News 13 November 2025

Festive Events along the Derwent Valley Line

We are getting excited for a fabulous season of festivities along the Derwent Valley Line. Get into the spirit with this selection of sparking experiences and make the most of the festive season by train!

Belper Winter Food and Gift Fair

Sunday 16th November

Belper will be hosting a Winter Food and Gift Fair on Sunday 16th November. This will be a great celebration of local produce and craftsmanship with a range of stalls showcasing festive treats, gifts and delicious food. There will also be live entertainments and a welcoming atmosphere.

Lights of Abraham

21st November – 30th December (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

This winter, Heights of Abraham are creating a stunning light trail. Look out for giant swans, interactive stepping stones and colourful surprises. There will be festive food and drinks available to purchase and firepits to toast marshmallows on and keep warm! Visit Heights of Abraham’s website to find out more and to book your tickets.

Image credit: Heights of Abraham.

Matlock Christmas Parade and Light Switch On

22nd November

From 1:30pm at Hall Leys Park celebrate the Christmas light switch on with life music, food and refreshments, Santa’s Grotto and more. The parade will start at 5pm and the Christmas lights are expected to be switched on at approximately 5:30pm.

Christmas with the Great British Car Journey

28th and 29th November

On 28th November get into the festive spirit with the Carols with the Cars event. Wander through the museum whilst enjoying the beautiful sounds of Belper Choir singing carols. Festive food and drink will be served as part of your ticket. Join Santa for a Christmas breakfast on 29th November from 10am-12pm where every child will receive a gift to take home. Visit the Great British Car Journey website for more information and to book.

Christmas Market Weekends at Cromford Mills

29th and 30th November

6th and 7th December

13th and 14th December

Cromford Mills are hosting three magical festive weekend markets! There will be lots of Christmas stalls, live music from local legend John Gill, Christmas tree sales and festive drinks and treats as well as a special visit from Father Christmas.

Belper Christmas Lights Switch On

30th November

Celebrate from 3:30pm in the Memorial Gardens where Santa’s Grotto will be open alongside a children’s fairground ride. Belper Town Wind Band will play some music on King Street where you will also find a range of stalls by local charitable groups. DJ Alex will turn on the lights at 5pm which will be followed by a performance by Elvis Legacy. Belper Jazz company will provide music on King Street from 6:15pm.

Peak Rail Victorian Christmas Market Park and Ride

6th and 7th December

If you are visiting Matlock’s Victorian Christmas Market you can add to the experience by travelling on Peak Rail’s Heritage DMU. Take a look at the Peak Rail website for more information and how to book.

Matlock Victorian Christmas Market

5th, 6th and 7th December

The Victorian Christmas Market returns once more for its 30th year! There’s something for everyone with performances and traditional fairground rides. This market is very popular, so travelling by train avoids the stress of parking!

Enjoy Santa’s Enchanted Journey with Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

End of November – 24th December

Returning for 2025, this is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. Every passenger will enjoy a festive welcome from the jolly elves, a return steam train ride from Wirksworth to Duffield in a beautifully decorated carriage, festive entertainment from Mrs Claus and Santa’s elves, a visit from Santa with a present for every child and hot chocolate and cookies. Visit the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway website for more information and booking.

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