What's on at the Victorian weekend
The Victorian Christmas market in Matlock takes over the park on the first weekend of December. Wander between traditional stalls selling gifts, handmade crafts and artisan treats, with the river running along one side. Many of the stalls sit inside two extra-large marquees, so the shopping carries on whatever the weather. That's a real help when half your group has strong feelings about drizzle!
There's live entertainment for every age too. Children can ride the fun fair or visit Santa's grotto on the Saturday and Sunday, with proceeds going to local charities through the Lions Club. Roaming performers keep the festive cheer going until the celebrations close with fireworks on the Sunday evening.
Dogs are welcome as well. The event listing on Visit Peak District invites four-legged friends along, so nobody has to stay behind at the cottage.
- Christmas gifts from local makers and artisan sellers
- Seasonal food to eat as you wander or carry home for later
- Festive entertainment from roaming performers to fun fair rides
Are there two markets in Matlock in December?
Visit Peak District also lists a second event in Hall Leys Park later in the month, which catches plenty of people out.
It's billed as a chance to pick up last minute gifts with plenty of family fun thrown in. Expect a funfair and live music on a full stage, with brass bands, stilt walkers, mulled wine and roast chestnuts to keep you warm. Entry is listed as free.
So which suits your group? The Matlock Victorian Christmas Market is the long-running one with the Sunday fireworks. The later date sits closer to Christmas, which can suit a pre-Christmas get-together. Dates can shift, so check the listings again before you travel.
Getting there with a group
Parking is the tricky part of any big event in a small town. So it's worth deciding how you'll get in before you set off.
Peak Rail runs a park and ride for the early December market from Rowsley South near Darley Dale, which has a large free car park. A heritage train takes you into town and from there it's a short walk to the park. Tickets are valid on any departure, although they don't guarantee a seat. The last train back from Matlock leaves at 18:10 and there's no other transport if you miss it, so check the Peak Rail timetable before you plan your day.
Coming by rail instead? The station is about five minutes on foot from the park, at the end of the Derwent Valley Line from Derby.
Travelling in several cars? Agree on one car park before you leave the house and share a pin to it.
Enjoy it together
A big party moves slowly through a crowd. So split into smaller groups and set a time to meet back up at the park gates. Younger ones will head straight for the rides, while others might rather browse the crafts at their own pace. Planning a meal out afterwards? Book well ahead, as restaurants can only seat so many big parties on a busy day.
Make more of your trip
The town is a handy base for other Christmas events across the Derbyshire Dales. Chatsworth, Haddon Hall and Bakewell all hold festive markets of their own. Just down the valley in Matlock Bath, the Heights of Abraham runs a winter light trail too.
| Market | Where | Dates for 2026 | Drive from town (minutes) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victorian market | Town park | 4 to 6 Dec | 0 | Over 200 traders, park and ride |
| Second town market | Town park | 19 to 20 Dec | 0 | Over 150 traders, free entry listed |
| Chatsworth | Chatsworth estate | 7 Nov to 13 Dec | 19 | Over 100 traders, parking booked online |
| Mercatum | Haddon Hall | 11 Nov to 20 Dec, Wed to Sun | 13 | Timed tickets booked ahead |
| Bakewell | Town centre streets | 14 to 15 Nov | 17 | Over 100 traders |
Good to know before you go
A park full of shoppers can get crowded, so pushchairs and wheelchairs may find the paths slow going. Days are short too. Arrive by lunchtime to browse in daylight and stay for the lights after dark. Don't forget boots you don't mind getting muddy.
Where to stay for the Matlock Christmas market
Staying close by turns a busy day out into a proper festive break. Our group stays range from houses well under a mile from the town centre to homes in the villages around, with more along the valley in Cromford.
Many welcome dogs and plenty have open fires for drying out. For a short stroll to the stalls, look at the houses nearest the centre in our group cottages in Matlock. Bigger parties will find more room in our large houses to rent in Derbyshire. Check each house's rules and dog policy before you book.
Spending Christmas itself together? Have a look at our large Christmas cottages in Derbyshire for groups or browse all our Derbyshire group cottages to find a house with room for everyone.
Questions people ask
When are the markets on in 2026?
The first is listed for Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December 2026. The second is listed for 19 to 20 December 2026. Dates can change, so check before you travel.
Can you bring dogs?
Yes, the organisers' listing welcomes dogs, so just keep them close in the busier marquees.
Where can I park?
Peak Rail's park and ride runs from Rowsley South near Darley Dale, which has a large free car park. You can also come by train from Derby.
Is there a Santa's grotto?
Yes, at the early December market Santa is there on its last two days with proceeds supporting local charities.
Is there a market in Matlock Bath too?
The markets are held in the main town, a few minutes' drive up the valley. Down in the gorge you'll find the Heights of Abraham winter light trail instead, so it's easy to do both.
