Christmas in Chesterfield

Unwrap Christmas in Chesterfield
Experience our playful events. Enter the Christmas Stocking Competition. Browse gift ideas. Discover our flavours and fun.
Experience our playful events
Join us for a festive lineup of fun events and activities to make your Christmas more memorable. 

Lighting up Chesterfield
See our town sparkle with fantastic entertainment as our annual Christmas Lights Switch On returns.

Sunday 22nd November 2026
Pick up treats at our Christmas Market
Find Christmas shopping, food and entertainment all in one place at the Chesterfield Christmas Market.

Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd November 2026
Meet Santa in his grotto
Visit Santa in his brand-new cosy cabin grotto in New Square, where well-behaved dogs can join the festive fun too.

Friday 27th November 2026 - Christmas Eve
Love our panto - Beauty and the Beast 
Grab your family and friends for an afternoon or evening of giggles and surprises with television actor Jake Canuso from the hit series Benidorm, starring as Gaston.

Friday 4th December 2026  – Sunday 3rd January 2027 
Explore our Festival of Christmas Trees
A firm favourite in everyone's diary. Visit our Crooked Spire to see over 100 colourful Christmas trees on display. 

Saturday 14th November - Sunday 29th November 2026 
Join the atmosphere at Tipi Christmas
Meet friends and family in our cosy tipi for hot chocolate, mulled wine, and seasonal treats by the fire.

Thursday 12th November - Thursday 31st December 2026

Be amazed by an immersive experience
Our historic Crooked Spire comes to life with magical Christmas scenes in an immersive light and sound display.

Saturday 21st November - Saturday 28th November 2026

All aboard our Santa Canal Cruises  
Take to the water this Christmas to meet Santa on Chesterfield Canal. 

Saturday 28th November - Wednesday 23rd December 2026 
Full steam ahead at Barrow Hill Roundhouse 
Jump aboard a steam-hauled train, enjoy a trip along the Springwell branch line, and watch turntable and signal box demonstrations in action. 

Every weekend from Saturday 28th November - Sunday 13th December 2026
Marvel at Bolsover Lantern Parade  
See one of the UK’s largest and longest-running light processions, showcasing hundreds of community-made lanterns and drawing thousands of spectators.
 
Saturday 28th November 2026
Find bespoke gifts at our magical markets 
Pick up unique gifts and festive food at Chesterfield’s Markets and Market Hall. 

Receive a warm welcome from our shops 
Christmas shopping without the hassle? Our friendly shop owners take the time to recommend unique gifts.

Eat, drink and be merry  
From street food to fine dining, and cocktail bars to cosy pubs, our town puts a twist on your festive get-togethers. 

Unwrap Christmas in Chesterfield

This Christmas, unwrap magical moments, festive experiences and hidden gems across Chesterfield.

Whether you’re creating family traditions, planning a festive day out with loved ones or meeting friends for your Christmas get-together, Chesterfield is the perfect place to celebrate. Discover festive fun, unique gifts, vibrant bars and cosy pubs, and playful events across our newly upgraded town centre and beyond.

Highlights this year include Chesterfield Christmas Market, Santa’s brand-new cosy cabin grotto and Beauty and the Beast at the newly renovated 1435 Theatre. Returning favourites include Tipi Christmas, Festival of Christmas Trees, Santa Special Canal Cruises and Christmas-themed Puffin’ Billy rides in Queen’s Park.

Looking to skip mass-produced products and give something special this year? Check out our gift guide to discover unique gifts to really show you care. With a mix of independent retailers, high-street favourites, and lively markets, shopping locally becomes a joyful festive experience.

Enter our Christmas Stocking Competition for the chance to win a bundle of local experiences and make your festive season even more memorable.

Keep reading for plenty of ideas to help you plan your festive diary.


Experience our playful events

 

Ebor N Gum street entertainers at Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch on 2025

Kick off your festivities at our Chesterfield Christmas Market and Christmas Lights Switch On weekend, where you can enjoy festive shopping, food and entertainment throughout our town centre.

Make magical memories at the Festival of Christmas Trees, admire more than 120 beautifully decorated trees inside our iconic Crooked Spire, and enjoy family favourites including Christmas-themed Puffin’ Billy rides and Santa Special Canal Cruises.

Younger visitors can meet Santa in his brand-new cosy cabin grotto in New Square, including dedicated relaxed SEN sessions and even dog-friendly visits for four-legged family members.

Don’t miss Beauty and the Beast at our newly renovated 1435 Theatre, featuring television actor Jake Canuso and plenty of festive laughter, sing-alongs and audience participation.


Discover our flavours and fun

Christmas is all about reconnecting with friends and celebrating with colleagues. Our town is packed with ways to celebrate together, from cosy pubs and welcoming cafés to festive dining experiences and seasonal tipples.

Gather beneath the twinkling lights at Tipi Christmas, where a roaring open fire and festive drinks create the perfect setting to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Then explore our vibrant bars and pubs for live music and cocktails, laugh out loud at our comedy club, tour a brewery or enjoy a meal showcasing the best seasonal flavours at one of our restaurants.

Prefer a daytime get-together? Tuck into brunch at one of our cafés before heading to Chesterfield Escape Rooms or Board and Bean for some friendly competition.


Explore our heritage

Festival of Christmas Trees 2022

Step into history and festive magic at our heritage sites. From twinkling lights and handmade decorations to enchanting workshops and markets.

Explore our famous Crooked Spire while enjoying a light and sound display or this year’s Festival of Christmas Trees.

Discover locomotives at Barrow Hill Roundhouse. Did you know the centre houses one of the largest collections of diesel, electric and, of course, steam locomotives in the country?


Our Christmas in Chesterfield campaign is delivered by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Upcoming Events

Fairy lights and disco ball in tipi in Chesterfield Chesterfield Tipi Christmas
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Find the perfect escape during the festive season with seasonal food and drink inside Chesterfield Tipi Christmas.

Find out more >
A row of Christmas trees decorated in different styles A Festival of Christmas Trees
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Head to the famous 'Crooked Spire' Church to see the beautifully decorated Festival of Christmas Trees in its 10th year.

Find out more >
Christmas at Hardwick Hardwick Wintertide
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Come back and build memories at Hardwick once again as the season of Elizabethan magic will be here for Hardwick

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Visitors browsing stalls at Chesterfield Christmas Market Chesterfield Christmas Market

Chesterfield will host a three-day Christmas themed market from Friday 20th November to Sunday 22nd

Find out more >
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