stalls & shopping
Expect neat rows of Alpine huts stretching from the Stables to the riverbank. Craftspeople rotate midway through the four‑week run, so each visit feels fresh.
Food & drink highlights
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Peak Ales winter porter
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Ho Ho Hog Roast Derbyshire pork & apple sauce rolls
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Chatsworth Farm Shop mince pies (often still warm)
Entertainment
Look out for:
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school choirs on weekday mornings
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“Festive Brass Derbyshire” late‑afternoon sets weekends
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free marshmallow‑toasting firepits after 4 pm (weather‑permitting)
Accessibility
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Level gravel surfaces throughout the market avenue.
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Free entry ticket for carers (select “Essential Companion” when you book).
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Blue‑Badge bays in the main house car park, 150 m from the first chalet.
Where to Stay: Luxury to Budget (all bookable on Booking.com)
Luxury (≈ £200 + per night)
| Hotel | Distance | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Cavendish Hotel, Baslow | 1 mi walk | 28 rooms, AA‑2‑Rosette dining & panoramic estate views. Named UK Hotel of the Year (The Times, 2025). |
| Devonshire Arms at Beeley | 1.3 mi | 18 individually styled bedrooms, log‑fire pub plus fine‑dining brasserie. Dogs welcome on ground‑floor rooms. |
Mid‑range (≈ £120 – £180)
| Hotel | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Rutland Arms Hotel, Bakewell | 4 mi | 19th‑c. coaching inn on Bakewell square; newly refurbished in 2020. |
| The George, Hathersage | 8 mi rail‑linked | Chic rooms in a Brontë‑linked coaching inn; hearty pub classics. |
| Wheatsheaf by Marston’s Inns, Baslow | 0.8 mi | Riverside 18th‑c. inn with large garden – perfect if you’ll spend most of the day at the market. |
Budget (≤ £100)
| Property | Distance/Transport | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| YHA Castleton Losehill Hall | 11 mi, free parking | Gothic mansion youth‑hostel set in 27 acres; family rooms & self‑catering kitchen. |
| YHA Hartington Hall | 12 mi | 17th‑c. manor hostel with on‑site restaurant & game room – great for groups. |
| ibis Chesterfield Centre – Market Town | 14 mi, direct 170 bus | Simple rooms, free parking and walkable to rail links; best value for late‑night arrivals. |
Rates are guide prices for mid‑November weekends (searched July 2025) and fluctuate with demand. Book early for Friday–Saturday stays – some hotels sell out by late summer.
Insider Tips
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Book parking & estate tickets in one session to avoid two booking fees.
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Weekdays after 15:00 are noticeably quieter; you’ll still catch the lights at dusk.
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Bring cash & contactless – some independent traders are signal‑dependent.
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Combine with a Chatsworth Garden light trail ticket for an after‑dark wanderscape (separate charge).
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Arriving by bus? Grab breakfast in Bakewell then ride the 218 for the short hop to the gates – no need to battle peak‑morning traffic.
What to wear & pack
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Warm layers (thermal base, fleece, insulated jacket)
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Waterproof coat with hood (showers and wind common)
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Comfortable waterproof boots or wellies; warm socks
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Hat, gloves, and scarf (bring a spare pair of gloves)
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Hand warmers (disposable or reusable)
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Compact windproof umbrella
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Small backpack or cross-body bag (hands free for browsing)
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Reusable insulated mug for hot drinks
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Portable phone charger and charging cable
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Cash plus contactless card (some stalls can be patchy for signal)
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Printed or saved parking booking/QR code
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Snacks and a refillable water bottle (especially with kids)
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Travel tissues and a small pack of wipes
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Lip balm and hand cream (cold, dry air)
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Optional: lightweight blanket or pram cover for little ones
Compare: Chatsworth vs Bakewell Christmas Markets (2025)
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Dates & times — Chatsworth: 8 Nov–14 Dec 2025; Mon–Thu 10:00–17:30, Fri–Sun 10:00–18:00. Bakewell: 15–16 Nov 2025; 09:00–17:00.
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Setting & size — Chatsworth: estate backdrop; 100+ stalls, live music. Bakewell: town-centre, community feel.
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Entry & tickets — Chatsworth: free entry; pre-booked parking required. Bakewell: free entry; town car parks.
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Parking — Chatsworth: on-site, book ahead. Bakewell: pay-and-display, arrive early.
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Public transport — Chatsworth: buses 218 & 170 to “Chatsworth House”. Bakewell: buses to Bakewell incl. 218/170.
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Best for — Chatsworth: full-day festive trip. Bakewell: compact weekend visit.
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Insider tip — Chatsworth: go weekdays after 15:00. Bakewell: park edge-of-centre and walk in.
Final Thoughts
From candle‑lit courtyards to Bavarian bratwurst and estate‑grown Christmas trees, Chatsworth Christmas Market 2025 promises six weeks of quintessential English festive joy. Secure your parking space, book a cosy Peak District stay that fits your budget, and let Chatsworth’s fairy‑tale backdrop handle the rest.
Ready to feel the sparkle? We’ll see you under the giant Christmas tree on 8th November!
FAQs About Chatsworth Christmas Market 2025
1. What dates and times is the market open?
The Christmas Market runs from 8th November to 14th December 2025. Opening times are usually 10 am–5:30 pm on weekdays and 10 am–6 pm on weekends
2. Is entry free, and do I need a ticket?
Yes—entry to the market is free. However, if you’re visiting on a day you’re entering Chatsworth House, garden, or trail, you need a “Christmas at Chatsworth” ticket, which includes market access. All visitors parking on-site must pre-book parking
3. How does parking work and how much does it cost?
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One parking space per ticket/booking is included.
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Additional spaces can be pre-booked online.
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From 9 Nov–1 Dec, overflow parking is on grass or trackways with a tractor-trailer shuttle service between parking and the Market.
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Visitors report parking charges typically range from £10–£20 before/after 3 pm on different days.
4. Are dogs allowed?
Yes—well-behaved dogs on leads are allowed in outdoor areas and the market, but not inside the house, farmyard, or indoor areas.
5. Is it wheelchair and pushchair accessible?
Most areas are accessible:
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The market stalls stand on hard surfaces or temporary mats.
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The shuttle tractor-trailer is wheelchair/pushchair friendly.
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There are accessible toilets and designated Blue Badge parking spaces available.
6. What if it’s muddy or slippery?
Ground in parking/overflow areas can get muddy, especially in wet weather. The market area is well-prepared with mats, but visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear.
7. Is photography allowed?
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Personal, handheld photography/video is permitted in the house (no flash or tripods).
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No drone use anywhere on the estate.
8. Can I arrive late or change my booking?
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For house entry, be at the time stated on your ticket (arriving more than 15 minutes late risks losing your slot).
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You can amend your booking (date/time) online or via email, though a £5 modification fee may apply.
9. Carers and Blue Badge holders—what should they know?
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One carer can join free per disabled visitor (must pre-book).
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Blue Badge holders have reserved accessible parking, but spaces are limited; parking charges still apply .



































