Christmas at Calke Abbey

Children admiring Christmas lights in the courtyard at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire — Christmas illuminations and trees deck the House courtyard at Calke Abbey | © National Trust/Steve Franklin

Step into a magical festive season at Calke Abbey. From twinkling lights to cosy family moments, discover how we’re celebrating Christmas this year and plan your visit to enjoy Calke at its most atmospheric.

Christmas at a glance

Come and experience a magical Christmas at Calke from Friday 28 November until Tuesday 23 December. Calke Abbey is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

New for 2025, see the House and St Giles Church decked for Christmas, every day until Tuesday 23 December. The House is open from 11am - 3.30pm, with last entry at 3pm.

Then, get into the full festive spirit at Calke on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays:

Join the festive fairs in the Riding School from 10am – 6.30pm.

Discover the parkland after dark in the tunnels from 11am – 6.30pm (last entry 6.15pm).
Enjoy pigs in blankets in the Stableyards from 12pm – 6.30pm.
Explore Calke lit up in festive lights from 4pm – 6.30pm.

Bookable events

For many years, families have loved Breakfast with Santa, Afternoon Teas, and Magical Mornings with Mrs Claus. These events won’t be running this year due to limited capacity, but the festive spirit is still alive throughout Calke Abbey.

From twinkling lights to seasonal displays, there’s plenty of Christmas magic to enjoy, and we hope that some of your favourite pre-bookable experiences may return in future seasons.

Joining us on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December?

To get into the festive spirit before the big day, our full Christmas offer will also be running on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23. Scroll down to this section on our website to see what you can enjoy on these days.

Christmas lights with deer cut out in the Pleasure Grounds at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire — Festive lights inspired by nature at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire | © National Trust/Steve Franklin

Christmas during the week

Mondays to Thursdays

For the first time ever, we’re inviting visitors to join us for a Calke Christmas visit during the week. With the fire roaring in the entrance hall, twinkling Christmas trees and the distant sounds of carols playing, Christmas indoors is a truly atmospheric experience.

Step inside the historic house and St Giles Church to explore select rooms dressed for the occasion.

Nature has come indoors this Christmas. As you explore, look out for colourful feathers, antlers on Christmas trees and lots of glittering lights. Keep your eyes peeled for the return of the knitted mice, in even more fantastical and festive displays.

Knitted mice in a festive House display at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire — Knitted mouse carollers in the festive spirit in the House at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire | © National Trust/Steve Franklin

Christmas at the weekends

Fridays to Sundays

The Christmas magic continues on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. As dusk falls, wander through the Stableyards, Pleasure Grounds and the Tunnels, all aglow with enchanting seasonal lights.

Christmas lights and illuminations

Inspired by nature this Christmas, uncover the animals and plants that live at Calke.

As darkness settles, admire Calke lit up in festive lights and discover these friendly creatures around the Pleasure Grounds.

Don't forget to share your favourite moments with us, using #MyCalkeChristmas on social media.

Tunnels

If you’re visiting earlier in the day or looking for quieter lights experience, head underground through the twinkling tunnels to discover wintry scenes of the parkland after dark.

Wander beneath northern lights and snowflake projections and see what animals roam the park on a winter’s night.

Christmas in the Stableyards

Don't miss out on the Stableyards during your Christmas visit. Soak up the twinkly lights, ride on the carousal and enjoy drinks and snacks from the refreshment pod, including festive pigs in blankets.

Christmas fairs

Christmas fairs are returning to Calke Abbey for 2025, with our friends at Curly Magpie. Spread a little love this Christmas and browse for presents for your loved ones or simply treat yourself to another mince pie, with festive food, drinks, and gifts in the Riding School.

For enquiries about stalls at this event, please contact Curly Magpie directly via their website listed below.

Curly Magpie

Normal admission does apply for the Christmas markets

Please note that like the rest of our Christmas offer, the market is included in normal admission, which is free for members. We encourage those who are interested in visiting the market to consider what else is on offer to make the most of your Christmas visit.

Image shows two visitor exploring the indoor Christmas market — Find last-minute Christmas gifts at the market | © National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

Visiting on Mon 22 and Tues 23 December

To celebrate the final lead up to Christmas before the big day, here’s what you can experience at Calke on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December:

Join the festive fairs in the Riding School from 10am – 6.30pm.

See the House and St Giles Church decked for Christmas from 11am – 3.30pm.

Discover the parkland after dark in the tunnels from 11am – 6.30pm.

Explore Calke lit up in festive lights from 4pm – 6.30pm.

Christmas lights illuminate the front of Calke Abbey on a dark winters evening. — Christmas lights illuminate the front of Calke Abbey. | © Dennis Richardson

Where can I bring my dog?

Dogs are welcome to enjoy the lights, Christmas markets and Stableyards, provided they're on a short lead. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the house, tunnels and St Giles Church.

Please be respectful of others when visiting with your furry friend this Christmas, as we want everyone to have a magical time.

For more information about visiting Calke with your dog at other times, please look at our dog article below.

Visiting with your dog

Access

To help you plan your visit this Christmas, take a look at our accessibility article below.

Accessibility at Calke

Buggy service available over winter

The buggy service will be available daily from November – February from 10.30am – 2.30pm (subject to volunteer availability), providing visitors with mobility needs or wheelchair users access to the house and gardens from the ticket office.